Robyn.Bowles.es

Today, March 7, is my Dad’s 60th birthday! And since I can’t be with him in person to celebrate, and the card I sent will probably take another few days to get there, I thought this would be a good place to offer tribute to my Dad, Robin E. Wallace.
Yes, I was named after my dad, (and my mom’s best friend in High School). This causes occasional confusion at family gatherings because some family call us both “Robi/yn” and some call us both “Robby.”
My dad is the fourth of my grandparents’ seven children – right in the middle!

He and Mom have three daughters, three sons-in-law, three grandchildren and two more grandsons due in May and July.

I could write a lot about him here, but I think I will focus on a few of my favorite memories and well as my favorite attributes of his character . . .

First, the memories: I’m sure I won’t be able to do him justice here, but a few things from childhood that I remember are the fun, creative things he’d come up with for us like our backyard golf course, building forts out of long tree limbs, swings and other fun things that hung from trees, a sandbox, teeter-totter and slide.

He always encouraged us in whatever we were interested in whether it be music, acting, sports, studies, or moving away to faraway places . . . (of course then he has a reason to visit those faraway places!)

I think it was the summer I turned 10 that he bought our little ski boat. He himself wasn’t a big fan of the water, but he knew my mom and we were, so he bought this boat for us and took us skiing and tubing many times. We loved being out on the lake!

My Dad has so many wonderful qualities that reflect his discipleship of Jesus . . .

Gracious/Giving My father loves to give good gifts to his children. I am continually amazed by his generosity toward me and others. There is a freedom in his giving as it is a reflection of his gratitude for how much God has given him. He has generously given to friends and family in need with his time, resources, expertise, and even store merchandise!

Hard-working My whole life he has worked hard at whatever he’s done. At times it would mean late nights, or weekends – but he did what he had to in order to provide for us; and he does it with a cheerful heart as he knows that whatever he is doing, he is working for the LORD

Integrity I am very impressed by his integrity, especially as seen in his business practices. While his competitors are often quick to make promises that can’t be fulfilled or “deals” that really aren’t – Dad works hard to deliver what he promises, to make things right when they don’t work, and to offer a fair deal (some might say “too fair!”)

Creative Always thinking, his mind is always full of new ideas! And in January we were able to help him market some of his new ideas at a dealer conference in Orlando. After years of experiencing the physical difficulties of moving heavy spas around, he came up with a solution!

A Sense of Humor
The picture speaks for itself!

He likes to have FUN!

Adventurous

He loves my mom!

Mom and Dad have been married for almost 37 years! It’s neat to see how much he loves her and thinks of creative ways of showing her – like participating in activities she loves like skiing and sailing – even though they aren’t his favorite thing to do. He also contributes to Mom’s latest obsession of redecorating (thanks to HGTV) and encourages her ideas for design.

So, if you’re looking for gift ideas for him, here are a couple of his favorite things: Harleys and Penguins – but please don’t contribute to his obsessive collection of penguins, he has plenty of those! A better suggestion would be “Frodo’s sword”, see here on the right. However, this can only be purchased in Toledo, Spain – so if you’re going to make the trip here to buy it for him, let me know – I may have a list for you . . .

Do you have a special memory or comment you’d like to share? Please feel free to do so here.

I love you DAD! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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