My father was a man who had the ability to touch the lives of others. Anyone that he came into contact with he reached out to. In every career that he served in he reached out to others. He was a paramedic, on the Salt Lake City Fire Department, Air Med, Life Flight, and ski patrol. He also loved to teach paramedic classes and training classes for the fire department. There were many people he encouraged and influenced to join these fields of work, including my sister and my cousin Chad. My dad was a wonderful father and I feel fortunate and blessed to have had him in my life! No matter how busy or tired he was from work, he always had time for my sister and I. My dad had a great passion for the outdoors. Not only did he influence my sister and I with this passion, he influenced many of our cousins and friends. He loved to take us hiking, camping, snow skiing, water skiing, and biking. When we were little we were always attached to his back doing one of these activities. Another thing we always did together was go for walks after Sunday dinners. These walks will always be dear to my heart! On these walks my dad would ask and talk to us about what was going on in our lives. My dad also had a humorous side to him and a wonderful imagination. When I was little the letter L sound came out as the letter W sound instead, so when I would tell him that I wanted to go to sleep ("sweep") he would respond back saying, "Then go get your broom." He loved to tease me. My dad also had nicknames for Brooke and I. Mine were Bosco Bear and Buggly and Brooke's was Brookley. These are just a few of the things my dad did that made me smile and laugh, but there are many more memories that I will always hold near to my heart. My father was a very special person to many people and I truly hope that I can carry on his kindness and love and be able to touch the lives of others as he did. I love you dad and cannot wait for the day to see you and feel your embrace again! If any of you have memories you would like to share I would love to hear them.
