What your Dad taught you,

[Jim C.]

Pretty much everything... And I'm still picking up a lot of good stuff from him all the time.
At 82, he's still a great spouse, father, friend, and man.

Jim C.

 

[kurtboyd]

My father has taught me too much to list. He was a high rigger in the boilermakers union until I was age 5, then started his own business "Sunland Off Road Specialties". I grew up around desert racing. After that, he worked as a CPA and a commercial real-estate agent. He and I were together in the bar business for 15 years. Had two places.

He has taught me many things concerning everyday life; how to treat myself and others, marriage, animals, business.

- Taught me fab work.
- How to be successful in small business.
- Taxes
- How to cook like a madman.
- always question things, especially authority.
- Think for myself.

A few quotes from him :

"You never stumble across anything sitting on your ***"
"Beware of educated idiots"
"There's no replacement for displacement"



My folks are retired now and I they spend a lot of time traveling. I don't see them as much as I would like to, but I communicate with my father a few times a week. He's 67 and has heart trouble. I can't begin to imagine what life will be like when he's gone.

 

[GLHFriends]

Hate to bump an old thread, but its Fathers day and all. My dad taught me how to man up and face the consequences of my actions. Miss you Dad.

 

[ddawg16]

Hate to bump an old thread, but its Fathers day and all. My dad taught me how to man up and face the consequences of my actions. Miss you Dad.

And what he taught you will serve you well in life

 

[gtae07]

Quotes that stuck around:
"Use the right tool for the job"
"If you don't have time to do it right, you certainly don't have time to do it over"
"Prior preparation prevents piss-poor performance"

He also taught me:
-The value of getting up early
-The value of being on time (i.e. early)
-The foundation of my mechanical skills
-How to fly formation
-How to sail
-How to be a dad and be there for your kids
-Much, much more

Thanks, Dad!

 

[MushCreek]

Sadly, the main thing I learned from my father was, 'Don't smoke'. He smoked 3 packs of non-filters a day, and died at 46. I was 12.

 

[PelicanPines]

He taught me humor ....

 

[drs3317]

I was about 11 years old when my father was trying to repair a lawn mower with the limited tools he could afford to own at the time. He got so frustrated because he could not make the needed repair without a tool he did not have. I still remember him looking at me saying, "Boy, you better buy all the tools you need before you get married." Although it was good advise at the time, fifty years later I am still buying tools.

 

[dadsEH]

My dad taught me everything I know.....but not everything he knew.

 

[dodge610]

Dad taught me to be kind to others, question authority as mentioned before. As far as skills electrical,mechanical,patience(that one hasnt stuck unfortunely). And how to get by in lean times Miss you Dad. Learn all you can they are taken from us way too soon.

 

[APEowner]

Just because you've gotten away with something in the past doesn't mean that it was a good idea.

 

[PelicanPines]

Here is a twist... did you notice "how your dad did something"... was not right... and you now do it correctly???

In other words... have you learned from your father's mistakes???

I can truly say... HELL YES. For some reason... I distinctly remember the disasters and what caused them.

 

[AldeanFan]

Number one thing I got from my dad is don't be a 90%er.
Always see a job through to the end no matter what


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lassen Forge]

My daddy taught me that getting your hands dirty won't kill you, and you can do pretty much anything you set your mind to. Also taught me that doing mechanical stuff was fun, and THAT changed my life irreparably, and I believe, much for the better.

Oh yeah - probably the biggest - he taught me that there are people who will stand by and watch a disaster unfold from the sidelines and do nothing (deer in the headlights style), and there are people who will jump in, respond to, and fix the disaster... and he taught me to be one of the latter, not the former. Like... Don't just stand there in fear with your hands in your pockets staring ... DO SOMETHING, DAMNIT!

That not only changed my life, it no doubt saved a few as well.

 

[jimreed2160]

The best piece you get is the one you cut from the scrap pile. And the best scrap pile is niblets and sawdust.

 

[jimreed2160]

Here is a twist... did you notice "how your dad did something"... was not right... and you now do it correctly???

In other words... have you learned from your father's mistakes???

I can truly say... HELL YES. For some reason... I distinctly remember the disasters and what caused them.

Why yes. Like how it is good to sharpen chisels and plane blades. All of my dad's hand tools had factory edges on them.

 

[Benzlover]

I hope I learned enough from him...my dad died of cancer just two and a half weeks ago on May 30 at the age of 68. I was with him the whole week he could spend at home after 4 weeks of hospital stay, 24hrs/day. He wanted to go home for his last journey and my aunt, my fiance and myself did everything we could to comfort him in the last days of his life here on earth.

Miss you Dad...

