Dad, you are my role model, my...

Dad, you are my role model, my inspiration, my teacher, my friend, my

father.

Ben and Seth, you are my nights, my days, my hugs, my kisses, my

tears, my smiles, my children.

On this Father’s Day, I thank my dad for my yesterday and my

children for my today.

I love you Dad, Ben and Seth.

ETHAN GOLDSTEIN

*

My grandfather is someone I look up to in so many ways. He is

always ready to play with me. He is so easy to talk to and seems to

really care how I feel.

He also is my hero. He served in World War II, in the 10th

Mountain Division, patrolling the Swiss Alps along the border of

Italy. I love him very much.

My grandfather is Jim Roberts.

SPENCER ROBERTS

*

Dear Daddy,

You make every day special and fun! Thank you for taking such good

care of me.

Love,

EMMA ULRIKSEN

*

My daddy, Robert Allen, is the greatest and most fun dad around!

We have so much fun together. He loves to make me laugh, and we laugh

all the time. I always want my daddy to play with me, and he loves to

play with me. He gets down on the floor with me, and we play with my

toys and games. We go swimming together and play water games. When we

go to the park, sometimes my daddy pushes me on the swings and

catches me on the slide. Sometimes we fly a kite, sometimes we play

tee-ball, and sometimes we play soccer.

My daddy takes me on fun adventures to Fashion Island, Balboa

Island, Disneyland, California Adventure and Legoland. Sometimes we

have date night without mommy and go out to dinner. Daddy takes mommy

and me to the movies. We just got back from a fun vacation to Maui,

and we go on lots of other fun vacations too! We are going to Bruin

Woods Family Camp in Lake Arrowhead soon, too!

My daddy reads me stories and tucks me in at night. My daddy is so

cuddly and lovable. I love him so much.

KIMBERLEE BROOKE ALLEN

*

Geoff West is the honorary dad of our neighborhood. Although Geoff

and his wife Susie have never had children of their own, Geoff has

been helping to bring up the kids who play in our street since we

moved into this perfect Eastside Costa Mesa, tri-street neighborhood

20 years ago. From his home office window that faces the corner of

our cul-de-sac, Geoff has sat like a benevolent lifeguard keeping a

watchful eye on the neighborhood action. He is always interested

without being nosey, concerned without being bossy, involved without

being intrusive.

One Christmas, he gave all the families in the neighborhood safety

cones to put in the street when the kids went out to play. He takes

pictures of the kids who trick or treat at his doorstep and delivers

copies of those snapshots to each family the same week. He follows

their high school sports teams and attends courts of honor when one

achieves Eagle Scout. He listens, he advises. He returns stray pets,

drops off souvenirs, buys whatever a child is selling at his front

door and calls each one by their right name. He’s taught them how to

get up on two wheels and in some cases how to stay grounded on four.

Geoff smiles with pride at the achievements and growth of every kid

on the block as though they were his own.

Our neighborhood is a better place to live because of Geoff West.

If it takes a village, we’re sure glad Geoff lives in ours.

THE NORMANDIN FAMILY: JIM, PEGGY,

FRANKIE, NICK AND CHARLIE

*

Daddy, you are so special because you love Team Angels, play Go

Fish and go on walks with us, tell us Cinderella bedtime stories and

make yummy pancakes for breakfast. You’re the best dad in the whole

world.

Love Your Girls,

SOPHIE B. AND SADIE JANE BEAZLEY

*

We love you dad! You’re the best!

Love,

DOMINIC AND DAVID LOFTUS

*

My father Michael Howarth is the person who I look up to. He is

the person who has taught me so much about life and the challenges

that I will have to face. My dad and I are like best friends; he is

there when I need him, and I am there to help him whenever I can. My

father and I are very involved in the boating industry. There hasn’t

been one day that has passed that I have not called him to find out

how our new boat is coming along. The common goals and similarities

that we share are the reasons that we have such a strong

relationship. I know that this may be a small gift for my father for

Father’s Day, but it’s the least I can do to tell him that I love

him. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

BARRETT HOWARTH

*

You are the best. You make me very happy, you are a great chess

player and barbecuer. I am very proud to be your son.

