Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

In keeping with the Daily Pilot’s annual tradition, here are letters and photographs from our readers to their fathers.

Although the following event took place about 53 years ago, I relive it at times because it is such a cute happening. It was 1954 and I was in the 8th grade and involved in the final run of a Spelling Bee. There were 5 kids left and it was my turn. The word given to me to spell was “answered.” I proceeded to spell the word as follows; a-n-s-w-e-r and then I stopped. I looked out at the people in the audience and quickly saw my dad and mom egging me on. My dad then proceeded to point to himself and smile and I just smiled back and pointed to myself as well. He again, this time with conviction, pointed to himself and gave me a curious look and I again just smiled back. When the contest was over and I went down to see my folks afterward it dawned on me what my dad was doing. Since I had left out the last two letters in the word I was trying to spell — E and D — my dad, whose name is Ed, was trying in vain to help me by pointing to himself. Anyway, Dad passed away last year and I thought this story might be touching enough to share with other people.

Bill Spitalnick

My dad is the best dad because he loves to do things with me. He took me out to our friends’ property in Salton Sea and we fished in their lake. I got the biggest fish of the season!

Kellen Neighbors

It’s Father’s Day and so we want

to tell you from the heart,

of things that we’ve appreciated

from the very start.

You’ve always made us laugh,

and you communicate,

not every father bothers; it’s

something that makes you great.

Your family is your passion,

your friends the Bruins too --

For all of them, you cheer and shout,

a fan who is true blue.

Your loving guidance sees us through,

whatever trouble we find,

so here’s to you dad, you’re the best --

You’re one of a kind!

We love you!

Happy Father’s Day

Nicholas, Katherine & Alexa Ossipoff

Dad,

I love you more then anything in the whole world. I get through every day because I know you are at home waiting for me with a hot meal and a hug! You are my number one man and always will be. Some of my favorite memories with you are going to the river and riding the wave runner, going to the desert and playing golf, horseback riding/fishing at Alisal, taking the Vespa to the beach, going on a bay cruise in the boat, going on runs with Lil, dinners out and much, much more. Thank you for showing me how to bring out the best in myself and for the advice you always give me. Thanks for always supporting me as I make my own decisions and for always being there when times get tough. I will say it again — I love you more then anything. Can’t wait to celebrate Father’s Day when you get home! Xoxo

Alana

My husband, Andy Juric, is a wonderful father to our two little boys, Conor, 4, and Colby, 1. An inspiration and doting dad, he always turns a negative into a positive, which is perfect for raising confident and well-mannered little boys. A family man to the core, Andy spends every free moment he can with the boys. Recently, I spent several days in the hospital. He stepped in and assumed the role of both Mom and Dad while I recuperated, taking care of both boys and me too! Andy truly is an amazing, wonderful, caring, loving, generous, funny, hard-working, sweet daddy. Conor, Colby and I thank you hunny for all the wonderful times and look forward to the many more to come! We love you!

Patti, Conor and Colby Juric

My dad is the coolest dad I know. When I was 16, he took me to get my first tattoo for Christmas. Five years later, we now go together to get tattoos, it is our father-daughter “quality time.” It is nice to have someone who is not only a great father, but a great friend. I cherish the unique and caring relationship I have with my father. I am very lucky to have someone like him. Happy Father’s Day!!

Sarah Hughes

Our dad is the best! He is a fun dad and loves us a lot. And we love him a lot too.

Katie and Kelly Ramm

Our dad is the best. He is fun and funny, too. We love him a whole bunch.