 

[isb cornbinder]

When I dropped out of school in grade 10, Dad enrolled me in an apprenticeship for the sheetmetal trade, so as he said, " So I don't embarrass the family." Dad offered to kill me if I failed to arrive at the trade school on time on day one.
I was there early and so was Dad. I thank my father for seeing something in me that I did not. The trades have been good to me.
Another piece of good advice I got from Dad was, "Don't tell you mother." Dad said, "The best way to give up *** is to get married,"
If Dad were still alive, he would be 101 this November. Dad died in 1989.

 

[6768rogues]

My dad taught me to be self sufficient. He also said that fools names and fools faces always appear in public places.
He died in 2009; I think of him every day.

 

[6768rogues]

I hope I learned enough from him...my dad died of cancer just two and a half weeks ago on May 30 at the age of 68. I was with him the whole week he could spend at home after 4 weeks of hospital stay, 24hrs/day. He wanted to go home for his last journey and my aunt, my fiance and myself did everything we could to comfort him in the last days of his life here on earth.

Miss you Dad...

So sorry to hear of your recent loss. My wife's father has cancer and the prognosis is not good. We just traveled to Georgia last week to see him, perhaps for the last time.

 

[wasfuzz]

My Dad died when I was 4 yrs old and do not have much memory of him. My Step-Dad on the other had taught me how to be a great father - just do the opposite of him, what a pri*k he was. Keep your mouth shut and stay out of reach of him! He comited sucide when I was in 9th grade, never shed a tear and he ruined the best 7mm Mauser deer rifle I have seen in doing it.

 

[matt_i]

So many things, amongst them, to be able to put in a 16 hour day, get up and do it again tomorrow. He taught me to respect every person no matter what their occupation or education level, until they gave you good reason not to. He also taught me how to think about design. He'd draw up a cabinet system and say I wanted this to have this feature or house this thing so I made it like this, and he'd rattle off 10 or 12 of these little details. He was a hard guy when you were out of line (usually not listening ), but it was never abusive, it was always for a legit reason.

 

[Zeke]

Drink and spend money.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

My day taught me how to work hard, lay bricks and operate a business taking over his good name in construction

Because of that i have always made good money and never worked a dead end job


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Scott H in Wheaton]

Browsed through all 10 pages and surprised I didn't find this one:

1. Lord loves a working man
2. Don't trust whitey
3. See a doctor and get rid of it

 

[coljar]

My dad taught me how to try. Try doing things you don't know how to do. Dad self taught himself how to do some things he couldn't afford to pay someone else to do. I love you Dad. Happy Father's Day. You've been gone 30 years this past June 9th.

 

[Lunker]

Dad got sick with Brain Cancer when I was about 6/7 never recovered. Passed when I was 16 but spent about 10 years in a VA hospital. I'd visit him but it was not a normal father/son relationship. Im now 42.

Growing up was tough with money so I guess I can thank my Dad for my current business hustle and thriftyness. Also I love to fish. Did have some good memories of my dad when I was very young taking me fishing.

Anything I've learned: home repair, engine repair etc. was all self taught.

 

[like2wheel]

To detest alcoholics.
Long gone (Age 54) and seldom thought of and never missed.
What a waste.

Exactly the same here.
Are you my brother?

 

[Throbbin Rods]

May Dad worked 4 days a week driving truck for Nabisco, then worked Friday and Saturday cutting trees with his buddy. He had dropped out of school and joined the Army on his 17th birthday and went to Korea. He never missed a concert, ball game, scouting ceremony or anything else. One of the things I remember most was when I was playing Little League baseball. Dad always came straight to the games on his way home, then to the plan to turn in his truck and money. He showed up this day dripping wet. Turns out when he drover across the bridge from Vermont into New Hampshire a young man waved him down and said his buddy was drowning. Dad took off his pants with the days take and receipts, took off his t shirt and ran down the bank, jumped and swam out to rescue this guy. Kid tried to climb on Dad but he pushed him off and told him to grab the t shirt. Dad swam him to shore and checked him out. By this time a crowd had gathered, and the old man was in his tighty whiteys and nothing else. He ran for the truck, got dressed and headed over to my game like nothing happened. We found out later that week when the kid came to the house to thank Dad again that he was a family friend!
Dad never missed one of our band concerts, plays or anything else. I learned from him that you can be as brave as you need to at the moment. I also learned my work ethic from Dad. I learned that you don't miss your kids' events no matter what. I used to work like crazy on any project he gave me to earn his respect. I still do and he died 5 years ago.

 

[ddawg16]

Originally Posted by bczygan View Post
To detest alcoholics.
Long gone (Age 54) and seldom thought of and never missed.
What a waste.

Exactly the same here.
Are you my brother?

I'm grateful my dad was the opposite. Didn't drink, quit smoking when I was about 10. I was very close to him.....even though I was not his biological son.

In your cases, he did teach you one thing....not to be an alcoholic. Hard way to learn it, but I have no doubts you will be a better father to your kids than he was to you.

Some men are destined to be great dads....others, well....I wish I knew the answer.

 

[Makoto]

1. Fear the Lord
2. You can do anything you put your mind to.

 

[ScottsGT]

Just found this thread. Only read page one. Maybe I'll go back, but until then I'll add mine.

