Fathers Day

1937 My Dad.  18 months old?

Tomorrow in New Zealand is Fathers Day, the first Sunday in September.  It's the day for all Dad's, usually a family gathering or cards in the post. I remember when I was little we'd get 6pence to go and buy a present for Dad, well often he got 4 hankies and 4 combs or liquorice allsorts haha.  But we loved our Dad immensely and he did us.  We had a wonderful childhood though there weren't many Christmas Days when Dad was home to see us unwrap our presents from Santa.  Dad was a tanker driver then and the milk still had to be picked up.  Thought this week I'd share some photos of my childhood and my Dad.

19 55  Dad was in the Salvation Army band for many years.  He's the tall guy in the back row.

1957  My Dad with me.  I was a long way up believe me.



1968 My Dad, the big strong man who lifted a guy on each shoulder at times, loved growing gladioli's and dahlias and entered them in shows around the area.  (That's my little sister in the background). You would always find him in the garden after work.  When he retired it was roses he got into.  At one stage 199 roses were on the 1/4 acre property.



1995 Dad's 60th birthday was "This is Your Life Lester Jones".  Because he grew Gladioli's we made him Dame Edna's glasses and he threw gladioli's to the guests while the grandchildren sang "Granddad, Granddad, Lovely.. that's what we all think of you"...

2002  Mum wore the badge "Madge" at Dad's 60th.  Now you know why.  On the left is my son.  .

 

1993 When we were raising money for my daughters liver transplant Dad organised a group of people to walk 35 kms for sponsorship.  Dad alone raised $35,000.  This is the day Annette and I arrived back from Brisbane.  Dad was my kids Dad too.  He was so proud of everyone.

  



1995  Dad, with his first great grandson George who is nearly 16 years old now.
"How did this happen"  haha.. Look at those big hands...



2007 And Dad with his last great grandson Alex who is now 6.  I'm not sure who was taking who for a walk.  haha





Taken on Mum and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary in 2005 ,

I don't know how Rest In Peace works because our family think of him everyday and I know he is with us when we need him.  So apart from freedom from his pain and disability, he won't be getting any peace!!  He'll be up there in Heaven keeping everyone happy and laughing and telling his mates about All Blacks, Roses, Family and his faith.  Love you Dad xox