Love,

BRYCE

*

You are the greatest dad ever!! You always want to hear how my day

went and what I learned. You also always have an effective solution

to all of my problems. I love you very much and will forever!!

SHAYE

*

You are the best dad possible! I am very proud to be a daddy’s

girl! Dad, you mean everything to me. You have taught me from right

and wrong and how to solve my own problems! I know I can always count

on you to be there for me, and I will love you forever.

PANDADEMONIUM (AMANDA)

*

Our dad is awesome, and we love him very much. He unselfishly

gives his time to make us happy. An example of this was when he took

us to Wango Tango even though it was his birthday. He rearranges his

schedule to attend Little League baseball games and constantly

encourages us to do the very best we can in school, sports and life.

He is always there to help us with school work and sports. He is an

excellent role model, and we love him very much. Happy Father’s Day,

Daddy!

ASHLEY AND SKYLAR JACOBS

*

We feel our dad is the best dad in the world because he is so

cool, fun and acts like a kid. If there was a Best Dad in the World

Award, we would definitely give him that award any day of the week!

Our dad has coached us for many years in soccer and basketball and

has sacrificed many hours, sweat and tears for us. He never misses

important events in each of our lives. He is a police officer in Los

Angeles and we feel that it is a very important job, so that also

makes him our hero. We love you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day.

MARLENA, JEFFREY AND SARA HAMILTON

*

My dad is truly an inspiration to me. His warm smile, frequent

laugh and candid jokes are only a few of the exceptional qualities

that make up my dad. He is always encouraging and supportive of

anything I strive to achieve. “Never Give Up” is a frequent motto of

his. From the time he taught me to tie my shoes to the time I

graduated from college, I have and still uphold this motto in

everything I do.

Throughout my life, he has gone above and beyond to make me the

person he believed I could be. While in college, he not only read my

entire accounting book to help me with homework but also read every

speech and essay I wrote. When he couldn’t be there for me, he’d send

me encouraging e-mails about how much he loved me.

In my mind, my dad is a success. Not only has he succeeded in

business but also has succeeded in building a strong, supportive

family out of love, faith and trust. From bike rides to the beach,

Sunday rides in the car, backyard barbecue dinners, world-class

vacations (similar to National Lampoon Vacation movies) and laughing

our heads off at ridiculous jokes ... no other father in the world is

comparable.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I love you!

MICHELLE DUCLETT

*

I love my daddy. You are hurt and I will always love you and take

care of you.

MEGAN KEYS

Dad,

I love you! You make me laugh all day long. You’re the best dad

ever! Thank you for supporting me.

PAGE KEYS

*

* EDITOR’S NOTE: The following are letters sent by third-graders

in Pat McLaughlin’s class at Mariners Elementary.

What makes my dad special is him. What we both like to do is go to

father/daughter dances. Sometimes we will watch a DVD or play

GameCube. I like him because he’s my dad and he teaches me stuff. He

loves to teach me card games. Sometimes he’ll buy a DVD or a game or

a GameCube game. I think my dad is really cool.

ANNA NEWMAN

My dad is great because he is playful, and he is crazy. He usually

plays “freeze tag” with me and my sister at the beach. My dad is

always happy when I get good grades but not when I do something bad.

My dad is great. My dad is fun at my birthday because he says, “Here,

smell your cake,” then he smashes my face in the cake. That’s why I

like my dad.

OLIVIA TADDEO

What makes my dad so great is each morning, right before school

and right before he goes to Starbucks, he always asks if I want

something. I say, “Yeah, I want a caramel mochiata.” When he comes

back, he gives me my caramel mochiata. Also, once when I was 5 or 6,

he took me to the baseball diamond, and right before we went home, he

had a tennis ball and asked if he could go to the mound and pitch it

fast. When he pitched it fast, I just smacked it. When I got the ball

back, it was broken. It’s fun being with my dad.

JOSH FABER

Father’s Day is when you have a fun day with your dad. My dad

likes to watch the Angels games with me. He likes to coach me. He

likes to play catch at my baseball games. He likes me to go to work

with him. He likes to play basketball. He likes to swim with me. He

likes to take me to Boomers to let me hit in the cage. That’s what is

fun with my dad.

