It takes us a long time to get to know our parents, some of us never do. After years of growing pains, I came to understand Dad. I worked for him for many years and watched as customers came to adore him and his music. Not only the actual music but the music of laughter. He had an insatiable need to make people laugh. He was always prepared with one of his countless jokes. We spent memorable times together in Germany, Portugal, Ottawa, Hawaii, Nova Scotia, Florida and Victoria. Dad loved to sit, drink, eat and tell stories. He loved to travel and to fly but strangely enough he was afraid of heights. In Victoria Don and I lived on the 17th floor. Dad would not venture out onto the balcony but only as far as the patio door. He loved to swim, his only exercise of choice. He hated to walk. While in Germany visiting his brother we all had to much cheer the one evening. Early the next morning his sister-in-law made us all go for a long hike. It was Winter, it was cold, damp and miserable. He cursed her then and for years later. I went to Hawaii to surprise Dad. On my final evening he wanted to have a few drinks and talk. We have to go I said. Ya! Ya! We will get there he iterated and we did only to see the gate close and my plane getting ready to depart. Oops! When Don and I married we wanted to honeymoon in Hawaii. Great idea says Dad, we'll come with you and so they did. They took the bed and we took the thin, lumpy pullout. A good time was still had by all. In Nova Scotia we shared great fresh seafood and some wonderful day trips. A two week visit became a month before they headed back across Canada by car. There are many memories and these are just a few. At the Heidleberg every evening ended with - Ladies and Gentlemen, its time for last call, Thank you for joining us, hope you enjoyed yourselves. Now is the hour when we must say goodbye. Soon you will be sailing far across the sea. While you are away o please remember me. When you return you will find me waiting here. And Good Night. Dad, I hope you and Conrad are sharing some laughs. Auf Wiedersehen Papa, Schlafen sie whol! Mit liebe, Ruthle..