Parents are a child’s earliest teachers, imparting wisdom beginning in childhood and continuing throughout life. Though a child goes on to learn a variety of topics in school, it’s often the lessons learned from their mothers and fathers that leave the most lasting impression.
Be it driving a car, baiting a hook, how to be polite and responsible, how to love or be compassionate, the lessons learned from Dear Old Dad leave a lasting impression for all of us. The following are the responses of adult children when asked “What did you learn from your father?”
Roger Chouteau
Lisa Wark, of Mapleton, said her father taught her the value of strong work ethics and that it’s always good to give it your all, no matter what the job at hand and that it’s important to take pride in all you do.
“My Dad taught me that any job you have, as long as you give 110 percent, you should hold your head up and be proud. He told us to ‘work your hardest, be honest and love your family and you can never go wrong,’” said Wark, who comes from a large but very close family.
“He had nine kids and went to school and worked in a potato house without a car. He got up early and walked. He was the hardest working man I have ever known,” Wark said.
Burton Tompkins Jr.
Kim Lauritsen, of Presque Isle, said she learned how to treat others — people and animals — among other things, from her dad.
“My first lessons from my Dad were kindness, compassion and empathy. He would never hesitate to help another being in need, whether human or animal,” said Lauritsen.
She said her father was very knowledgeable and had many interests he shared with her over the years.
“He was an author, teacher, builder and dreamer. He started the Alternate Energy Program at what was them NMVTI (Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute — now Northern Maine Community College). He grew hydroponic vegetables, kept bees and educated the public on caring for the Earth long before it was popular,” Lauritsen said.
Dr. Ramon Salumbides
Laya Salumbides Martin-Tardy, of Nebraska, shared her father’s inspiring tale of how hard work and determination pays off. She said his dedication and commitment to making a better life for him and his family have inspired her and her siblings to be the best that they can be.
“My father was an immigrant from the Philippines. He came to this country with less than $200 and hope for a better life. The parents he left behind were amazing people. My grandfather was the dean of engineering at UP and my grandmother was an English teacher. Still, it was a hard life in a country where, without the right name, there was little hope of making a real living regardless of education and work experience,” said Salumbides Martin-Tardy, whose husband, Jason Martin-Tardy, is originally from Easton.
Once he arrived in the U.S., she said he immediately set out to find a way to put himself through school.
“Between the cities of Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City, he put himself through school, earned his citizenship and became a neurosurgeon, eventually setting up his own practice in Nebraska. He worked hard — still does. And he appreciates the opportunity that he has to do so,” she said.
“This quality was reflected in what he taught me, my brother and my sister. ‘The wonderful thing about this country,’ he would say, ‘is that it doesn’t matter if you’re a janitor, meat packer, whatever … if you are making an honest living, you can look anyone in the eye with no shame.’ That’s how I work. That’s how I live. Status means nothing. Strength of character, courage of heart and kindness to your fellow man — these are values that I hold near and dear, and I will for the rest of my life. I am grateful for the lessons my father taught me,” Salumbides Martin-Tardy said.
James McCarty I
James McCarty II, of Washburn, and his sister, Cindy Brooker, of Monticello, recalled lessons they learned from their father.
“Dad taught me to always tell the truth and that respect is earned,” said McCarty.
“James’ father — my stepdad — taught me more than my own father. He’d sit me on his lap and taught me to drive. He showed me how to build things. He did a lot for me,” said Brooker.
Al Silver
Billie Brodsky, of Presque Isle, said unconditional love and respect were lessons learned from her father.
“My Dad loved his family unconditionally and through his actions taught me to be honest and respect others and myself. He also taught me to bait a hook with a wiggly worm!” said Brodsky.
George Ferland
James “Jim” Ferland, former Presque Isle police chief and state Medical Examiner, of Sidney, learned kindness and responsibility from his dad.
“He told me to be kind and don’t hurt other people — to take responsibility for my own actions. He also suggested that I hold my breath when swimming under water. Dad was a gem and I miss him every day,” said Ferland.
Francis Carr
Sue McPherson, of Westfield, said her father taught her many things, including how to dance.
“My Dad taught my sister and I how to step dance. He was taught by his father. We performed with our dad every year from the age of 7 up, in a variety show in Monticello held as a community event with many performers with many hometown talents. It was an annual fundraiser for the Wellington Elementary School that held grades 1-5; grades 6-8 I believe was housed at the grade school up the street,” said McPherson. “He also taught us the importance of love, discipline and education.”
“He called it the ‘school of hard knocks.’ His and my Mom’s voice are still in my head when circumstances happen,” McPherson said.
Reggie Shaw
Dixie Shaw, of Presque Isle, who serves as director of the Catholic Charities food distribution service in Aroostook, comes by the idea of sharing naturally — having learned that lesson early from her father.
“Dad was 16 when I was born and he and my Mom have been married 60 years — and they said it wouldn’t last!” said Shaw.
“My Dad taught me to share. He said ‘when you go outside with a cookie, you share it with whoever is out there.’ My Dad grew up during hard times and war time and some things were scarce, like fresh bananas and candy. My Dad said he could remember seeing kids who had more having these things and wishing they would share, so we were taught to share whatever we had. I think that is why I feel so passionately about feeding people,” Shaw said.
Charles Currier
Christa Galipeau, of Presque Isle, said her parents have been married 53 years. During all those years, family has always come first for her dad.
“My Dad taught me to love my family first, always work hard, push through the pain and adversity, and to play cribbage. In other words, he taught me everything I ever truly needed to know,” said Galipeau.
John Robertson
Daniel Robertson, of Colby Siding, said his father shared many words of wisdom that have stuck with him over the years.
“He said ‘engage your brain before you put your mouth in gear.’ He also told me ‘if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.’ Other words of wisdom he offered included ‘We were born with two eyes and two ears but only one mouth, because we are supposed to look and listen twice as much as we speak,’” said Robertson.
Merrill K. Clark
Brenda Audiss, of Erie, Kansas and formerly Presque Isle, said respect, discipline and love topped the lessons she learned from her father.
“My Father taught me to respect people, what discipline was, to take responsibility and to love one another. The one thing I remember that sticks out in my mind is when he taught me how to drive a stick shift when I was 18. We lived on a hill and I would stall it every time. My Father is still a hard-working, loving father that has always provided for his family,” said Audiss.
Michael Trainer
Jay Trainer, of Presque Isle, and his sister, Hillary Hallett, of Easton, shared what they learned from their father.
“He taught me to love God, your woman and your children unconditionally. Dad also taught me to never start a fight but never back down either. He told me to work hard until the job is done and to enjoy life. RIP, Pup,” said Trainer.
“He always taught me that it doesn’t matter what you did, tell the truth,” said Hallett. “Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him.”
Happy Father’s Day
To all the fathers out there, may you all enjoy a happy Father’s Day with loved ones, teaching more lessons and making memories for generations to come.
