[AT] Lost my Dad

[Louis]

Rob,

I am sorry about your loss.  My dad passed away right after Christmas
this past year.  It is a tough loss for anyone.  

Lou

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Rob Wilson
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2009 10:54 PM
To: 'Antique tractor email discussion group'
Subject: [AT] Lost my Dad


Well guys the man that inspired my interest in tractors and all things
rural has passed from this life. My Dad was only 74 and taken too soon.
It was him that introduced me to farming and "old" things when I was a
youth and him that later rekindled that interest when he introduced me
to Gene Dotson. I had my Grandpa's first tractor he ever bought a
dilapidated 1944 Allis-Chalmers C with a belly mounted sickle mower that
my Grandma gave me when she moved off the farm. Probably thinking I was
the only one that would save it but unfortunately it sat outside under a
tarp for far too many years. For Gene that restored it it was the worst
looking parts tractor he's ever seen. With a lot of prodding from my Dad
and a great deal of work and tons more generosity from Gene the C sprang
to life. I was so proud of "my" tractor and my Dad was too he cried at
seeing it restored after all those years of sitting. It had been 50
longs years since my Dad had taken a ride on the old C when on a
Father's day about five years ago he took her for a ride around my
backyard. My Grandma was there to see it too and she too had a tear in
her eye seeing it a color other than rust and actually running. He told
me stories of driving it to the neighbor's farm to watch the Saturday
night wrestling and driving home in the dark with the C's headlamps
leading the way. I want to take this time to openly thank my Dad for all
he did and thank Gene for making my Dad so happy. For all you guys out
there that have lost your Dad's you probably know exactly how I feel and
for all you guys who's Dad is still around do me and yourself a favor.
Next time you see him give him a big hug and tell him how much he means
to you and how much you love him. Someday you won't be able to. 
Thanks for listening
Rob Wilson son of Larry Wilson
_______________________________________________
AT mailing list http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at