Sarah and Stephen Mack

I was fishing with my dad last summer, and we had a fish story I’ll remember the rest of my life. We were up at Lake Arrowhead fishing with my two younger brothers, and I hooked a good-sized fish. I called to my dad to bring the net, but my brother’s line was tangled, and my dad said “Hold on, I’ll be there in a second, keep the line tight.” As I reeled the fish in close to shore, I could see it was a big rainbow trout. I didn’t want to lose him, so I yelled for my dad to hurry with the net. I was playing the fish on the line, waiting for the net, and I saw another bigger fish come up behind the trout I had on my line. I screamed again for my dad to hurry. When he got there he looked and said, “That’s a bass trying to eat the trout!” He told me to reel the trout in close, and as the bass made an attempt to fit the trout in his mouth, my dad reached down and scooped them both up in the net. Two big fish with one hook! Somehow I don’t think it would have happened if my dad wasn’t there.

Bobby Brooks

Dear Dad,

Remember the year we bought you a fishing lure — even though you don’t fish? We finally found a use for it!! Thank you for all that you do for us!! Happy Father’s Day! We love you!!

Nick, Alex & Rosemary

Our Dad (Rick Eusey) is the best Dad (and husband) in the whole world.

He has been a stay-at-home Dad from the moment the oldest was born.

Our Dad is our hero, our friend, and our teacher.

He coaches us in soccer, baseball, was Indian Princess Chief, works in our classrooms, and is involved in everything we do.

Dad, we love you to the moon and back. Thanks for being the best Dad ever!

Happy Fathers Day.

Love, Megan (7), Richard (5),

Claire (3) and The New Kid On

The Block Ryan (7 Weeks)

I have the best dad because he is so silly and so kind to me. We share lots of memories, like Mammoth, Mexico, Colorado, Catalina and many more places too. He does a lot for me and I am very thankful for that, too! I hope he has the best Father’s Day ever! I Love him so much!

Riley Beek, 12 Years Old

Dear Papa John Beal,

We want to wish you a very Happy Father’s Day. We love how you take us on great adventures like snowmobiling, river rafting, boating and parasailing. You always keep us laughing with your jokes and tricks. You tell the best and scariest stories. We will always remember our day of fishing when we caught a snapping turtle. It is nice to have someone who always says, “yes” to whatever we ask for. We love to say, “Papa said we could...!” Thanks for buying me an Indian ax, even though Nana returned it!! You are one of a kind Papa and we love you.

Trey, Tyler, Cate and

Alexa Wood

Daddy Jim,

Thanks for teaching us to ice skate on Christmas Day in Lake Tahoe. We love you! Happy Father’s Day!

Love your girls,

Cate and Alexa

Our dad is one of the coolest dads out there! Our family has special memories together. For instance, we love spending time together on our boat cruising to Catalina or just driving around town jamming our favorite tunes on KIIS FM. Whatever it is, our dad always makes it fun for us. We share lots of laughs. We love you with all our heart.

Brittnie and Kristen Couzens

This will be my first Father’s Day when I won’t be with my dad because he’s letting me go away to camp for the first time ever!!

Thanks Dad!

Trey Crossley

We love our Daddy for many reasons, here are some of them: Our Daddy has a great personality, is very handsome and likes to laugh. He also makes great shakes to enjoy the sunset and other special occasions. Our Daddy likes to make fish stew and scrambled eggs as well. His fish stew is very scrumptious and his eggs are awesome! Daddy has a great taste for cars. We can tell because we have very magnificent cars. Daddy likes red convertibles the best (he has two of them)! Our Daddy is very thoughtful of other people and he loves to tease us and our Mommy. One of his favorite pranks is putting fake bugs under our sheets. He takes us to very fascinating places that most people don’t go to and lots of baseball games. Sometimes Daddy surprises us by picking us up at school and taking us to the beach or nature preserves. When we go fishing with Daddy it is very fun. We usually go fishing in the Newport Bay. One time when we were fishing we caught someone else’s fishing line and another time a bobber! Usually we catch big clumps of algae or kelp. We haven’t caught many fish but we have fun trying. So these are some facts about our Daddy and why he is so special! We love you Daddy!

