A Tribute to Dad

It was sixty-five years ago
The romance began
Between a dark-haired girl
And a starry-eyed man.

"The girl of my dreams"
He would later write,
And from that day on
She would be his delight.

In the temple they married,
As one they were sealed,
Don Robert and Roma,
And his dream became real.

It wasn't long after
He was called back to war.
He served his country proudly
For freedom and more.

He was one of two soldiers
That survived that day.
A tender mercy was granted
In that land far away.

Heavenly Father had a plan
Of which dad had a part -
Of raising a family
With Roma, his sweetheart.

They started out as only two,
But it wasn't long before
One, two, three, four, five, six
Little spirits to adore.

Time went on and now today
That loving family of eight
Has grown into a multitude
Of just around 78!

How to describe this gentle man
Know as husband, brother, and father,
Patriarch, dad, and don't forget
Grand and great-grandfather.

Devote husband to Roma,
Devoted father and friend,
Hard working, loving, and caring
Right to the very end.

A righteous Priesthood holder,
An example for all to see
Of serving ever faithfully,
Working t'ward eternity.

An example of quiet greatness,
Of gentle and kind reproach,
Of leading with quiet dignity,
A teacher, a leader, a coach.

We'll remember with fondness
these words when bedtime arrived.
Almost a nightly ritual -
"Breakfast is served at 5:00!"

And when you made a phone call
And asked, "How ya doin'?",
"Sick a bed," you would know
Was just what you'd be hearin'!

How he loved to tease
With a twinkle in his eye.
"Can't you ever be serious?"
Was sometimes mom's reply.

He got that from his father
As mom could tell you best!
And dad passed it down to his sons -
Which we sisters could attest!

Sunday mornings and reunions,
Special occasions and such,
We can't forget his pancakes
Made with that magic touch!

Popcorn and root beer,
Vacations and camping,
Working hard in the garden,
Bowling and fishing.

So many memories we will recall
As we think about this man
Who with a quiet dignity
Fulfilled Heavenly Father's plan.

The world may never see him
As a man of wealth or fame,
But his posterity will stand tall
As we proudly speak his name!

For the wealth of his example,
The devotion and faith you find,
All are loving treasures
Of the legacy he left behind.

We love you, Dad!