I’m sad that because of Covid I couldn’t go and say goodbye. I know he would tell me it’s ok and he would probably tell the kids to go eat a bug for him!
He wasn’t always excited about my adventurous spirit or my choices that took me far from home, but he told me he knew that it was good for me and he supported my decisions. Even when he didn’t understand them.
On a warm day he could be seen wearing a hanes tshirt and blue jeans. When it was cooler than 85 he would have a hanes sweatshirt over his tshirt. He’s also been known to own a plethora of flannels as well. I’ve never known him to not own a pair of work boots.
As a kid I always loved going with him to return the cans and bottles for recycling because he would buy me a gatorade with the money he made.
Growing up, he always had a “special” way of fixing things around the house. He saved everything and always found a use for it. Even our tights and nylons that had holes in them were put to good use. Jason and I affectionately refer to his projects and fixes as “Bill Greenan specials”, and wherever we are in the world we always find someone else who fixes things in a similar way and they put a smile on our faces. I imagine they will keep giving us smiles for years to come.
One of his favorite snacks was Cheez-its and skippy peanut butter. If you’ve never tried it, you should. It’s so good. He loved being a Papa and introducing all his grandkids to this snack.
He loved to sit outside and listen to the Red Sox on his old radio and grill a hotdog over a fire. It took a long time, but he finally learned that he was the only one in the family who liked grilled meat to be charred and overly well done.
He was born on a leap year and loved counting his age in leap years. This year he turned 18, finally a legal adult!
I’m thankful for the time I had with him as my dad but wish that I had more time to ask questions and hear more of his story. He was a man of few words, but he could certainly tell some corny jokes.