Caroline and Christina Quigg

Happy Father’s Day Prince Daddy,

I like to play with you everyday. I like to wake up early and have cereal with you and apple juice, Daddy. I like to go on my tricycle with you Daddy. I like to hug and kiss you. I like to go to coffee with you and drink water and have a treat with you. I like to go to Disneyland with you, Daddy. Thank you for drawing with me and lighting candles with me and blowing bubbles also. Thank you for going to work. I miss you when you go to work every day Daddy. I am so happy when you come home. I like to give you a big hug and kiss!

You are my favorite Prince Daddy. Love,

Princess Cinderella Fiona Ruby

Dad,

You are really an amazing person. We feel so fortunate that you are our Father. You are always so supportive and helpful...it is apparent to that your family is truly your top priority. You are continually teaching us so much about “life”...the good, the bad and the ugly. No matter what the question you never fail to know the answer. What we really laove about you Dad is how you always seem to make us laugh!

Austin and Spenser Apramian

Our dad’s name is Dennis Gaughan

Our fondest memory with dad is driving back from Big Bear, dad would play the Beach Boys Christmas album and we would all sing along. We all had such a good time just singing along.

Happy Fathers Day! We love you!

Connor, Kylie and Keaton Gaughan

My Best Dad

My Dad, Christopher A. Brady, is the best Dad in the whole wide world. He brought me home on his birthday so now we celebrate Daughter’s Day and make it a special shared day. We have so much fun together exploring life and everything — including looking at the full moon and the stars and sunsets. He taught me to have a love of reading and helped me learn to read. Now we can read together and I can read to him! He took me on bicycle rides on the back of his bike since I was very young. Then when I was a bit older, he taught me to ride my tricycle, and then a bike with training wheels and then he took them off! We can go on bicycle rides to the Back Bay together - which is a favorite thing to do. He has taken me on many trips including Hawaii, Costa Rica and Yosemite! We love to go on adventures and hikes together. When we were in Costa Rica he took me to see the screaming monkeys and the sloths... and we went on a 5 mile hike and then had pizza and ice cream! My Dad taught me how to swim and to ride the waves at the beach. We love to go to the beach together — especially on Fridays in the summer. My Dad takes good care of me and I love him so much. Happy Fathers’ Day to the best Dad in the whole wide world!

Love, xxooxxooxx

Annabelle Autumn Rose Brady, Age 7

My dad Carl V. Carlson, will be 95 in two more months. He has outlived my mother by six years now. She was the one who did the cards, Birthdays, kept track of who was graduating, who needed what for Christmas etc. Imagine my surprise a few years ago when I opened my Christmas gift from my father who had drawn my name in the family draw. In it was an IIrado figurine of a 6 year-old boy holding the phone to his ear, head tilted, petting the head of his dog as he talked. I felt tears come to my eyes as I gazed at the boy. My grandson lives in Pennsylvania, and I don’t see him very often; he is six and my heart aches at the spaces between times I see him. I never thought of my father as being aware of how often I think of my grandson and try to stay connected via the phone. Perhaps in that moment of feeling “known” by my father I also realized how often I have overlooked who he is, what he knows and senses about what is important to each of his children and grandchildren. In the following years we have talked often about his feelings, his curiosity and desire to know everything that is going on in our lives. He has told me how much he loves me, and my siblings, and I have often been touched by his sensitive questions regarding someone’s pain or struggle in our family, of the joy he senses when someone shines and succeeds. So today I want to say Happy Father’s Day to my dad and to suggest that maybe there are more fathers out there who have much more to give and receive than we have taken time to know.

Judy Kent

Dear Dad,

I don’t think that there is anyway I can truly express how much I love you and how much I appreciate you. I am so grateful I have you behind me to support me and help me thrive in anything I choose to do. You are so selfless and such a wonderful person. You inspire me and I know that so many of my good qualities are from you. I love you so much. You do so much for me and I appreciate it more than you could ever know. I love you.

Your Son Jay

In Memory of Andy Johns

Dear Pop,

A man who has achieved success, has lived well, laughed often, loved much, gained the respect of men and the love of children. He has filled his niche, accomplished his tasks and left the world a better place than he found it. Andy never lacked appreciation of the earth’s beauty or failed to express it. He always looked for the best in others and gave the best to others. His life was an inspiration to all and his memory a benediction.

