For my father

[Ian Adrian Millar]

FOR MY FATHER

I remember how he used to sail,
For months away at sea,
And though he was so often gone,
He was a grand old dad to me.

I said goodbye and shook his hand,
As he left to join the ship
I never dreamed in all this world,
That this was his last ship.

He passed away but not in mind,
And when I'm ever by the sea,
I often think and pause a bit,
He was a grand old dad to me.

Ian A. Millar

In January of 1969 my father had signed on as Chief Mate aboard the S/S DENISON VICTORY which was loading ammunition for Viet-Nam.
My mother and I dropped him off to join the ship. He was not feeling well and had a cold which developed into pneumonia. On the way to Panama he was flown by Coast Guard helicopter to the nearest hospital in which he crossed the final bar. Always missed and remembered.

[Doc Vernon]

A lovely and fitting Poem Ian
I am sure he would be most proud. Yes we must remember our Loved ones ,as many of us did not have enough time with them God Rest all Souls.
Regards

[Keith at Tregenna]

Life is unexpected, and you don’t know how much time you have left.

Losing a father is one of the most significant losses anyone experiences in their lifetime.

A father may pass on but his thoughts, hopes and dreams live on in us.

Keith.

[Ian Adrian Millar]

Thanks to all for the comments. Rereading the poem I note an error on my part, the eighth line should read "That this was his last trip". Growing up with a father away at sea much of the time presented many interesting situations. I do not think enough credit is ever given to our mothers who not only filled the roll of a mother but also that of a father as well. There were many things that were understood for example I was expected without reminder to assist my mother as much as I could as was my sister. I remember well when I was old enough to comprehend what my father was saying he told me when I am away your mother is the Captain of the ship and you are the Chief Mate, your sister will also help your mother. But great emphasis was placed
on the fact that while away father was counting on me to run a tight ship. I am certain this was the case for many families so never forget the mothers who brought us along as well.

[Keith Tindell]

I have always said the wives left behind were pretty strong in character, they had to deal with a broken fuse, manage the money, mend kids clothes, and a thousand other jobs, i think most seamen who left the wives home would admit that. I left the sea to get married, so it did not affect us. Having said that , my wife is a pretty tough old bird, and we have coped with many things along the way, love her to bits kt

[Keith at Tregenna]

Thanks to all for the comments. Rereading the poem I note an error on my part, the eighth line should read "That this was his last trip".

Hopefully, Doc may amend this in #1.

Keith.