Readers Celebrate Their Dads With Stories And Photos On Father's Day

"Of all the things I've been called in my life, Dad is my favorite." - Author unknown

Today is Father's Day, and Patch editors asked their readers to share the important dads (and father figures) in their lives.

In the United States, Father's Day was founded in 1910 in Washington state, and is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Typically, families gather to celebrate the father figures in their lives.

A handful of responses was received, and we are pleased to share the photos and stories you've told about the great men in your lives. In no particular order:

Merle Crouse Jr.
"Papa" passed in July 2013, but not a day goes by he isn't still impacting our lives. He was the best "Girl Dad" - long before the term ever existed. And best dog Grand Dad.
Linda Chojnicki

Shel Myers
He could not be more devoted to his daughters … and his Siberian cat, Stella, who he calls “princess kitty.” This man is the rock of our family - from being there every step of the way over the years to support his youngest “princess” who suffers from daily chronic pain and injuries from Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, to living at the hospital when his eldest was diagnosed last winter with metastatic cancer. He is the driver to every Taylor Swift or Rammstein concert, the organizer and packer for every move, the delivery driver so many days and nights to bring home meals and treats for his family. Shel loves his family (and the Huskies) from the bottom of his heart and keeps us all laughing during the darkest of times with funny stories and a deadpan delivery of jokes that keep us all entertained. You can find him every morning sitting on our kitchen floor whispering sweet nothings to Stella Luna, as she rolls across the floor for her “daddy."
Cheryl Drucker-Myers

Bill Salazar
I am excited to share why my husband, Guillermo “Bill” Salazar, is the best father in the world. There isn't enough space in an email to describe Bill and the wonderful father he is but I will do my best. From the time our sons, Erik and Alex, were born, he embraced the role of being a father with an amazing love, dedication and sacrifice. Bill and I have raised our sons with strong faith and values and at times have had to be the unpopular parents. When Bill and I needed to say no to the boys, they would say, “but so and so’s dad is cool and he lets him do that.” Bill would say to them, “1. They are not my sons, you are; and 2. I am here to be your father, not your cool friend.”

Bill has a great sense of humor, is witty and enjoys talking politics. Erik and Alex have definitely developed his sense of humor and wittiness. Bill has always found ways to broaden Erik and Alex’s world and has been there to see them grow. From summer road trips with just the three “men” to celebratory dinners to being there with a listening ear and offering advice when life got tough and the world was cruel. Now our sons have graduated college and are building their careers. No matter what hour, Bill picks up the phone to listen to our sons’ latest challenge, defeat or accomplishment, even when he’s exhausted. Bill is a constant, reliable, loving father and husband and has been a tremendous blessing in our sons’ lives.
Caroline Salazar

William Cosgrove
The extraordinary bond between father and child lives forever. Sending many thanks and much love to my father William J. Cosgrove, who served in the Army Air Force during World War II, transitioned from strong military man to strong family man, and went to his heavenly home on May 29, 2017. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!!
Ann Cosgrove

Wayne Jensen
Wayne Jensen was the greatest person I've ever known, my idol, my role model. I've often said if I can be half the man he was, I'd be doing pretty well for myself. When he passed away in 2010, I delivered the eulogy at his funeral, and concluded with (and I'm paraphrasing here): "My siblings and I were very lucky, because while everyone has a father, we had a dad."
Tim Jensen

See related: Growth Rings: A Dad's Approach To Life