His wisdom continues to guide us as his love walks beside us. With much love...

Your Family, The Johns

My Dad comes and gets me at 3 a.m. when I cry for him. He lets me snuggle next to him. I love you dad.

Hailey, 1

Thanks Dad for everything!

You’re the best. Hope you have

the best Father’s Day ever.

We Love You!

Sarah and Megan

My Dad fixes stuff for me. He glues my toys when they break. He shows me how to fix real stuff. He also wrestles with me. I help my dad clean-up the backyard. The best thing about my dad is that he helped me clean my balcony when it was dusty. I love you dad.

Dean, 4

My Dad has taught me how to be a better soccer player. He has taught me how to do soccer moves. He has been my coach for the last 3 years. I love that he is my coach. Thanks Dad.

Grant, 8

My Dad and I are in Indian Princess together. He took me to the 1950’s Sock Hop last week. We got all dressed up. I wore a pink poodle skirt, and he wore a black shirt with jeans. We drove to Balboa Island and parked the car. We took the ferry over to the Pavillion. We got our picture taken together. I got candy and dinner, and we danced. I held my Dad’s arms and I swung under his legs. We danced, and we ate Balboa Bars and chewed gum. The best part was that we danced together and stayed out late. When it was late we took the ferry back across to Balboa Island and went home.

Hannah, 7

The special thing I do with my dad is going to the beach. My dad makes good food. He takes me to the park. He takes me to 7-11. My dad is the best.

Peyton Jackson

My dad is a very good friend. He can be special and can do many things. We go to Indian Guides, and in contests we really try. Out favorite place is Big Rock. They have fires burning there and we laugh and talk. He pretty much takes me everywhere and helps me prepare. I love my dad!

Chase Braun

My dad makes me feel special. He helped me learn how to ride my bike. It was my first bike. My dad also helps me spell and do my homework. I have fun times with my dad. He even plays with me.

Josh Martinez

My dad is very special. he is special because he gives me hugs and kisses at night. He is also special because he makes me very good food and takes me to soccer practice and my soccer games. He is really special for one reason and that reason is that whenever I want a hug, he gives me one. He also lets me cuddle with him in the morning. My dad is the best dad in the world.

Avery Rowe

My dad is the best. He is the best because he gets me cool things. He gets me Legos, like Aqua raiders. He gets two weeks off of work for vacation. My dad is special.

Trenton Campbell

My fondest memory about my dad was when I was three. I would pick the seeds out of the pumpkin and our cat would help. My dad is special because on my birthday, he makes me French toast. He also got a volleyball net, so we can play. “When he comes back from trips he brings a toy for me. My dad is the best.

Grace Blackman

The special thing I like to do with my dad is play. I like to play with my dad in the night because he comes to my room and tickles me and pretends to be a monster. My dad is the best.

Sarali Henriquez

I have a fun memory of my dad and myself. It was when I went fishing with my dad. We caught no fish, but I had a great time. He is the best dad ever! In that case, he should get a reward! My dad is special because he is loving. He is so, so, so nice. His hugs will amaze you. He’s a hardworking dad. My dad is special because I love him.

Zack Mckay

I have a fun memory with my dad. My fondest memory with my dad was at Lake Isabella. I was in an inner tube and I was laying on my back. I yawned and he thought I was bored, so he went full blast in speed and I flipped off the back. I was laughing so hard. My dad is special because he isn’t like any other. He likes to go to new places and likes to fly and jump out of airplanes (which is skydiving). That is why my dad is special.

Clare Rooney

My dad is special because he is my dad. He pushes me on the swing. I always go on camp outs with him. Sometimes he gets mad at me, but other times he is really nice.

Amanda Walker

My dad is cool because he gives me stuff like money, candy, Legos, lead and lollipops. My dad is so nice. My dad is strong. My dad is awesome. He goes to work for my family for money. My dad is the best.

