Michigan Dads Shine In These Heartwarming Photos

MICHIGAN — Father's Day is this weekend and here at Patch, we wanted to put a spotlight on the local dads who are unsung heroes in their families. These special photos capture the everyday moments of fatherhood around Michigan and give a glimpse about what it means to have an awesome guy to call "dad" (or "grandpa").

We hope you enjoy them as much as we did and to all the dads out there, Happy Father's Day.

Eleanor and Matthew Wright, of Rochester Hills, taken in 2016, submitted by Stephanie Wright, who said. "Still one of my favorites because it shows how compassionate and nurturing my husband is as a father to all creatures."

"We don’t have many photos of my husband over the last year as he was battling stage 4 colon cancer," said Colette Turkowski. "Sadly, we lost him on April 16, 2018 — 2 months ago. David Turkowski was an incredible father and he lived for his daughters. This will be our first Father’s Day without him." This photo was taken at Sagano’s in Fenton, MI August 24, 2016.

"This is one of my favorite photos taken of my fiance and our daughter," said Nancy Roxanne. "It shows what a fun laid back daddy he is." Savannah thinks he's the "best father a girl could ask for."

Cassie Hagspihl submitted this photo saying, "This is a picture of me with my dad when my brother and I came home from our college in Wisconsin early to surprise my parents. This is one of my favorite pictures of us because it reminds me of how my parents bolted up from the couch screaming and laughing, and how they couldn’t get to us fast enough. My dad is the most amazing man in the world. He is truly selfless, compassionate, and humble."

Michael (50) and Daphne Dougherty (7) from Bloomfield Hills on Wing Lake, spring 2018. "To the Dad who teaches our girls to be fearless and always find your fun," Stephanie Dougherty said.

Debi Oswalt shared this sweet photo of her son Brandon Yurko holding his son, Ephraim as he drifted off to sleep: "This photo was taken in Ann Arbor at CS Mott Children’s Hospital at University of Michigan on June 6, 2018. There are many different ways for fathers and their children to bond and all of the ways are special. I hope all Daddys have a great Father’s Day."

This photo is Brian and Henry McDonald's very first selfie with just dad and son. They're captured here spending time in Traverse City this spring.

Jason Aric Jones plays around with daughter Sasha Catriona Jones in this photo, taken at Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary in Copper Harbor. "Happy Father's Day! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!" mom Annette Jones said.

This warm embrace is between Kevin and Chelsea Vasilko of St. Clair Shores, taken June 2, 2018 at Lake Shore High School graduation. Chris and Chelsea wish him the happiest of days: "For all you do and the amazing father you are, we wish you a very Happy Father's Day! All our love today and every day."

Heidi Duperon-Troutt, an only child, is making as many memories as she can with her dad Louis Duperon, Jr., who was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer just over a year ago. Duperon-Troutt said he's doing well and she's "enjoying as much time as I can with him." Here they are at his birthday dinner back in March.

Nothing bonds a father and son together like a love for the Detroit Red Wings. Pictured here is Dave and David Inwood at the Joe Louis Arena in 2016.

Keith Logsdon of Berkley submitted this photo he calls "Best Walk Ever" with his daughters Molly (on the left) and Kelsey (on the right). This photo was taken in Pleasantville, KY in April of 2007.

"A running duo!" said Bill Kalmar and his son, Bill, Jr. This photo is at a recent 5K race on Belle Isle. "There were close to 250 runners in the event. I came in second in my age group - the 70 to death group - and son Bill Jr. came in first in his age group and second overall," Kalmar shared. "Bill Jr. has run the Boston Marathon and has won the Metro Beach Sprint and Splash (5K run and two mile kayak) three years in a row. The event is this Father's Day and I suspect he will defend his title. For me - I am content running 10k's and 5k's." They are from Lake Orion.

Suzanne Stewart, of the Plymouth/Canton area, sent in this sweet photo, saying, "My husband is a wonderful father and grandfather. He’s retiring after 40 years as a teacher in Plymouth/Canton schools. He’s taught 1st, 2nd & 4th grades, but 4th grade has been his long time 'home.' He will be missed as much as he has been loved by so many children, parents & fellow teachers over the years. He will now get to do what he also loves best, and that is being a grandfather to 3 beautiful granddaughters, with a grandson on the way!"

Evan Theros and dad Louie after winning the boys golf state finals in Grand Rapids on Saturday. Mom Patti shared this about the special day: "Louie was with Evan the entire time at the finals which spanned two days and 18 holes per day on June 8 and 9. Louie walked with Evan the entire time. Evan graduated from South on Thursday with academic honors and helped his team win a state title on Saturday ... Louie is an incredible dad to his 2 sons (Jon, 20 years old) and Evan (17 years). We love him. He has supported his boys...in and outside of the classroom with their travel hockey and golf!!!"

Mom Ashley sent in this family precious photo: "Here is my husband Scotty Iulianelli holding our daughter Cora (2 1/2) and baby Shiloh (3 months) on our front porch in Ferndale. This was taken on March 18th when our baby was just 5 days old! Happy Father’s Day to the most incredible father and husband in the world. We are so very lucky and love you to the moon and back!"

Robert L. Whipple, of Cadillac, and his great-granddaughter Mirabella Whipple ,of Royal Oak, over the Spring Clean up visiting the great-grandparents.

Mom Jill Webb submitted this fun pic of Greg and Alex Webb, somewhere off the Florida Keys: "So many adventures to choose from, it's hard to choose. Our kids are young adults now, so looking at old pictures brings tears to my eyes. Greg was an amazing dad when our kids were growing up. He did everything for them and with them. From changing diapers when they were babies, reading to them, joining YMCA Indian Guides, helping with homework, volunteering at band camp, to learning how to scuba dive with them. He has always been the 'fun' dad."

Maya Jane Pratt, Scott Pratt & Sofia Pratt, of Novi, vacationing here in the Bahamas this spring. The girls live by this poem:

Walk a little slower Daddy

"Walk a little slower, Daddy!" said a little child so small.
"I'm following in your footsteps and i don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast, sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower Daddy, for you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up, you're what i want to be.
Then i will have a little child who'll want to follow me.

And i would want to lead just right, and know that i was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy, for i must follow you!!"