Patterico's Pontifications

12/6/2006

Remembering Bill V. Frey

Filed under: General,Real Life — Patterico @ 12:15 am



My dad died a year ago today. I wrote about him here. If you didn’t read that entry before, do me a favor and read it now.

If you ever got to know him, you were lucky. Today is a day to think about your luck. For the rest of you, take a second to be thankful for a world that produces such men.

Rest in peace, Dad.

P.S. He still returns from time to time.

P.P.S. If your dad is still around, give him a hug today if you can, and call him today if you can’t. Don’t take anything in this life for granted. Here is a little trick to help you remember how special each day really is.

13 Responses to “Remembering Bill V. Frey”

  1. Thanks for the post, Patterico, your point is well made.

    I never knew your father, but, in sincerity, his son turned out alright and that speaks well of him. I’m glad you enjoyed the benefit of a father who was a good example to learn from and love.

    In a similar example, you may or may not have seen this video of President George H.W. Bush with his son Jeb.

    It is a touching and heartwarming moment between father and son.

    It doesn’t relate to your dad, of course, but it’s a good example to enjoy those spontaneous moments of love when they come up. It’s also a good example like either your dad or Jeb’s dad to live a good life and set a positive example for your children like it matters.

    Because it does.

    Christoph (9824e6)

  2. I realize I used the word example 5-times. It’s just such an important part of what a parent is and we should always remember it.

    Christoph (9824e6)

  3. May your father’s memory be eternal, Patterico. Long life to his children and grandchildren.

    nk (947b03)

  4. Hard to believe it has been a year already. There is that “empty-spot” of not having him around to ask advice, and share the joys of life with. Tonight, as I lead a home-group in Bible study, we will take a few moments to remember Dad and celebrate his life. I’ve decided the group will play one of his favorite card games “Mafia” in his honor – and if I decide to torture everyone – I might bring out the guitar and play a few songs as well.

    Brotherico (60406d)

  5. The life he lived is reflected in the man he raised. You do your father proud, Pat.

    Mike Lief (e6260e)

  6. A poignant post, P. A touching tribute.

    Maybe someday we’ll all get a chance to meet him on the other side.

    Leviticus (43095b)

  7. Excellent tribute. Your link to the post about your dad returning reminds me of one of the hidden blessings you can count: while he left the world too early, at least he stuck around long enough for his grandchildren to get to know him first. That point was driven home last week, when my 2-year-old grabbed a payphone at a mall and said “Hi G[r]amma!” into the handset. It didn’t occur to him to say hi to Grandpa, or even that there had ever been one on that side of the family.

    Xrlq (f52b4f)

  8. Nice post, thanks. I lost my father many years ago. He was a big part of my young life and spent countless hours doing guy-things with me, including Scouting. My twin sons are now Cub Scouts and whenever we’re trying to figure something out, like how tie a weird knot, memories of my dad patiently teaching me the same thing sweep over me. Cool feeling; hope it never goes away.

    Old Coot (caf903)

  9. Interesting emotions for me. I am now older than my father was when he died. He and I had our problems but I learned a good deal from him, some of it things I was determined to do differently. I have five kids and sometimes wonder how they will remember me. Your father would be proud. I know I would be if it were me.

    Mike K (6d4fc3)

  10. To us, our parents are important people in our lives. I lost my dad when I was 10. He was 41. He was everything to me and in later years found that he was looked up to in our small farming community. It is good to have positive feedback from those who knew him. It’s been over 50 years now, and I still get teary from time to time, especially when I watch the video my brother made called “The Harvest” (Campus Crusade for Christ-Student Venture films).

    Gerry Klein (ba27e9)

  11. Requiescat in pacem.

    Drove to my dad’s house with tears in my eyes.

    Thanks.

    BlacquesJacquesShellacques (83acf5)

  12. The first year is the hardest. I reread your post about your father and he seems like such a wonderful guy, loving father and grandfather, and a wise man. Thank you for sharing your memory.

    sharon (dfeb10)


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