Childhood, Family, Life

The Greatest Man I Always Knew

Kari
The title comes from one of my favorite songs, Reba McEntire’s “The Greatest Man I Never Knew,” which tells the story of a distant father-daughter relationship. That doesn’t describe my childhood with my dad, but the song resonates with me because of how much of his life he devoted to providing for our family.

 

This post is dedicated to my dad, who is celebrating his official retirement today. My dad has spent most of his life providing for his family, quietly supporting and guiding from the back row. He’s the kind of person who knows the answer to almost any question in a room—but he’ll wait for others to reach it first before weighing in.

My only complaint is why didn’t some of that intelligence rub off on me?

He’s worked for the same company, Komatsu, since 1989, moving with the company from Ohio to Peoria, Illinois, and finally to Chattanooga, Tennessee. But his work life began long before that—he started working the day he graduated high school in New Jersey and held several jobs before leaving his hometown of Dover, New Jersey. Born into a family of twelve, he lost his mother at 14 and spent time in foster care because his father couldn’t care for all the children. Through it all, he became an inspiring and wonderful human being.

I feel lucky that life gave me him.

 

Even after 34 years at Komatsu, I still didn’t know exactly what he did until I asked my mom—he worked in engineering and oversaw budgets. But what I do know is that everyone who worked with him adored him, and that feeling is mutual.

I want to introduce you to the dad I know.

Dad and I Easter 1994

For a few years, he worked part-time with me at Kohls during the holidays, just for fun. I loved having him a few departments away, and I loved our rides to and from work.

Grampa and Anna sleeping

I’ve loved watching him become a grandfather—my daughters are lucky to know a grandfather I never got to meet.

Dad, daughter and son at beach in Wisconsin

He doesn’t know a stranger. He’ll pull you in with stories, small talk, and trivia—anything he thinks you’ll enjoy. He’s engaging, entertaining, genuine, and loving.

My dad and I at my wedding

Allergies, migraines, and nerding out over obscure facts about the world’s largest ball of twine—I’m clearly his child.

He and my mom also instilled a love of music in me. Hearing artists he introduced me to in the early 1970s—stevie wonder, elton john, carole king—still transports me back to my youth.

Dad and Mom laughing
My dad and I in the Smoky Mountains

Dad, some may say your most important work is behind you now that you’re retired, but I know your most important work happened at home.

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24 thoughts on “The Greatest Man I Always Knew”

  1. Awww, Happy Retirement to your Dad! I have a hoop shooting father of my own and can understand every word you say here. I think our dads would be great friends, just like us.

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  2. So sweet! I love how connected you are to your parents, and your Dad. Congratulations on his retirement!

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  6. I've visited a few times but not commented yet, but I felt the need today to say this was the sweetest post ever. Having lost my own dad almost 8 years ago now this made me miss him but also think of him in a sweet way. Thanks for that and congratulations to your awesome dad!

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  9. Aww I am so sorry Carrie but I am so glad I brought your dad back a little for you today.Big hugs to you.:)

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  10. This is all kinds of awesome. Makes me want to know your dad in person! He lives in my home state now–I was born and reared in Tennessee! Will he and your mom stay in the South now? Surely they will, since you need to go back and spend time down there. (So sorry that your spring break ended badly!) Many, many congratulations to your father. Wish the world had more men like him!

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  12. Oh Kari, this is priceless. I lost my Dad when I was 4 1/2 in a plane crash. My Mom never remarried, but she did a darn fine job of raising my brother and I! You are so very very blessed to have grown up in such a wonderful family with such a loving Dad. Congratulations to this sweet man on his retirement!! Time to kick back and do what he enjoys. He earned it!! (They are next to me…NC here) :)

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  13. What an absolutely beautiful testament to your dad, Kari. I teared up just reading about him and your relationship. Thanks for sharing him with us today.

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  20. I can hardly type my comment through the tears. What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful father; what a life he has lived. I can’t even imagine losing my Mom and going into foster care at that age. What a strong human he is and what a life he gave to you my friend. I love that you have him and I love that you appreciate and know what a gem he is.
    I hope he has a nice Father’s Day.

    Oh, when I drive to GA, I always pass a few LARGE billboards advertising Komatsu and it always brought to mind Edwin McCain. Do you remember him? He had some great songs in the 90’s; we met him a few times when he was helping us with some charitable work. He told Coach how much he loves those machines and uses them on his big piece of property so he started selling them! How funny is that? But now, when I see the billboards, I’ll think of your sweet Father instead.
    Ok, maybe I’ll think of both of them as Edwin is also a very sweet human.

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  21. Somehow I missed this when you originally posted it, but it was attached to the end of today’s post, and I’m so glad I clicked through. I’m so glad you got to have such a dad! What a tremendous gift.

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