Father Figures: The G-pa

“This is my dad, Darryl.
He had many names over the years: Darryl the swim dad, Darryl the Hockey Dad, Darryl the bus driver, Darryl the life saver, Darryl the chauffeur driver, but I think his favourite name was Darryl the ‘G-pa” the name my three kids learned to call him.
He was the kind of dad who you could get away with asking things during a hockey game and he’d always say yes. He was the type of dad who would pick me and my friends up from a high school party at anytime so we would be safe.
He was always very involved in my life and that trait continued with my kids. He loved watching my daughters dance recitals and got a kick out of seeing a kid stray from the routine. All the regulars on his bus probably knew all my kids by name, because he loved sharing pictures and talking about them.
He was the grandpa who loved to pick birthday cards and would constantly ask if the kids loved their birthday card. ‘Pretty sure they loved the money coming out of it, Dad.’
He loved to eat sweets and especially loved donuts. A month before he died, McDonald’s Canada started selling mini donuts and he couldn’t believe it.
He died on July 13th, 2020 during a global pandemic. He did not have coronavirus, but because of the regulations that come with it, his favourite little humans were not able to say goodbye properly. The funeral was family only. This person who was such a big part of my life had to go out quietly and spent the majority of his hospital stay alone.
I really miss him. I miss his presence and hearing the stories he says over and over again. I will continue to be like him and always share his story and his memory.
I love you dad!”
– Samantha Brissette
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