Copyright 2016 Kevin Glotfelty

Copyright 2016 Kevin Glotfelty

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Personal Interlude

My dad was a stiff upper lip type Navy man. On subs it was life or death playing cat and mouse with the Russians under water. That may have molded the steely persona he had. Bottom Gun.



An old wives tale says as long as one person remembers you or says your name you are still out in cosmos so to speak. I have only one tale for my grandfather Bernard. Dad really admired him and told me about his days as a bank examiner. (My aunt Ila was on the board of an Iowa bank as well.)  Bernard told David Lee - if they take you to lunch, they are usually hiding something. This and that he was kind are all I know - I was just too young.  Grandmom Fern visited many times when I was older so I have memories there. She was a Flemming so we got our quarter Scot from her.

Dad was tough but cared about us and was always supportive of the family. At the same time he was no angel ranging abroad on long sub tours and eventually he and Mom divorced.  Mom was not the greatest with money so it was a complicated time for her. I helped her buy a townhouse in Gettysburg and she eventually made ends meet..

My dad died in 2003.  We had some time as his lung cancer took longer than most - he fought hard. I remember one day we were talking and he looked me in the eye and said 'remember me son'. He was tearful but like always, not quite crying. Most choked up I ever saw him. My Dad gave me my curiosity for science and computer basics, as well as a roof, clothes, and all the other providing. He was a good father. He wasn't a naturally affectionate man, but towards the end we even got a few hugs in.  My future Eagle scout saluted him goodbye at Arlington.


He left behind three children, six grandchildren, and a widow.  I remember you Dad.

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