STEVEN DUHOUX

My dad is great because he always helps me with my homework when I

need help, and he coached me for softball, and we won first place. My

dad helps me with tests and is always by my side when I need him. To

me, my dad is my guardian angel. My dad and I are best friends. We

always do things together. Each and every day my dad works the best.

If I had to judge him and you could only go to 10, I’d give him a 10.

I love my dad a lot, and I know he loves me too. My dad is the best

dad that there could ever be.

KENZIE LUDES

What makes my dad so great is that he takes time out of work to

help me with softball. If I need help on a project, he’s the person

in my family to ask. I think my dad is so great because I know he

always will love me. I hope everyone in the world knows my great dad.

When my dad goes away, I always miss him and wish he was home.

Sometimes my dad is over-protecting, but I just think he’s trying to

make sure I’m safe. That is why my dad is so great.

CAROLINE GRAHAM

My dad is outstanding. I think he is the best dad in the world. He

really likes to play rough with me. He likes to eat a lot of Italian

food. He likes playing golf a lot. My dad is sort of carefree. That

is what makes my dad so great.

BRITTANY WALKER

My dad is so great because he plays with me. He watches TV and

movies with me, and he is fun to be around. What me and my dad do

together is play street hockey, go to hockey games and go to fun

places. My dad’s the best, and I love him.

MACKENZIE DAFFERNER

My dad is sooooooooooooooo great! I love my dad cause he is great,

and he loves me. He is so loving and generous. He always makes me

laugh. We laugh a lot together. My dad is always loving. I think my

dad is the best dad in the world ‘cause he is always there and he is

friendly. He tucks me in and we say our prayers together. We do that

every single night. I love my dad.

MOLLIE FRIEND

My dad is so great. He is the best dad in the world. I love it

when we wrestle together and when he tickles me. He is the nicest and

best dad in the world. He never fights with anyone in our family. He

is always nice, kind, always happy and loving. I love him taking me

out for ice cream and hot chocolate. I love playing with him. My dad

is great, and I love him very, very much.

HAILEY SMITH

My dad is so great. He is the best dad in the universe. My dad’s

name is Doug Meyers. He is also great because he taught me how to

play baseball when I was 5, and he takes me to baseball games. Ever

since he taught me how to play ball, that was the only sport I’ve

loved. I love him because he is fun, generous, cool, exciting,

awesome and the best.

JAKE MEYERS

Father’s Day is a time I have fun with my dad. On Father’s Day, I

will give my dad presents. Fathers usually go to work, and my dad

does too. I think Father’s Day is a day to have fun. Some dads know

how to help their children. My dad helps me have fun. This Father’s

Day will be special because I am having doughnuts with Dad.

CATHARINE GLAAB

My dad is great when he plays sports with me. Also when he is

great is when he’s helping me. But, he’s always nice to me. I like my

dad because he’s nice, athletic, fun, funny, cool, awesome, rad and

happy. My dad is the only one who can teach me how to play sports

because he’s left-handed. This is why my dad is the greatest.

CHASE WHITING

Father’s Day is a day to honor your dad. On Father’s Day, I’ll

surprise my dad. Father’s Day is right before my dad’s birthday!

Sometimes, fathers annoy their kids. Fathers usually work. Father’s

Day presents are like pictures. I think Father’s Day should honor

dads. June is a good month for Father’s Day because it’s my dad’s

b-day. Some dads know how to play football. This Father’s Day will be

good.

DANIEL STEVENS

What makes my dad special is he knows computer stuff, and he helps

me with it, and he knows a lot about computers. He taught me how to

use a computer and to use a certain disc for the computer. He is

really busy, but he drives me to and from school every day. That is

what makes my dad special.

SHAWN TRIEU

What makes my dad so great? On Father’s Day, I am going to bring

my dad to school. Father’s Day comes on June 20, 2004. My dad can be

funny. Usually he tickles me. I like to give my dad hugs. I think

Father’s Day should be about togetherness. Every day is Father’s Day

with my dad. My father knows about cars. This Father’s Day will be a

good day.

JOSHUAH BURNSTINE

My dad is the best. My dad designs transmitters. My dad is the

best because he takes me to So-Cal. My dad is great because we go to

the desert and launch rockets. My dad is the best.