Jason Arcaira

My dad is special! He is special because he tickles me. Also, he pitches balls to me. He’s really nice and funny. He loves the beach. I love my dad!

Kendal Marking

My dad is the best dad in the world. Our favorite time together is when we fish or hunt. One time we were fishing and he caught 10 and I caught 3. We also like to hunt. One time I got one bird and he got about 17 birds. I love my dad and I know he loves me.

Elliott Frye

My favorite memory about my dad is the time I started playing volleyball. My dad taught me how to set, bump, and spike the ball. My dad and I went to the beach and played together. Then we played in front of our house. I had a good time playing volleyball. My dad is special for many reasons. He is special because he is always behind my back. He also loves me, but I love him more. He takes me to places I love to go. When he loves me, I love him back. My dad is the best for me.

Matin Bikdeli

My fondest memory of my dad is when we have special days and nights. During the day we go to Bob Henry Park and play softball together. Then at night we stay up late playing games and watching TV. My dabu is special because I can talk to him and he is always there for me. He will take me to school if I’m with my mama. My dabu is the best in the world!

Sofie Taddeo

I have many fond memories with my dad. One of them was when we went camping. I asked him if we could follow the trail down the hill. He said yes. So we went down. There was a little river. I asked if I could swim in it. He said ok. He swam with me a couple of minutes later. It was so fun.

Marley Aragon

My fondest thought about my dad is that he works so hard to earn money for our family. His work is very important, but he will try to be with me as much as he can. He takes days off of work to go to my activities. My dad rocks! I have fun hanging out with my dad. He is very adventurous. We go fishing, horseback riding, camping, go-cart racing, shooting, and jet skiing. On weekends my dad takes me and my friends to the movies. My dad works very hard at the office so he can take care of us. I love my dad.

Henry Lyons

My dad, Dan Caston, is always there for big sis.

Robin and Katharine

Daddy,

I love you, you are the best dad in the universe. You are always there for me. You make my heart shine. I love you so so so much.

Page Keys, 11

Daddy,

You are the best dad in the world. I will always be your “little bit.” When I need something you are always there for me. I love you.

Megan Keys, 9

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love My Dad, Tom Smith:

10. He makes me breakfast every morning

9. He makes me turn on his TV every morning before school.

8. He takes my mom and me to Catalina almost every weekend in the summer.

7. He is an all-around good friend to all of his buddies and mine.

6. He makes the best chicken curry in the world.

5. He takes my family to Sun Valley, Idaho, every Christmas.

4. He cares about everyone in our family a lot.

3. He takes good care of me when I get hurt.

2. He is my biggest fan when I play water polo, tennis and sail.

1. He loves me for who I am and I love that guy so much!!!!

Carolyn Smith

My dad is Leigh Steinberg.

From the day I was born, my dad has told me that I would become the first woman president, and that if I didn’t want to do that I would run his business. He has always encouraged me to make a difference in the world and to follow my dreams. He says that I am the best thing that ever happened to him, and that I am the light of his life, but he doesn’t ever realize what he means to me. When I grow up I would love to be just like my dad. He is the most optimistic and caring person I have ever met. He tends to notice all of the little beautiful things in life and appreciates everything. He has an amazing sense of humor — one time, he made me laugh so hard that coca cola actually came out of my nose .He has devoted his life to trying to make mine just a little bit better and has done way more than that. I love him so much.

My hero. My best friend. My dad.

Katie Steinberg, 12

A friend of mine said to me recently, “I think your dad truly gets joy out of making others happy.” I felt so proud that someone else recognized that about my dad, David Brooks. At the time he had just spent an hour in the sun fixing a wave runner. Then he sat back on the beach as the teenage boys jumped on and rode off for hours. Dad seemed so pleased to be able to provide a fun diversion. It did not seem to bother him that everybody else used the wave runner without giving him a turn. In fact, he seemed to find real joy in watching all of us have such a good time. That scene sums up my dad’s life. It has been a life of service, of bringing joy to others, which in turn gives him satisfaction. It would take me several pages of print to recount all of the wonderful memories I have that make this point, but I will say that it is honor and a privilege to be Dave Brooks’ daughter. He makes it easy to look up to him and walk in his footsteps. Happy Father’s Day, Daddy. I love you.

