SheSociety Father's Day Feature: The Legacy of Fathers

This Father’s Day, our team here at SheSociety wanted to take a moment to share a little bit about the remarkable men who shaped us, through discussing our cherished memories and favourite moments with him, invaluable life lessons, and other stories of our fathers. Join us as we share the sincere impact our fathers have had on our lives.

Amanda

Dad’s are special people to daughters . My dad has made my life probably harder than it is supposed to be. And I say this because he was the first man I ever learned to love. I was his first child and together we have learnt so many things about family and relationships. In fact my Dad has set the standard so high for all the men around me that I still haven’t found a man that can live up to the standards. The exemplary way my dad is as a son to his mother, a brother to his siblings, a man to his wife, a father to his family and just recently a grandfather to his grandchildren, this guy is the epitome of what a good man looks like.

There are many things that my dad taught me as a child, like how to tie my shoes, farts will always be funny, how to answer a phone call politely, how to overcome bullying in the school yard, however the biggest lessons in life have come as my dad and my relationship turned from a child like relationship into an adult relationship.

Just like I couldn’t live without my dad as a little girl, I am finding that now as an adult I couldn’t live without him more so now than ever. Dad is my go to for everything to do with life, business, advice, fashion (yep, he is super stylish), recipes, racing tips… he is just an overachieving all-rounder that I love right down to the bone! He has a love for family that sets standards no one else understands, and I wouldn’t have it any different. Dad is at his happiest when our family is altogether, and that makes me happy.

I look at my life and like to think that I have a balanced personality of both my mum and dad’s best traits, and I know that the standards my dad set for himself in his work and life as I was an impressionable young girl growing up have rubbed off onto me and my work ethic. He was the hardest working dad I knew, which allowed him and mum to provide us with everything we could have ever dreamed of.

I am currently in my most favourite moment in life with my dad, where we are both adults, having intelligent and challenging conversations, learning together, drinking together and growing together. I love my dad more than all the sand on Burleigh Heads beach…

Bec

From dressing up in a bunny outfit to pranking me constantly, my dad Mike always has me laughing. However in one small paragraph I can’t possibly list all the wonderful experiences I have shared with my dad as a daughter, friend and colleague (yes we worked together!). I will however share the most meaningful moments over my 52 years;

In highschool he would write me letters to tell me how proud he was of me and how much he loved me.
Making me get up early after my first big drinking session so I experience ‘the hangover’.
His six sense that I was up to no good and would track me down. Still to this day I don’t know how he always caught me out.
Getting me the best resources for my assignments … the News Ltd picture library. Nailed my presentations thanks to dad.
How much he adores my mum Judith. Married now 58 years (November 13, 1965)
Calming me down in the car leading up to the Chapel I was about to get married in.
Walking me down the aisle. He was so proud.
Teaching me about words and the power of them.
Becoming the best grandfather to my children and nieces.
And just always backing me.

Love you Mikey!

Kaleb

To have a father, best mate and idol all packed into one is quite special, and I am forever grateful to have my dad. A man I will always strive to be like. If I can be half the man he is I’ll be pleased.

Lauren

Having a good childhood shouldn’t be taken for granted and I was lucky enough to have an amazing one thanks to my Dad. I am grateful every day for my Dad and for all he has and continues to do for me. Some of my favourite memories with my Dad include him taking my sister and I out for bike rides on the weekends where we would zoom down hills and just cruise around local parks. All of our family holidays together are some of my most cherished memories. From holidaying with family friends at Bunya Mountains to travelling across New Zealand in a caravan together (bit of advice for readers: DON’T travel up Baldwin St – the steepest street in the world in a caravan, it won’t end pretty! We found out that pretty quick on our trip to NZ).

From helping me with absurd Chemistry assignments to teaching me how to drive, I’m so lucky to have a supportive Dad who I look up to and value his advice. I’m thankful for all of the early morning drop offs for swimming and water polo training. He consistently showed up and never missed a race or game. He has been my number 1 supporter from day one and I don’t know where I would be without him. I’m so proud for all he has accomplished including just recently completing The Guzzler Ultra 100km race. I don’t know how he did it but I am so proud of him!Happy Father’s Day Timmy!

Michelle

When I lost my Dad to cancer he was only 66. I remember thinking that there would be no – one who would ever love me as much, make me feel as safe or show me what it is to be brave. Dad was a real character but someone everyone respected. I always listened to his wise words and I can never remember him utter a cross word to me. I miss the sounds of the races on the radio, all his funny ocker sayings and the tinkling of his spoon as he stirred his endless cups of tea. The morning after his funeral my bedroom filled with the smell of pea and ham soup. It was our favourite meal to eat together and it comforted me to think that although gone, my memories and his life lessons will always be there to guide me.

Ruth

Born before his time, above anything else, my father Keith William Dunham was a gentleman. He was caring, intelligent, clever, artistic and a futurist. He taught me the skills of life. To believe in my abilities, be calm and strong in times of adversity, open-minded, non-judgemental and most of all, be honest.

