To the fathers in my life

Greetings all,
        There are many men I wish to aknowledge and thank on this day set aside to honour those whom we neglect to honour as often as we should.

        John "Johnny" Kocour
        Johnny was married to my aunt Margueritte Katherine and was father to my cousin Kathy. Though my uncle by marriage he treated me as a son. Took me everywhere with him. He left us far too soon yet in the nine years I was able to know him, he taught me to love. Love fully and care genuinely for each and every person, especially every child, that comes across your path in life. He was an honest man, a wise man, one of those Roman Catholic gentlemen who would invite priests to dinner and engage them in stimulating debate. There are many times I wonder how different our lives might have been had red meat and unfiltered Camels not taken Johnny from us so soon. We miss you Johnny.

        Robert "Buck" Burrows
        Buck married my aunt some years after Johnny passed and he has been my uncle for most of my life. Nothing like the John Candy character, Buck is a hard working man, an honest man, a good man to be sure. I admire him for all of that and thank him for being patient to explain how things work and how they are done, even to ignorant college graduates like myself. He's been a fantastic grandfather to Kathy's son, Nick. Nick is a hands on sort of kid and so is Buck. God truly knew what he was doing putting these two in each other's lives.

        John Thomas "Jack" Tones, Sr. (a.k.a. Papa)
        Papa you are missed. It was he who taught me the worth of work. Because he did work and work hard. First as a coal miner, then pipe fitter, whatever was required to keep the family going. Never with a complaint either. His only concern about work was that there was work. Lest you get the wrong impression, he was in no way a dour or morose man. I remember him calling for my Dad, "Hey, John Thomas!" and smiling like a Cheshire Cat. It was only years later I learned that a "John Thomas" was English slang for a certain portion of a man's anatomy.
        Papa did enjoy a laugh. My cousin Kathy asked him to give her away at her wedding. Right before the music started this was the conversation:
        Kathy: "Papa, when we get up there you need to put my hand in Ken's hand."
        Papa: "What?"
        Kathy: "Put my hand in Ken's hand..."
        Papa: "What's the matter? You helpless?" and he gave that broad Cheshire grin.         
        He also taught me how to tell a good story. He repeated them often just so I would not forget them either. I'm sure Amy could attest that I learned that lesson in spades myself. Papa was always very proud of his grandkids. He marvelled at our grades and was proud beyond expression when I was fortunate to come to work at NASA.
        I miss you Papa. Would that you could have seen the fine young men your great-grandsons have become.

        John Thomas "Jackie" Tones, Jr. (a.k.a. Papa Jack)
        Dad was always there. Still is for that matter, and his constancy was a lesson to me while growing up. He is a loyal and honest man. Given how often colleagues and friends of his traded out wives or carried on illicit affairs his dedication and faithfulness to my Mom stands out. Dad taught me to be honest. He has shown me that no amount of money or advantage is worth the loss of your integrity. Thank you Dad for not just saying these things but living them fully and completely, every day I've known you.

        Thank you to all of those fathers that have come into my life. Your example and love are an inspiration to me.

        Ad Astra Per Aspera,
        Kevin