Dad is simply the best. We're lucky to know him, and beyond blessed to call him Dad. Whether it was teaching us life lessons, making us laugh when we needed it most, or just being there through tough times, he was always in our corner.
This section includes stories, quotes and memories from his children.
Oreo Nights
During the divorce, Dad wanted to create a routine to keep us healthy and grounded. Every night before bed, he’d dress us in pajamas—which were really just his oversized shirts, hanging loose on us as little kids. We’d sit on the barstools, and he’d pour us a glass of milk, giving each of us three Oreos to dunk. Those moments were simple, just talking and being together.
Only now, as an adult, do I realize how much pain Dad must have been carrying because of the divorce. It’s strange to think that what was likely a painful time for him became one of my happiest memories. It took incredible strength and courage. What a father!
— Andre & Marcus
Dad’s Laugh
Dad’s laugh is CONTAGIOUS! I (Bella) could hear it all the way down the CVICU Unit when we worked together. Whether we are watching Tommy Boy or Elf for the hundredth time or a new movie, Dad’s laugh makes everyone chuckle.
-Bella
Moving Bricks At The Duplex
We dramatically over-ordered the amount of bricks we needed at the Duplex. We had to move a massive amount of bricks from the front yard to the back. I’m consistently blown away by Dad’s strength and endurance.
He is always so willing and excited to lend a hand.
— Andre
Concussion At Paxton
Dad and I tried cutting out the attic staircase. He was in the attic and I was (regrettably) beneath it and thought I could hold it. It cut my head open and caused quite a mess. We left to urgent care and didn't have time to clean up the bloody mess. Marcus was on his way over so I was calling him to tell him not to panic!
— Andre
One-Mile Race!
When I was 14 years old, Dad challenged me to a one-mile race. This challenge sparked a love for running which helped me get through some of my toughest times.
I barely beat him, thanks to some expert coaching from Marcus.
— Andre
Road-Trip to Mammoth, California
Jessa and I got into a serious fight before this road trip. I was an anxious mess and was needing relationship advice. At the same time, Dad was anxious that his lymphoma had returned. Despite Dad's anxiety, he was still able to console me and give great fatherly advice about love and relationships.
We had many long talks during this trip about life, love, and letting go sometimes.
— Andre
The Home Depot LOWE’S!
Dad and Uncle Jeff insisted that we drive the extra distance to Home Depot instead of Lowe’s. Each time we would go to Lowe’s we would get exceptional customer service and find things easier.
They’ve yet to admit Lowe’s is the clear choice for your home improvement needs.
— Andre
Wonderful Human, Terrible Driver
If you’ve ever driven with Dad, you know it’s quite an experience. You’ll love his company, but want to steer clear of discussing anything Evolution related for the duration of the ride. Driving becomes the secondary activity.
In the video, we hit a bumpy road in a construction area during a road trip in the Eurovan. To avoid the bumps on each side of the lanes, he decided to drive in the center of two lanes.
Did we mention he has to unbuckle to get his cell phone out of his pocket? Hilarious.
Dad Loves Juggling
Dad and his siblings grew up juggling. He learned the basics, then ended up juggling several balls, apples, oranges, clubs, and even learned how to do it on a unicycle!
He motivated us to learn how by offering a candy bar (a Nature Valley Granola Bar, to be exact) as a reward if we could reach a certain amount of juggles. We’d get set up in the living room and he would put on music and time different moves to various parts of the songs.
Dad. Can. Cook.
Our family takes pride in cooking great food.
Uncle Jeff casts a big shadow in the kitchen (and rightfully so), but don’t sleep on Dad. He can throw down some damn good food, with ease, and often.
One of our favorite memories is when Dad would come home late after a swing shift. Instead of a boring late night snack, he’d help whip up something incredible.
A frequent favorite was good bread, provolone cheese, serrano peppers and maybe some prosciutto from Uncle Jeff, of course.
The Best Aircraft: P51 Mustang
While Dad lets his wife do any art most of the time, P51 Mustangs are one of the only two things I have known Dad to ever draw (along with muscle cars), and we find them drawn all over the house. Attached is a video that even comes with sound effects. Dad's love for science and airplanes collided with his record-breaking paper airplane build, "The Eagle," along with bottle rockets for the neighborhood kids in the summer. {I CANNOT FIND THIS VIDEO} WILL PUT IN LATER -BL
— Bella
Special Dates
As kids, to provide reward for good behavior, measured with the number of number of smileys (pennies) in a jar, we were treated to a Special Date with one parent. This could entail anything from quality time to going out to dinner, or some kind of activity. Some of my favorites with dad: Rollerblading around Liberty Park, going to Hollywood Connection, or a classic dinner at Rubio’s. This picture was from a date before I moved to college, where we went on a hike and got dressed up for a fancy dinner at Log Haven.
-Bella
Confidently in the Wrong Direction
Dad somehow roped me into going to the VW store with him to get parts for the eurovan... but we were walking up to the building he was talking about how often he goes here. He proceeds to confidently walk up to a door with a foot long arrow sign that says “USE OTHER DOOR” and tries the handle. When it is locked, without hesitation, he confidently heads in the opposite direction of the unbelievably hard to miss arrow 😂 Dad has countless strengths but directions/ reading instructions is surely not one of them. He is a roomba at heart.
— Sofia