Today a great man passed away. My Dad. His name was Norman C. Phillips. Not only was he a great man, he was a great dad.
My Dad
He was also a very brave man. Thirty-two years ago he married my mother, Nadine. Did I mention that she had six children? He also had two sons, so that meant eight kids total. That is what I call love.
He loved big band music and was a fantastic dancer. Here he is cutting a rug with my sister in law Lisa at my wedding.
My dad was one of the original grill masters. No one will ever surpass his peppered turkey. He loved to eat and after I left home and would come to visit we often went out to lunch together while mom was at work. He was supposed to be on a diet, but I let him order things that he shouldn’t have and it was our little secret.
He was quiet, humble and easy to please. A true wizard with a toolbox, he was always willing to lend a hand. He loved golf and would beat you at cribbage every time. He also had the best legs. I guess it was from all his years of running.
He will be missed and memories of him will be forever treasured.
Quiet Hero
My hero is the quiet type,
No marching bands, no media hype,
But through my eyes, it’s plain to see,
A hero, God has sent to me.
With gentle strength and quiet pride,
All self-concern is set aside,
To reach out to our fellow man,
And be there with a helping hand.
Heroes are a rarity,
A blessing to humanity.
With all they give and all they do,
I’ll bet the thing you never knew,
My quiet hero has always been you.
Author Unknown
Kelly of The Vintage Butterfly Boutique says
A very sweet tribute, Laura. My thoughts and condolences are with you and your family. *hugs*
Anita says
Laura so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. You have memories to treasure. Take care of your Mom and give her a hug from all of us.
Willow Decor: says
So sorry, Laura. Your Dad sounded like a very special man and your tribute to him was so touching. Prayers and hugs to you and your mom.
Anonymous says
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. What precious memories and photos you share in your tribute today. What a blessing that your Dad was able to enjoy getting to know little Ian these past few years. I hope you feel the love and prayers of all of us who have gotten to know you.
Barbara H. says
What a sweet tribute. I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.
perilloparodies says
So Sorry for your losses… i will be thinking of and praying for your family… May God fill your hearts and homes with His inexplainable comfort, peace, and encouragement… blessings to you.>>A Hug From Italy
Lorrie says
What a difficult time this is for you and your family. May God’s strong arms of comfort surround you and those you love during these days. I’m so sorry.>>Lorrie
Her Shabbiness says
What a beautiful tribute to your father. I’m sorry for your loss.>My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shimmy Mom says
Oh Laura, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You have my prayers that you will feel comfort and travel safely. This was a very moving tribute to your wonderful father!>*hugs*
Katy Lin :) says
so sorry to hear this, Laura. our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. he sounds like a wonderful, wonderful man.
SimplyGrove says
What a great tribute you wrote about your dad! So sorry for your loss. God Bless!
Liz says
Laura, >What a great post! Thank you for sharing about your Dad. I am so sorry for your loss. You, of course, will be in my prayers. >~~Liz~~
Cindy ~ My Romantic Home says
I am so sorry to hear about your dad! It sounds like you had a great dad and I know he will be missed!
The Berry's Patch says
Laura,>>I’m so sorry about your dad. Sounds like he was very special. >>Brandee
judicreations says
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your tribute which is very lovely. I can see how special he was to you. My thoughts are with you. Be strong.
kari and kijsa says
Laura, >oh how we feel your heart and mind as you travel across your to grieve with your family. We lift your mother up, and ask the heavenly Father to cradle her during these difficult days ahead. We lift you up, as we are still grieving over the loss of our father just a few short weeks ago. >Let the tears flow, let the hugs come, and raise your eyes heavenward. We will lift you up during this time, and remember your mother and family as well. you are blessed to have a large family with which to share the stories and the tears.>>blessings, >kari & kijsa
Lady Dorothy says
I am so sorry, Laura! May you and yours feel God’s comforting arms around you as you grieve and draw close to Him.>>Great tribute to a great man!
Kris says
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Glenda~Many Fond Memories says
Laura >>I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It’s not easy I know.>>What a wonderful tribute to him. It take a man to take on the responsibility that he did. >>Hang on to you memories.>>Hugs>Glenda
queenoftheclick says
Prayers for you and your family
Cindi says
Laura, your Dad sounded like a great man. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Miss Sandy says
Laura,>I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Jen r. says
I am so sorry to hear about your father. Mine has been gone quite a while and I know it’s a difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jen R
Pam Hawk says
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad. I am so sorry to hear about your family’s loss. And goodness, not only your Dad’s passing but your Aunt’s too – >>I just have to repeat what Anita said in the second post: <>Take care of your Mom and give her a hug from all of us.<>
Kathy says
So sorry about your loss, Laura. Your father sounds like a wonderful man. It’s is a real gift that you have so many loving memories of him. >Kathy
Suzanne says
So sorry to hear about your dad and your aunt. I’m a little behind, so I just saw this post, but my prayers are for you and your family during this difficult time.>Suzanne
Jannet says
I’m so sorry! My deepest sympathy to you and your family. What a beautiful tribute.>HUGS!! Jannet
FrenchGardenHouse says
Dearest Laura,>>I’m so sorry I’m so late with my condolances. What a wonderful tribute to the best Dad a girl could have. I know you will miss him.Prayers and hugs for you and your family.>xo Lidy
Sandy says
Thanks for all your support and the wonderful words you left us with at Dad’s Service. Love you sis. Sandy.