Two Fathers

I met my soulmate Shelley in 2006, we starting dating in 2010. Almost 10 years later we are still going strong. Through thick and thin. Some days we rued loving each other. Ultimately our bond is strong.

We had many differences and many similarities. Shelley was born and raised in Dauphin Manitoba, she is of Ukrainian heritage and darn proud of it. Dauphin is small town values with big city heart. At an early age she developed a love for curling and became an accomplished curler herself. She loves the game and knows all about the game and 2 years ago we volunteered at the World Men’s Curling Championship in Las Vegas. She met all her curling heroes and was the life of the party amongst the other volunteers. She loves watching curling and has got me interested in curling as well.

She is and was deeply proud of her parents. Her mother Lil was a dispatcher with the RCMP detachment in Dauphin, the life of the party and lover of Louis Armstrong. When her mom was sick and in hospital RCMP personnel from all over came to visit. At her retirement ceremony she was given a red surge standing ovation. She was beloved by all.

Her father was a WWII vet who served with distinction in the Royal Canadian Air Force and is buried in the veterans section of Dauphin cemetery. After the war he was employed with the PFRA (Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Association). First in Biggar Saskatchewan where he met the love of his life Lil than later in Dauphin.

Shelley was the apple of her father. His nickname for her was Spit or Spitfire named after the type of plane he flew in the RCAF. Unfortunately, Gerry died several months after Shelley’s wedding. Gerry is never far from Shelley’s thoughts. He sounded like a great man. A great man with simple values and instilled a lot of wisdom, laughter and life onto Shelley.

My father and Gerry had some similarities, they were both born in November, distinguished in their respective fields, served in the Air Force. My father honour his service commitment by serving as an Education Officer with the RAF (British Air Force) from 1950-52.

This coming Saturday the 16th would have been his 90th. They both married their soulmates on their second marriage. Both raised great children who found each other in later life. We are immensely proud of our fathers and share their stories wherever possible.

Love you Shelley to infinity and beyond