BK

To My Father: I do not know what I could possibly write about that would be worse than what you wrote in the newspaper about me and my bathroom habits when I was in elementary school. I guess since it’s Father’s Day, I will be nice and spare you the public humiliation that you apparently felt no guilt in giving me at such a fragile age. The fact that this newspaper will hit Mandy’s wall at 5 a.m. and wake her up puts a smile on my face. Since I can’t be there in person today, at least you will still be able to know how much you mean to me. I cannot pinpoint a single favorite memory with you, but here are some: Being my coach for several sports, 5Ks, running club with Ron, endless hours of smash ball, ping pong, and tennis, phonebook basketball, family dinners and fighting over the limited amounts of bread, U of A games, Sudoku, Risk, the Christmas tree prank on Lindsay, Edge retreats, Dave Matthews Band, Taco Tuesdays, open houses, and passing around the ‘ol lacrosse ball. The reason I am who I am today is because of you. Whether that’s a good thing or not is up to you to decide. Thank you for everything you have done in this world. From your incredibly repetitive dumb jokes, to your incredibly generous heart, I am proud to call you my father. It’s time to say, “Cheers to you Dad.”

Ti saulto da Italia!

Un grandissimo abbraccio, ti voglio bene!!

Ali Murphy, 18

My favorite thing to do with my dad is tickle him. We have a lot of fun when we wrestle.

Quinn Gladstone, 3 ½

We love our dad because he plays catch with us, he swims with us, he’s a very good coach for our baseball and soccer teams, and he sometimes plays hockey with us. Our dad makes us Mickey Mouse waffles on Sundays, and he makes the best pancakes in the world!!!!

The best part about our dad is that he loves us!

Drake and Bradley Siegel

Some of our favorite things about you are: sock fights before bed, “pancake day” every Sunday, kisses, picnics on our walks around the block, flying kites at the beach, going to the desert and swimming all day long, playing with us in the garage during your exercise time, reading stories, and watching Star Wars movies. We love you soo much and thank God he made you our Poppi.

Katie, 4, and Cody, 5, Hess

Daddy — thanks for being my prince and for taking such good care of me and mommy! We really appreciate all of the love, attention and care that you give us. Mommy and I love you so much and want you to know how much you mean to us. Please take today off and we’ll try to take care of you as much as you take care of us (maybe!).

I love you,

Laila

Dear Daddy,

We love you because you tickle us, teach us how to play baseball, take us to parks, help us to build stuff, make bad jokes, show us stuff on the laptop (badger, badger, badger....), fix things that are broken or show us how to. And you bought tickets to the Angels’ game next Saturday! Hot dogs here we come! We love you!

Zeke, Wulfi and Mom

Most little girls, when asked what they want to do for their birthdays, don’t request with glee that they be taken to the hospital. But when you grow up with an E.R. doctor, who becomes an anesthesiologist, and then hospital Chief of Staff as your dad, things are a little different. To us as kids, Dad was a hero in green scrubs, and the hospital was our giant playground. When we visited Dad at work he gave us stethoscopes and blown-up surgical gloves that looked like turkeys. He showed us how to administer CPR and check reflexes. One of our favorite toys was an antique electro-shock therapy machine that we would beg for him to take out at parties to show our friends, and no restaurant will ever compare to the meals we have enjoyed together in the Hoag Hospital cafeteria. This may all seem strange, but to us, our window into the medical world was fascinating, mysterious, and our special connection with our Dad. Dad gave us stitches when we had cuts, and saved all four of our lives on different occasions. Today, we are healthy and grown thanks in part to Dad’s help, and we still relish the occasions when we can walk proudly through the hospital with Dad by our side. We love you Dr. Curry! Happy Father’s Day!