Dad was a career Military man. 30 Years in the USAF. Didn't spend much time with us as young adults (teenagers) when we were ready to learn. When he did, it was forced learning. Like as in, "We're adding on to the house. Get your damned hammer and gloves and get your *** out here now." Years later after retirement, he was a different man I knew growing up. I was still gun shy to be around him and avoided him due to the past history of growing up in his house. He brought home his work, and he was a CMSgt that took no **** off anyone. He was also the NCOIC. (Non Commissioned Officer In Charge) of his unit.

But what I remember from Dad....

1) Learn to do it yourself because I have no idea and cannot help.

2) Play with ****, get fucked. (pardon the language, it was dads words not mine)

Number one has taught me to be self sufficient. Most people need help/assistance with the average job around the house. I learned how to do most things myself and I find myself uncomfortable when others try to help. Yea, I was the guy hanging sheetrock on the ceiling by balancing it on my head and getting a half dozen screws in to hold it up so I can finish the job.

Number two kept me out of trouble. Sounded abrupt, but it always make me think of the consequences of what I'm about to get into. Whether it be working on something or a social situation. Modern/family friendly terminology would be "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes."

 

[Finky198]

My Father taught many things but most importantly he showed me the qualities it takes to be a real man. I'm sure others can relate to these too. Here are just a few....

Confidence......to believe in myself, not only that you can do what you set out to do, but that you already are what you need to be (even if on the outside it doesn't yet show.)

Courage....... to do what is necessary without showing weakness (even if I'm scared to death.) The courage to look at myself and others honestly. To not fear failure.

Responsibility.....to take responsibility for my actions and the consequences. To not be a victim. Be who you really are intended to be - a leader and victor.

Discipline.....to take charge of my life and what goes on in it. Carry out and complete goals.

Honesty, Integrity, and Kindness....to be honest with myself and others. Hold myself to the highest of standards. Find the fine line between kindness and honesty when necessary. Sometimes, one is more important than the other. Be kind and gentle toward women, children, and the elderly.

Put women on a pedestal. REAL men treat all women with respect and dignity. Most of today's young men don't seem to have a clue about opening a door, giving up their seat, pulling out a chair.

Listen..... We have two ears and one mouth for good reason. We are supposed to be doing twice as much listening as speaking.

Defend the Weak.......Protect and provide for your family and anyone who is being unfairly attacked. Stand tall, stand proud, stand firm against the oppressor.

Inspire.....Real men inspire others and those around him to become the best they can be and never forces through submission. Encourage others gently and not just with words but by your actions.

Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you say your gonna do something than do it ..... damn it. A man is only as good as his word and handshake.

Pride.....be proud of your family and loved ones. You reap what you sow and never be too scared to say I love you.

I'm sure there are many more.....these came to mind first.

I read this a few times, extremely well written
Much of what I've learned over the years... From both my mother and father.

My fathers line that I'll never forget "Pain is weakness leaving the body".

 

[flat350]

To detest alcoholics.
Long gone (Age 54) and seldom thought of and never missed.
What a waste.

me too!

 

[R. Deschain]

Lots! But in relation to work:

1. Carpenters don't bend nails
2. If you do not have time to do it right, how are you going to find the time to do it all over the right way?
3. Keep moving.
4. Lots of thin coats are better than one thick one

 

[jimreed2160]

How about a tip from mom? My mom gave me some great career advice:

"Son, be sure to get a job where they have air conditioning."

I followed her advice and worked successfully in IT for over 40 years.

 

[thool]

Way too many to list, but my mechanical knowledge was reinforced when him and I were working in the garage one winter when I was about 6 years old. He had an old snowblower that stopped working in forward, but reverse was fine. It was an old modular machine (Bradley, or some guy's name) with 2 drive shafts. I saw the similarity and suggested swapping them so that the good reverse could drive it forward. We still talk about it today.

The other tidbits include: saving appliance boxes so you have something to lay down on when crawling under cars, using the right tool and cleaning it off, keeping old nuts/bolts/washers, using gloves, sharpening spade shovels, purging water from a hose after shutting it off, venting a gas can before opening it, check oil levels, always buy a little more than you need, kill wasp nests at night...

And most importantly: how to plunge a drain!

 

[TalonFE]

Attention to detail....measure. Measure. Then measure again.

Take care of family, regardless of tasks required. Be faithful, wife and kids come
1st....always.

Honest men prosper even when times are hard.

"Boy...I'd rather drive a Ford Falcon and eat T-Bone steak every night that drive a Cadillac and eat beans for dinner"

 

[Gerald O]

....

 

[Taildragger]

The job isn't done until you clean up your tools and PUT THEM BACK!
Boy, was that pounded into me. I learned it fast too because he had some awesome
tools and I didn't want to be banned from them!
Also, if one man built it another man can fix it.