W-Machine Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 My father was tragically killed while riding his bicycle on 13 January 2014. I wrote, and read, this at his funeral service yesterday. He was 73. Now, first off, let's have a show of hands from everyone that Pop might have “screwed with” at some time or another. OK, I'm a little disappointed that I'm not seeing 100% participation. Pop routinely enjoyed a ridiculous gag or prank at someone's expense. But the things that Pop really enjoyed were fairly simple. Biking, hunting and fishing with his buddies, spending time with the kids within his sphere of influence (especially his grandchildren, Bridget, Erin, and Peter), traveling, and I certainly won't neglect to mention that I think that he was at his happiest with Brenda. Brenda did manage to grind a few of the “rough edges” off of the old man, but he needed that. One of those “rough edges” was Pop's penchant for frugality that was the stuff of legend growing up. A good example of this was his enthusiasm for the Ford Pinto. Pop LOVED Ford Pintos beginning in the late '70s and lasting until well into the '80s for a number of reasons. They were cheap, thanks to the slipshod engineering that rendered them a fiery deathtrap in a rear-end collision. The bottom fell out of the market on Pintos once word got out about that. Good fuel economy. They were cheap. Pretty dependable, and while they were crude even by the standards of the day, easy to repair. Did I forget to mention that they were cheap? Anyway, Pop owned FOUR of those wretched conveyances, torturing his own children by forcing us to ride in vehicles devoid of ANY optional comfort or convenience equipment. You know, like air conditioning. Would've been nice in the summer. I think all four of us learned to drive in a Ford Pinto. The signature “Ford Pinto Episode” occurred when Pop pulled into a gas station and asked the attendant to put in something like three bucks worth of gas. This was back in the days when you could buy more than ¾ of a gallon of gas for three bucks. A half penny short of the desired amount, the nozzle shut off, and the attendant began to pull the nozzle out. Naturally, Pop wanted that 1/200th of a dollar's worth of gas in his Pinto, because everyone knows that a Pinto with a full gas tank represents entertainment value. For the fire department. A spirited discussion ensued, and ultimately, Pop got that half-penny squirt of gas. Yes, it WAS ridiculous. I gave the old man hell about that incident for more than 30 years. And he didn't mind that I poked fun at it. That's what Pop was like in real life. He realized that we are all the butt of a joke at some point. Here's where I graciously bow out, and allow someone else to share a tale that might cause a smile. Bring on the crazy story of poor judgment or stupid humor. I think that's what Pop would have wanted. Have at it. My brother, scheduled to speak next, asked, "How the hell am I supposed to follow that?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Sad to hear the loss of your father Craig. He sound like a simple man. a few good laughs is very healing and sounds like your dad was a funny guy. Sounds like you did an excellent job in sharing some bright moments about your dad.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disabled modeler Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Sorry for your loss Craig ...glad you remember the good times with him. I am sure if there is a Pinto in heaven he has found it...for him I hope there is one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Morgan Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Sorry for your loss Craig. Nice that you were able to reflect back on some good/humorous times. BTW, I must agree with your father. Pintos are fine cars. Cheap and dependable. With a turbo slapped on the 4 cylinder or, a v8 swap they make great fodder for a hot rod. May you father rest in peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futurattraction Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 Craig, I'm sorry to hear about your loss, but it's great that you have funny/fond memories of your dad to hold onto. He sounds like he would have been a cool/funny guy to have known. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie8575 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 He and my dad (who had a Pinto and learned to love to hate that thing) would have had a most interesting conversation. Those happy memories are what make the coping easier, Craig. Concentrate on them, and he'll live on in that manner. My sincerest condolences for your loss. Charlie Larkin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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