“Inheritance is not just money! Sometimes your father’s good reputation is enough - and wherever you go, you are told that your father was one of the best people.” (unknown)

My father had a great reputation in the town where I grew up - in eastern Ontario. My Mom used to tell us that after working at “the mill” (Domtar) for 42 years, and it was time for Dad to retire - the “big wigs” came from Montreal to honour him at the dinner.

Dad began working at Domtar in the mid 1930’s. He started on the Bull Gang - the men who do the grunt stuff all over the Mill - wherever they are sent. It wasn’t too long until he was on the machines, working his way up from the bottom and by the time he retired - he was running the biggest mill machine in Canada. The raises come gradually……as did the kids. He worked for an hourly wage initially and then eventually became staff. He was well respected at his job. He was one of the best.

In no particular order - these are things I learned from my Dad.

Faith first. My Dad took his faith seriously and along with mom, took our family to church and Sunday School each week - served on the deacon’s board - taught Bible Study - joined the Gideons (the group who distribute Bibles to hotels) - and encouraged each of us to have a personal faith as well.

Love your spouse. My parents scrapped a bit - like every other couple but us kids never - ever - doubted their love for each other. Two events stand out in my mind where I saw my Dad’s heart for Mom - the day we found out that my brother - Tim - had drowned in a canoeing accident and the day Mom fell and broke her hip. His heart was devastated for her and wanted to protect her from the emotional pain of their youngest son’s death and then, the physical pain Mom experienced with a broken hip.

Play games. Our family loved games - card games - board games - you name it - we played it. So much laughter through the years - also - lots of friendly competition (a few boards upset!)

Eat good food. My father loved to eat and also did his fair share of cooking, especially after he retired. He was appreciative always of good meals and always complemented my mom. He taught me the fine art of being appreciative when another cooks for you.

You control the things you put into your body. Dad didn’t drink alcohol - he never wanted to be under the influence of “strong drink” nor be controlled by it. . He had seen too many of his workmates at the mill drink their paycheques away - spending time away from their wives and children at the local tavern - and he wanted no part of that lifestyle.

Work hard. Whatever you do - do it well. Put in the effort. Make your superiors and peers proud of you.

Honesty. Tell the truth.

Respect those in authority. He taught us to treat others with kindness and consideration - even if you disagree.

Regarding finances. Dad taught us through his words and actions how to save and manage our money wisely. We had a desk in our front hall with slots in it and each week after Dad received his pay cheque - and cashed it out - the money went into a designated slot to pay the bills for the week. My parents didn’t go into debt. If they couldn’t afford it, they didn’t buy it.

Leading by example. My dad wasn’t about “do as I say not what I do!” I’m grateful he was a man of his word and his life followed suit.

How to hold a golf club correctly. I can hold the club correctly but never could equal his game.

How to take a fish off the hook gently without ripping its mouth.

How to care for your aged parent. He visited his mother regularly after her stroke and wept the day she died. I was 18 - it was one of the first times I’d ever seen my Dad cry.

Buy your spouse presents. He loved to surprise my Mom with gifts.

Near the end of my Dad’s life, Mom and Dad lived with Randy and I for several months. Most days after lunch while Mom rested, I would take Dad to the Cambridge mall, where we enjoyed a coffee and snack together. We would sit by the indoor rink and watch the hockey players and skaters, drink our coffee, eat our donut and he would share stories with me. We talked about this and that - his life growing up - his life as a young father (before I was born) - how he loved mom and our family. I felt blessed to care for him in those days. Dad was diabetic and for most meals and snacks we stuck to the things that were healthy for him to eat - food that kept his sugar in check. The odd day (with Mom’s permission) I would serve Dad a dish of “real” ice cream and he would lick “his chops!” It tasted so good to him.

Dad died on Monday, February 12th, 2007 around 9 pm. We knew it was coming but when I received the phone call from my sister in Kingston, my heart broke, more than a little bit. Our loss was heaven’s gain. My Dad’s faith was sight.

More than money. More than gold. More than silver. I received an inheritance of wisdom and grace and faith.