Father Bother

Although I’ll only have one Daddy,

I was blessed to have several Dads growing up and I lost another this week with the passing of Ralph Waite, better known as John Walton, Sr., John-Boy’s father on The Waltons. Here’s a look at my family album:

Mike Brady, architect

Robert Reed, 1932-1992

What I learned from him:  Why perms are never a good idea, how to have a good home/work balance, conflict resolution, how to tell a story while driving home the moral.

Phillip Drummond, millionaire

Conrad Bain, 1923-2013

What I learned from him:  to be color blind, that carrying a briefcase makes you look important, and that an ice cream sundae can fix just about anything.

Heathcliff Huxtable, obstetrician

Bill Cosby, 1937 –

What I learned from him:  that you actually can have too many children, to expect excellence from those around you, to work hard but not forget to have fun.

James Evans, odd jobs

John Amos, 1939 –

What I learned from him:  Frugality, family is the most important thing, work ethic, you don’t have to have a lot of money to have a good time.

Charles Ingalls, farmer, mill worker

Michael Landon, 1936-1991

What I learned from him:  Work ethic, being a good friend and neighbor, helping those around you and doing good deeds comes back to you.

John Walton, lumber mill worker

Ralph Waite, 1928-2014

What I learned from him:  You can have too many children, a love of nature, a willingness to help those in need goes a long way.

Andy Taylor, law enforcement

Andy Griffith, 1926-2012

What I learned from him:  Patience, gentleness, to listen more than you speak, and to never trust Barney with a loaded gun.