Grester William Earles
a long overdue tribute to a truly great man - my Dad
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Here's to you Dad . . .

Always be able to look back and say
"At least I didn't lead no humdrum life."

- Forrest Gump 

 

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My first haircut. 
In the picture with me are my Dad, my Grampa Bill, and my Great-Grampa Bill.   The same barber gave me, my dad, and his dad our first haircuts.

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dad_young.jpg (10178 bytes)BORN:
Feb 28, 1939

DIED:
Mar 3, 1996

I miss you, Dad . . .
I wish I had told you more often how much I loved you and how much you really meant to me.

Billy

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its_a_girl.jpg (11321 bytes)Circa 1967

I found this cigar in Dad's possessions the other day, well over two years after his death.

As the story goes, Dad stashed it away for safe-keeping the day his daughter (my little sister) Susan was born.

Susie never knew how much her Daddy really loved her . . .

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Susan
Born May 7, 1967

(Dad carried this picture in his wallet)

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Mom and Dad, Billy and Mikey
Feb 6, 1960

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Dad's patented $million$ smile!

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Dad, lookin' way too cool!
Jan 10, 1955

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Dad in the later years shining up
his '56 Chrysler

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dad_at_ease.jpg (8400 bytes)

US Army Vetrinary Corps
Kagnew Station, Ethiopia
May 1962

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Personal effects from Dad's wallet
(Dad loved eagles)

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Dad managed this NCO Club
in Korea

 

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Dad had this letter tucked away in a  Bible his parents gave him in 1953
(the letter was written by his Dad,
my Grampa Bill)

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Hey Dad!  What's up with that hat?

I never knew how sentimental Dad was until after he was gone.  Among the many things I found in his personal possessions, was the Bible he gave me in 1965, pictures of the kids, and the book I gave him on Father's Day, 1987 (Fatherhood, by Bill Cosby).

______________________

Daniel Boone?
Oct 1, 1972

dad_ethiopia.jpg (30115 bytes)

US Army Vetrinary Corps
Kagnew Station, Ethiopia
May 1962

 

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Dad with "the Motley Crue"
43rd Ordnance Detachment
Fort Knox, KY

Feb 1966

 

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Howdy, Dad!

I know I can speak for the others when I say, "We're truly sorry we missed the chance to get to know you.  We love you.  May you rest in peace . . . "

Billy, Mikey, Timbo & Susie   
- the kids   

MeAndDad.jpg (103575 bytes)P.S.  Hey, Dad!   Just in case Heaven is for real, save me a seat on the 50-yard line, will ya?


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