Congratulations Dad on your induction into the Lions Hall of Fame!
We wish we could have been there at your induction, but we are so very proud of you over here.
Mom, he couldn't have done this without you by his side!
Sissy, thanks for putting together the book and making us all put our thoughts into words:)
Dad, in
my eyes, you have just always been a Lion,
and I used to think everybody’s Dad was!
Growing up I guess I thought it was more of a men’s night out every week,
although I knew there was always some talk of fundraising, just thought it was
somewhat secondary, and maybe for some of the men, it was. The Lions Club in Richmound catered lots
of events, and I would picture these men struggling to make potato salad in the
hall, just hoping mom and some of the ladies would come over to help.
Little
did I know what a driving force you were Dad in making virtually every meeting
and fundraising effort a success. But
it wasn’t enough for you to make a difference in your community. You, more than anyone I know, show us
every day what it really means to believe in something bigger than you, and do
what you can to help others. You are an inspirational presenter and have never
been afraid to try something new and maybe a bit off the wall to get people’s
attention (not many people have the guts to moo to an audience!) and by doing
so, raise awareness for a worthy cause.
We
usually hear some of the highlights of your Lions trips, but Jake and I tagged
along on one of those (very long) drives to Minot, where we got to experience
it firsthand. Aside from the yummy potato skins in the Ground Round, the best
part for me was to meet some of your Lion friends and see the friendships you
and mom have formed through the Lions, which all started by sharing a common
passion. Your colleagues clearly
respect and admire the work you have done and continue to do.
Being a
role model seems to come easy to you, but I know how hard you work on ‘Lions
stuff’ as you like to say. You
hold yourself to a very high standard, and it makes others around you want to
do the same. I think I’m on my 3rd
or 4th draft of this little write up, as you have given me advice on
how to make stories and tributes sound better.
We are
lucky Jake and Oliver have such a wonderful Papa Gordon to look up to. They love skyping with you and
mom. They really love all the fun
things you do to get their attention already, wearing hats, singing songs such
as England Swings, or running upstairs to get something to show them like a
flower or muffin or Easter egg with their name on it.
Interview
with Jake Galvin;
Andrea –
Jake, why is Papa Gordon a special Lion?
Jake -
Papa Gordon is a special Lion because he helps people, dogs, anyone, everyone! Hmm…and Mom, can he help people in
London?
Andrea –
What do you think?
Jake –
Yes! He can FLY to London and if
someone is stuck in the train station, Papa Gordon will fix the train! Or he will try and help people get off
the train safely, not too fast.
The dogs have to walk slowly with the owners, because they have a patch
on their eye. That’s why Papa
Gordon is a special Lion!
Ollie –
BIG PA-PA! Roahhhhrrr!
Love you
LOUD!
Andrea,
Rich, Jake and Oliver
PS - Happy Fathers Day!!!
