Broken Hearted

My dad was so many things to so many people: loving son & husband, loyal and true friend, dedicated company man... But in our household growing up, I will always remember his as the Ambassador of Fun. Don't get me wrong. He always took care of business, but once all the ducks were in a row, it was time to play. Whether it was surprising us with a trip to Disney or a swimming pool in the backyard, he always made sure our childhood was a magical place.

He loved to give us the wow factor but it was the little, everyday things that really made him special. I remember Mom, Dana and I watching in wonder as he played a joke on my tiny brother - trying to convince him that the lid off of a jar of peanuts was a birthday present. I can still hear him saying. "Look Dan you can use it as a frisbee...." trying to hold back his infectious laugh. He was a fantastic story teller and often wove tales about siblings named May, Nada and Nad. It wasn't until years later that we realized May, Nada and Nad were our names with the letters moved around.

Growing Up Hannon, I'm pleased to say, was different than growing up in most families. Our Thanksgiving traditions included singing the Turkey Song from Saturday Night Live and watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - a movie that we would quote all year. ("Can't see the lines, can you Russ?") On Christmas Eve Dad was certain that Santa was tired of milk and cookies. We always left Santa shrimp cocktail and beer.

When I married Mark he immediately became a son to Dad - not a son-in-law - and Mark's Children Carlee and Miles became grandchildren - not step-grandchildren. He knew that blood isn't what makes up families - it's love. He did nothing halfway and once you were in the family, you're in the family for life.

Dad also was an amazing grandfather and always made sure the kids had so much fun when they would visit. Dad always had something fun for them to do and let it be known that there were "no timeouts at Papa's." A line Seth was more than happy to repeat.

Even as dad was very ill in the hospital, he never lost that amazing sense of humor. We all were lucky to share many laughs with him as he was awaiting his surgery. One time he asked me to push the button on his hospital bed to prop him up, As the bed began to move he jumped, acting as if he were hurt. He laughed so hard I had to remind him to breathe.

Underneath all of the fun an laughter ran a strong undercurrent of love. A love that reached from Mom and Grandma to his three children and our families as we grew and married and to everyone he ever met. He was our coach, cheerleader and number one fan. He was our teacher and our fearless leader. He was our rock and our soft place to fall. I don't know how we will find the strength to go on without him, but I know we will. He has already given us enough strength to last a lifetime. So we will carry all of these fantastic memories with us and look forward to the day when we will be together again. We love you dad.