His passion for learning and taking on new opportunities was endless. He built chicken pens to sell eggs and fresh chickens. Every day after school my brother and I would collect the eggs being careful not to break any. Dad taught us to defeather the birds once soaked in hot water and to remove the gizzard’s without breaking the wheat bag in the neck. He was very particular as we were selling them to the butcher. Even now I check the insides of a fresh chicken.

His love was unconditional and I cannot remember a time he would criticise me, only praise or make suggestions. I was a climber and one day I was walking on the top of the chicken pens corrugated iron roof. Dad didn’t stop me, instead he called out, Maysie, (for he called me by my middle name) make sure you only stand on the studs to avoid falling through. I always took heed and never fell off.

With our mum always by his side, our practical and caring father lived to 86, but it is never long enough.

Susan

My favourite photo is one that was taken long before I or my siblings were born. This shot is one of my Dad and Mum taken in the late 50’s. To me this photo is full of love and two people deeply in love. Dad is looking at Mum with a look on his face that says “I love this woman more than anything in the world – she is the best thing since sliced bread”, and Mum – well, she has a look that says, “he adores me and I know it – how lucky am I!”

My Dad was a dedicated, loving family man. Perhaps that was because he married late, he was in his mid 30’s and in the 50’s the median age for a groom was around 26, or perhaps it was because he was raised by a single mum and wanted more for his family. Either way me and my sister and brother were the winners. Growing up in Darwin we were a tight unit of 5 and had a healthy, happy childhood.

I have so many wonderful and a few tough memories of time spent with my Dad. When I was young, Dad taught me why fire engines are red, why the fifth star of the Southern Cross is fainter than the rest (something to do with a secret rocket mission to space), he let me sit on his feet when I was tired, he let me tie ribbons in his hair. When I was a bit older he didn’t miss a game of hockey, he was the man in the red hat at Little Athletics, there were countless camping trips and incredible overseas holidays. Dad also loved a good laugh and could be so goofy. He didn’t hand out smacks, instead his punishment was a stern talking to and a lesson on the consequences of your actions. Sometimes us kids would think a smack would have been preferable, but it was all part of his master plan to raise independent individual thinkers.

By the time I was an adult we were friends, our long chats about anything and everything are some of my favourite memories. He shared his wisdom and laughter through good and tough times. Still today when faced with a tough decision I ask myself, what would Dad do? I feel he is my guiding light.

As the years roll past since Dad left this earth, I worry that some of those memories are fading, but there is one thing that has never faded…. the love he filled my heart with is as strong and bright as it ever was. I know he adored me, and I know how lucky I am!

Teya

My dad is an extraordinary person who has left an indelible mark on my life. There’s never a dull moment when he’s around, he’s always ready to crack a joke or jump in on some banter with us kids at the dinner table. Yet, beyond the laughter, lies a sense of thoughtfulness, intelligence, and unwavering support. I’ve always known that I can turn to my dad for advice, certain he’ll help me work through any problem, whether he has the answer or not. He’s taught me invaluable lessons such as the importance of hard work and perseverance, problem-solving and independence that have shaped me into the person I am today. As I’ve grown from a child into an adult, our relationship has evolved into something truly special; my dad is not only a father but also a friend.

My dad’s life hasn’t been easy, but even in the face of adversity such as his ongoing battle with cancer, my dad’s perseverance shines through. This has not only been a testament to his remarkable spirit, but an inspiring example of strength for us kids to follow. I’ll always be grateful that I have my dad in my corner throughout my journey in life.

Anne

My Dad, Bill

There are a myriad of reasons my Dad, Bill Gibson, was a special person and an awesome father to my four siblings and I. A product of a private boys’ school education in the demonstrably conservative Australia of the 1950s, Bill was to think deeply and comprehensively on issues of supreme importance. Ahead of his peers in this life, Bill was to somberly contemplate and galvanise others to embrace the notion of Aboriginal rights in this country, pertaining to colonisation, and also grabbed hold of and never let go of the great dream of Australia finally becoming a republic.

Wise beyond reproach, Dad was a classy, gentle soul who was interested in and willing to help others with their problems, no matter what. He had time for people from all walks of life, nationalities and demographics. For instance, helping out at Meals on Wheels was something he enjoyed, igniting respectful conversations with the elderly often forgotten by the ‘outside world’. Importantly, as a father, Dad always had time for his children, was a joy to have a meaningful conversation with, or a much lauded and jubliant outing with. Dad’s great love of the movies and arts was second to none. I still remember fondly him taking my sister, Megan, and I to see the Superman movie when I was twelve in 1979. Movies to Dad were magic. Dad also (along with my mother, Estelle) had a great love affair with the Australian landscape and creatures. Immeasurable moments were spent camping in ‘the bush’, hiking convoluted trails through forests and plains and ascending serene mountains with Dad, Mum, my siblings and I. I still recall Dad’s awe of seeing a wedge-tailed eagle in majestic flight.

Here’s to you Dad. You are forever thought of fondly and with love and so terribly missed. Thank you forever for being my Dad.