CONNOR MULLIN

*

Dad,

During the past 18 years, you have guided me with your wisdom and

love and supported me in everything that I’ve done. From the fun

times at Indian Princesses to cheering me on during swimming and

water polo, you have been a constant encouragement and inspiration.

Thank you for helping me become the person I am today. I love you,

Streaking Bear.

LITTLE CUB, KELLIE KLINE

*

Happy Father’s Day. We love you, Daddy.

WILL AND ALEX PATTERSON

*

Remembering Dad on Father’s Day

He’s 80 years young

And still such fun

He gives joy to his grandchildren every day

Provides them with a home, guidance, love and in his gentle way

He is a model of a man whose life has been led

On a path of kindness, thinking always of those he can help ahead

An example of that “greatest generation”

He served in war to help this nation

And on this special day

We are honored to say

His family loves him in each and every way.

CHERYL FERREE, ART HANSEN JUNIOR AND TYRA DEMATEIS

*

Dad, I love you. You’re the best dad in the world! You’re the

coolest father in the universe and the funniest!

Love,

MIKEY

*

My dad is the best. He’s No. 1!. He loves me, I love him (and

that’s better than 1 million trophies). His love means the world to

me.

CHRISTINA LUGO

*

Our daddy is so much fun. He always has enough energy to get down

on the floor and wrestle with us. He is never too tired to read

bedtime stories. He always answers all of our questions. He is very

patient, and he is a great teacher. We think he is the best daddy in

the whole world. We love you Daddy!

With love,

AMANDA AND BENJAMIN KLARIN

*

Dear Dad,

Happy Father’s Day! I love you Daddy. Thank you for helping me

when I fall off my bike. You make me feel better when I’m hurt. I

like going camping with you and helping you make a campfire. I love

Studebakers too!!!

Love,

EMILY

P.S. Cam and Mom send their love too.

*

My dad, Danny K Dunbar:

I could brag about my dad’s accomplishments: his ability to build

and repair just about anything, the notable people and amazing events

he’s witnessed or his expansive knowledge of electronics or steam

engines. But it’s his character that I’d like to boast about. My

father is a complete gentleman. He makes time for his family and

neighbors, giving support and always helping gladly with his time and

talents. He’s taught me a lot about selflessness. Even though he has

strong opinions about things, I’ve always felt he’s capable of

reexamining them. He’s shown me the value of ethics. He’s the hardest

working and most disciplined man I’ve ever met, and yet he’s relaxed

and always ready to enjoy life. He takes care of himself but isn’t

totally self-absorbed.

My dad has made enormous sacrifices for me. Once, he traveled

halfway around the world to help me out. He never gave up on me no

matter what I got myself into. His smile and encouragement are always

ready.

I’m expecting my first child in a few months, and recently I’ve

been thinking about the way I was raised and what it takes to be a

good father. He’s a great role model, and I feel fortunate to be his

son.

Thanks for everything, Dad.

SPENCER DUNBAR

*

There is not another dad like you in the world. We love you so

much. You are the best dad ever. You are handsome. You are the nicest

dad because you play with us, and you are funny. You make us feel

safe and we like spending time with you. You do a lot of fun things

with us like bike riding, going to the beach and watching movies.

Thank you for being such a great dad. Happy Father’s Day.

Love,

KAILEN AND JOSHUA

*

Dear Daddy.

I love you, Daddy. I love you because you hug me lots and lots. I

love feeding the iguanas with you in Mexico.

SYDNEY SHARF

Sydney and I love playing at the park with you. You’re the best

daddy in the world.

SIENA SHARF

*

My husband is Matt West. He is such a great father to our

children, Ryan and Taylor. But he doesn’t think so. He’s great with

all kids, from coaching them in baseball to soccer. He is a caring

kind of guy and loves to do a lot with is family and friends he

meets. That is why I say he is such a great father and husband.

JULIET WEST

*

Dad, we love you! You helped teach us how to read and learn about

the wonderful adventures in books. You have worked on our math

problems with us, and you have introduced us to the great music of

the Beatles. We hope we have taught you a thing or two. Happy

Father’s Day.

BRIAN AND MEGAN MORICCA

*

To my father,

Thank you for teaching me to dance to the sounds of Ray Charles

and Benny Goodman. Thank you for teaching me how to ski so that I can

follow in your tracks. Thank you for lending a hand when I need help.