Shannon, Erin, Briana,

Over Corona del Mar High’s ski week, my parents and I took a vacation to Los Suenos, Costa Rica, to fish and merely get away from the cold weather. While there we spent a day at the nearby surf town, Jaco, visited the unknown beaches of Manuel Antonio, and of course, fished. We fished two days: one day inshore for roosterfish and one day offshore for sailfish and dorado. On the second day, when we went offshore, we had a fairly late start, around 8:30. However, we got to banks rather quickly and at the perfect time. Almost every boat around us was hooked up, and it wasn’t long before we were too. When the left rigger popped, a hefty sailfish was hooked and I grabbed the rod, reeling in the acrobatic fish. For the next six hours it was like this and my Dad and I took turns catching. At one point, the sailfish were so plentiful, my dad and I had a double hook-up. At the end of the day, we had caught a total of three good-sized sailfish and four nice dorado. Dad caught the biggest sailfish, which I estimate at 130-140 lbs. My Dad and I have been on countless fishing trips together, from Alaska to Mexico, but I loved seeing the look on his face when he caught his first sailfish. I wrote this article to wish him a Happy Father’s Day and to let him know that I really do appreciate all his efforts to take me on all the wonderful trips he does. Happy Father’s Day!

Megan and Brandon Rus

My name is Kathryn Ande Courson. I am named after my two grandmothers. My Dad’s mother was named Kathryn and my Mom’s mother was named Edna. Therefore my mom thought it would be a great idea to switch the letters around to make my middle name more modern and “cooler” sounding!

I was born at Long Beach Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, California, where my dad was born and grew up with his parents. I was only three pounds, eight ounces and went home one day before my mom. My dad took care of me until they released my mom from the hospital. My mom tells me that I looked like a peanut in the palm of my dad’s large hand! Two of my best, earliest pictures are of my dad sitting with me in his lap with a super-tiny Dodgers shirt on with a tiny diaper (the Dodgers are my dad’s favorite baseball team). Secondly, a picture of me in my red laced-trimmed Christmas outfit with a white lace headband. My Dad was holding me up in the air and I looked so small in comparison to my Dad’s watch and his blue jacket-covered arms! My dad has always motivated me since I was small to participate in sports. I play basketball, soccer and this is my second year to win the State Finals in shot-put in my age group. My dad has both coached me and cheered me on from the sidelines. My dad takes me at least once a week to my art class on the Balboa Peninsula. See, my dad’s mom was a great artist. We have her paintings hanging all over our house. I take after my dad’s mom. I have been told that I am a great artist, from drawing and painting to ceramics and several other mediums. My dad has always helped me a lot with my homework since he was a teacher for 35 years. He retired three years ago and still helps me with my homework, science projects, etc., especially tutoring me in algebra this past year. He spends most of his time diving me to my extra-curricular activities and my fun times as a teenager with my friends. My favorite thing about my dad is that he is supportive of me no matter what I do!

Kathryn Ande Courson

There are a million great memories I could choose from in thinking about my dad, and each one of them is priceless. But I would have to say one of my favorite memories from growing up has been fishing with him. Now, for a girl, I really do like fishing. But those times meant something else for me. It didn’t matter if I didn’t catch a thing, I just loved being able to be with my dad for a whole day, with no interruptions (except for when we were pulling in the “big one,” of course), and no agenda except for enjoying our time together in the outdoors. Those memories are a metaphor of the way my father raised me, and taught me about life: You never know what you’re going to catch, you may catch nothing, but you cast your line out anyway.

