Shake, Rattle and Roll

A Son Reminisces about His Father

My brother, Tom Doyle, contacted me to remind me that today, August 15,  would have been our Dad's birthday. Our Dad died in 1995.

He shared his memories...

I remember Dad going around the house stating emphatically again and again that “If you act enthusiastic.. YOU WILL BE ENTHUSIASTIC!!!” It was the Dale Carnegie motto.

I also remember mom thinking that dad was not quite as funny as he thought. ”Dennis, you laugh at your own jokes” (I get a little of that around my house).

I remember dad practicing his “bowling” in the front room. a one, two, three—release. I remember dad getting a small trophy for the most improved bowler (sports were never his forte). I think the trophy was a bronze belt buckle or …I might be dreaming.

He was a good hunter and a good beer drinking fisherman who never caught a fish, regardless if it was at Lake Estes or on the farm.

I remember his observations about shopping.”Have you ever seen so much stuff that you don’t need?”

And his insight on the costs of things “It’s higher that a Cat’s back!”

Remembering Dad

 
Mom (Marge Doyle) and Dad (Dennis Doyle) near Santa Cruz, California in February 1987.

Dad died 15 years ago today on November 17, 1995. These are fond memories of Dad, Dennis Doyle.

From Dad’s daughter, Kate:

This incident exemplified Dad. It was 1961, nearly 50 years ago. The accordion sheet music for the song, Moon River, had been released. I just had to have this music and right now. In the middle of a rare blizzard in Kansas City, Dad drove me to downtown Kansas City to Jenkins Music Studio to get the music. I loved Jenkins with their five rows of accordion music. I loved my Dad even more for his kindness.

Dad never knew a stranger. He was always introducing himself and his family to people he met at the grocery store, at church, out for a walk, or wherever. He was an extrovert, and I wanted to be outgoing like him as well.

I observed Dad in action at his job running the paint and wallpaper store. His senior customers would move a chair over to the cash register and talk about their troubles. Dad acted like their counselor, and I followed in his footsteps.

I recall Dad practicing his speeches for his Dale Carnegie classes, and his kids were the audience. I'll never forget the tag line: "If you act enthusiastic, you'll be enthusiastic." Dad was an optimist.

From: Dad’s daughter, Patty:

Dad worked very long and hard each week, but family was his top priority.  I would anxiously wait at the corner every night for Dad to come home from work and hitchhike back to the house with him.  Now that I am a parent, I am sure he was exhausted and would have loved to have some downtime. But he never let on.  He seemed to be as excited to see us as we were to see him. He smothered us with lots of love and attention.

Dad was so selfless.  If he had it and anyone needed it, he would give it to him.   He was so grateful for all that he had and never got caught up in all the materialism.

I rarely remember Dad raising his voice.  He was so easy going.  He taught me not to sweat the small stuff. His quick sense of humor made him so fun to be around. 

From Dad’s daughter, Denise:

I know where I got my love of dogs.  Dad treated our dogs, Princess and Casey, like a Queen and King.  He was often caught making hamburger, eggs, and roast beef and slipping it to the dogs.  They were his true companions.

Dad loved to crack a joke.  He was so quick-witted, and I inherited that from him. Also, I hate to brag, but I also inherited his patience and kindness.

I also know that Dad had a great love of all his grandchildren. 

Denise (Dad’s Namesake)

From Dad's son, Joe:

I always enjoyed when he took me to his place in the country to drink some brews, drive the station wagon, shoot some guns.

I can remember waiting on the corner at the end of Wayne St. waiting for him to come home from work and hitching a ride.

I remember him making his famous gravy made with coffee (boy was that good).

I remember mowing the grass with him. I could not wait for him letting me take a turn at pushing.

I remember working with him at the paint store. It was great seeing him in action. I think he knew everyone that came in. He really knew how to take care of his customers and his employees.

I remember the time I wrecked my car. I was run off the road by the driver of the Fisher Meat Company truck, and I was getting the run around until Dad got involved. He went downtown and spoke (maybe yelled) at the owner. The next thing I knew I was driving a rental car, and everything was taken care of.

From Dad’s son-in-law, Tom Kelsall (the writer in the family):

To Dennis, my wonderful father-in-law:

You had a leprechaun’s sense of humor and a laugh that was warm and deep.

Your smile was as wide as the Kansas prairie.

You enjoyed a big laugh as I waddled out of the lake after fishing, wearing my float tube and flippers.

You never forgot your roots from that simple farmhouse in the hills of Emerald.

You were an example of quiet strength and confidence which guided you through the Depression, the War and raising five great kids, while managing the local paint and wallpaper store.

You were like a Dad to me for 16 years after my Father’s sudden death.

You loved and cared for your family and were always there for them.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

I welcome any other feedback about Dad and will publish all comments.