There is no problem that you can’t solve, and no project is too

difficult. But mostly I want to thank you for being you, my father.

It’s so special that I can share you with my children, and we will be

there for you.

Love,

MICHELLE MORICCA

*

The top 10 reasons our dad, Jim Wood, is the best

10. He plays hockey with us.

9. He takes us surfing and for a “surfer’s breakfast” at the

beach.

8. He reads us stories and snuggles at bedtime.

7. He takes us to the skateboard park.

6. He is the chief of our Navajo Indian Guides tribe.

5. He takes us to Catalina and knee-boarding on our boat.

4. He fixed up our Sabot for the summer.

3. He goes dirt biking with us.

2. He takes us to Wienerschnitzel.

And the No. 1 reason our dad is the best ...

1. He bought us a puppy for our birthdays!

TREY AND TYLER WOOD

*

We love you, Papa!

You always make us laugh and play,

You are soo happy every day.

We love your songs, though kind of crazy,

Mommy says you’re never lazy.

You work so hard and get little rest,

For this we think you are the best!

Love,

CODY AND KATIE HESS

*

This spring, I began my “dream” job as a first-grade school

teacher. I love the children, the work environment and could not be

happier. Happy Father’s Day to the man whose love and support made it

all possible. I love you, Papa.

CHRISTINA KANELAS

*

My dad is special because he takes me on Fox Tribe trips. My dad

went in the water with me to catch some waves. I love my dad because

he loves me.

ASHLEY WINE

*

Love, laughter and time -- the three greatest gifts, and the three

things our dad gives us every day. We know we are the most important

things in his life. He is never too tired or too busy to spend time

with us and will never forget that. So today, Dad, it is all about

you -- all our time, lots of laughter and all our love.

RJ AND CASSIE D’CRUZ

*

To John Park, “Pa Pa”

You have been such an example of strength and courage to us both.

Your love, wisdom and support in our daily lives through your actions

has spoken to us more than your words. Your kindness and grace in

doing our endless laundry, barbecuing awesome dinners and just

holding down the fort is why in our hearts we honor and salute you on

this Father’s Day, with a big “Thanks Pa Pa” and a huge “We love

you.”

JEN AND TAY

*

Two generations of dads:

We thank you for all you do for us. You spend a lifetime making

sure that we are taken care of and that we make the right decisions.

For all you’ve done for us, you are appreciated. We hope that this

year will bring good luck, good times and, most of all, good health.

Happy Father’s Day.

JANICE AND RILEY

*

We love our daddy because he plays with us a lot and does

everything with us we like to do. He is funny and silly. He makes up

funny jokes, like when it’s time to clean up he says “don’t forget

the elephant” all the time. We like him. He makes it fun when he

washes us. We wave out the window to him, and he takes us places. And

he lets us ride bikes and play computer.

ZEKE AND WULFI SERAPHIN

*

My dad is so great because he takes me to the river, and he takes

me to the beach, and he takes me to swimming pools, and he takes me

to see horses, too (those are my favorite!).

I love my daddy very much.

HANNAH MITCHELL

*

All three of us love our dad and think he’s the greatest.

“I love daddy because he always makes me laugh,” 5-year-old

Natalie says.

“He’s always there for us,” said 10-year-olds Francesca and

Jackie.

He’s the best at making us all laugh, and he’s so much fun. All of

us have a blast in the summertime when we’re in Argentina or skiing

in Mammoth in the winter. He’s an awesome soccer coach, and he

teaches us soccer. He coached the Daily Pilot Cup, and we had a great

time. Everyone loved him.

Our daddy loves us, and we love him.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad.

Love,

FRANCESCA, JACKIE AND NATALIE CAPPELLINI

*

My dad, Steven Wigley, is great because he travels all over the

world teaching people how to do ocean rescues. A lot of people are

alive because of my dad’s training. He’s great because he is a really

fast swimmer and he always stays in shape, which makes me want to

stay in shape and be good in sports, too. He’s great because he’s

strict, but he’s fair about things. He teaches me about ethical

stuff, like keeping my word and making a contract I have to stick to.

My dad makes me mad sometimes, but I love him more than anything

else.

Love,

COLIN WIGLEY