For every family life event, our man was always there
Mild-mannered, modest, he was a man of little fanfare
Important events or small ones, significant or not
When called he never hesitated or gave it a thought
Births, graduations, marriages or even death
He was a family man to his very last breath
He gave freely of his time, we didn’t need to ask
Marrying our household, he proved up to the task
After bachelorhood he found life was rich and whole
Of all responsibilities, family man was his prized role
Always our booster, this kind soul and generous heart
His support provided each of us with a stronger start
He had no visible super powers, just head of our clan
He was rescuer so often, he might have been Batman
His absence is large, but his legacy is immense
A very genuine man, totally without pretense
He was the stabilizing force for our family circus
So we celebrate his life and what he meant to us
Now, your work is done, rest peaceful in that comfy chair
The husband, father, grandpa, the man who was always there
As family we raise a glass in salute to him
This time, let us be the ones to applaud
Happy 85th Birthday