My Dad, Paul Francis Ronan,
submitted by daughter, Susan Ronan
While growing up dad and I were never buddies he was just my Dad. In my late teens and early 20’s we started to see eye to eye. I guess that happens when you start to grow up and have to deal with life a ‘little’ on your own. I guess it so happened that we realized how much we meant to each other at the same time. We have been friends and partners in crime ever since.
According to Dad’s yearbook:
“This young man would much rather hunt or fish than attend school. Although we have never actually seen any fish which he has caught we have heard many marvelous tales about ones that got away. Because of his love for water and boats Paul’s greatest ambition is to join the Navy. It is certain that in the past he may have allowed a few fish to get away but we feel certain that he won’t let one Jap or German escape so easily.”
Dad did end up in the Navy but quickly found out that he suffered from motion sickness and got seasick anytime he was on the ship. He served during WWII but according to him he was never in any combat. He was stationed at several naval air stations and the Aleutian Islands.
There was also a comment in dad’s yearbook that he would like to be muscle bound. This did not happen but the look he could give the guys that picked me up for a date could have scared away the best of them. Actually he mostly stayed in the background which was probably a blessing and if he did talk to them that meant I wanted him too.
I never really appreciated what an impact my dad and mom (Dorothy has her own tribute) had on my life until I got older. They have always supported me even though I might not have always made the best decisions. They gave me the love and support that I needed through the years. They have given me the values in life that we don’t see everyday. My parents have been separated for more than 35 years but they talk to each other every day and still care for each other in their own way.
So to end this all I just want to say is Happy Father’s Day to my witty, intelligent, stubborn, non compliant old fart that I take after. You’re the best.
Love you,
Susan