My father passed away in 2008.
He was an honest, hard-working, honourable man who lived a long and happy life.
Generous and kind to a fault, he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.
He instilled in me a strong work ethic and moral compass for which I will always be grateful.
He felt a deep connection to nature throughout his life.
Pursuing hunting and fishing as hobbies, I often felt that these were really just reasons for him to return to the woods that he spent so much time in as a child.
He also traveled extensively after his retirement, but was equally happy to return home.
He was a proud Canadian.
A woodworker in his own right, his projects were of a more practical nature than mine.
I can assure you that over the course of my childhood, I lost more than one chisel or socket of his (of course, it was probably always the 1/2" one).
Although frustrated (which I now understand as an adult), he was always patient and supportive of my curiosity and creativity.
After all, I got it from him.
He always appreciated an item that was well made - "that's an old dandy" he would say with a broad smile.
Each of these instruments is a piece of me and, as a result, a piece of him. So he lives on.
I wanted to find a way of remembering him in each instrument.
Something that would reflect his nature.
And so the maple leaf.
For his love of nature and Canada.
This is for you, Dad.
Dwight