Jenni Busse

There is no amount of words that can describe our dad Al. He is loving, caring and generous. He is very active in our lives. He tries to make it to all of our games, but it is kind of hard juggling being a coach and a spectator for five different games every weekend. He spends extra time to help us out with our sports problems as well. He always takes time out of his day to help us along with anything we need and even if he does not want to, he goes out of his way to help us. He takes us to play tennis, baseball and volleyball. He seems to never tire, even though he always seems to let us win. He is the like a bank to us, never objecting to give us money, and always being kind about it. He is always reasonable with any discussion. He lets us have a lot of freedom, but is always very strict with our schoolwork. He lets us do activities that our mom would never let us do. He is the best dad any one could ever ask for. We love him very much.

The Duhoux kids

I love you Dad! Thank you for all of the helpful advice and being there for me. No matter where we are or what we are doing, I always have a great time.

Andrew, Steven, and Katie

Love,

Markie Pooh

Dear Daddy,

We know we have the best!!

Even when you get no rest.

You get us treats after we do good on all our tests.

We would certainly not jest that our dad is the best bodysurfer in the west.

So we boast for all that you do we love you the most!!

Happy Father’s Day

Love,

Tyler, Jordan and Jensen

Thank u daddy for showing me how to cruise around the bay. Us beach dudes must hang together 4 ever. I love u! u cool daddy! xoxoxoxoxo

Jack

Dear Daddy,

Thanks for being the silliest, funniest Dad. Thanks for reading, playing & biking with us and for always making us laugh. We love you sooo much!

Alison, Sam & Emily Hurwitz

I think my Dad is very cool. He takes me swimming all the time and he plays with me a lot. I love him.

Zach Granoff, 9

The thing I like most about my Moddy is he goes to my school and does P.E. with me. I like it when he is just with me in Indian Princess. He is very funny in telling jokes and when he tickles me a smile comes on my face. I think I have a great Moddy.

Katey-Bug Granoff, 7 Years Old

Dear Dad,

You ROCK because you are so strong and handsome, you take us to school, read us books, play “Horse,” take us out for date nights, and send us to “Dreamland” with Freddy stories. Who needs Gene Simmons when we have our very own rock star. Rock on, Dad!

Love and KISSes,

Sophie and Sadie Beazley

I have so many memories with my dad. My dad is the most wonderful man in the world. I don’t know what I would do with out him. My favorite memory with my dad is going fishing when I was a little girl on our boat “Scud.” We would go fishing all day and catch so many fish. Today, all grown up we still go out on “Scud” and have a great time.

I love you Dad!!

Your Baby Girl, Andrea

We love Daddy more than Polly Pockets, horses and Disneyland. Here are some reasons why:

1) He loves us more than horse racing and the stock market.

2) He’d rather play with us than work around the house.

3) He always tries to be himself.

4) He does magic tricks at my school and makes everyone laugh.

5) He spends a lot of time with us.

6) He plants things in our garden with us, even a fairy house.

7) We make the best pizza together.

8) He’s a funny dancer.

9) He’s the best Daddy ever!

Happy Father’s Day, We love you!

Jordan (Age 7) and Jaden (Age 5) Golden

We have so many favorite memories with our dad, but one of our favorite things to do with dad is go to DL-Disneyland. Michael loves to go on the “Fast Rides” with Daddy, while Hannah prefers to ride on Dumbo and go to the Tiki Room. Dad — will you go on the teacups with us? Michael loves reading books and playing baseball, football, soccer or any sport with Daddy. Hannah loves for Daddy to “carry me” and make silly “button faces.” Thanks for everything you do for us Dad. Happy Father’s Day.

Michael (4) & Hannah (3)

My Daddy, Tom Miller is the best Daddy in the whole world. He teaches me everything I don’t already learn in kindergarten, like playing baseball, swimming and riding my bike. He even lets me ride in his big firetruck. I am so proud of him because he saves people’s lives everyday at work. He is a firefighter. He also saves people’s dogs and cats from burning houses. But most of all he tells me he loves me everyday and I know he will always keep me safe.

Quinci Miller, 5 ¾

Happy Father’s Day to the next King of Scotland! Love,

Michael, Michele, Matthew

and Morgan Mossman