Gene Austin Greer: Daddy

I remember Daddy:

I remember...............
Daddy singing to babies as he must have sung to me "You Are My Sunshine" and "Little Buckaroo" until the child fell asleep on his shoulder.
Long rides in the mountains, seeing wild animals and singing.
Daddy calling us outside to see gorgeous sunsets.
Coming to my rescue many, many, times.
He has my love and respect. I wish I would share this day with him, but I must be on an airplane to be with my oldest daughter, Lisa for her support after the birth of her third boy.
Julie


My DAD Gene Greer, by Dixie Bybee

I searched my mind for a word to summarize my dad's personality. I thought about the childhood memories going to the movies every week or taking long car rides to Idaho or up the nearby canyons. I remembered the games we played on Sunday nights and the times that a Father's priesthood blessing ease a little girl's tummy ache. I remember dad taking me to up George Kendell's service station for treats when I was going to be alone at night. I recalled the many times Dad took me to Berthana for roller skating lessons or to a piano lesson. Then as I grew older and became involved in high school activities he was always there to pick me up after decorating for a dance or a committee meeting. I kept him very busy being my chauffeur. I don't ever remember him complaining. Then suddenly I was married with my own babies. Dad could always settle a fussy infant down by singing "My Little Buckaroo". I especially enjoyed it when we could talk him into yodeling on occasion. He and Mom usually tried to make it to the special events of the grandchildren.

Now they are almost all grown but whenever circumstances allow Dad and Mom show them that they are still interested in their families and experiences. In recent years when health problems took me to Salt Lake City quite often, I could always count on Dad to run me around once again whenever he was needed. Like one of our son-in-laws said, the word to describe Dad is simple ---KIND!!!

How we remember Dad:

Dear Dad,

As you celebrate 75 years, I have been reflecting on the many wonderful memories I have of you: you holding my hand as we walked to church, sitting on the couch as you buckle my black, patent leather shoes, being tossed to the ceiling, hearing you sing "Close your sleepy eyes, my little buckaroo..", as we drifted off to sleep and yodeling "There's a love Knot in My Lariat", riding on the tractor with you at the church farm, and all those "short-cuts" we took on family trips. these memories along with many others, are the wonderful images I have of you that are forever in my mind and heart. You have been a kind and caring father,. For this I am truly grateful. I would also like to express my gratitude to you for the kind of grandfather you are to my children. You have always been there to help "rescue" them (or me) when we find ourselves in the many predicaments we seem to get ourselves into, whether it be with needed repairs or transportation dilemmas. It's comforting to know that you are there and willing to help and support us in any way. I am blessed to have you as my father. Happy Birthday!
Love, Donna

Gene,

30 years ago, I met your beautiful daughter, Donna, and my life has never been the same. As you celebrate your 75th birthday, you have a great legacy to look upon. I am grateful for the many hours you have spent, and all the times that you give me help. I enjoy our trips to West Valley and just around town. I appreciate the help we receive here at home with the many fix-up jobs we have done. I know my kids are blessed to have a grandfather so close to help and teach them many things about this world we live in. Also, it has been great for my family to take trips together with you. We will talk about and cherish these trips forever.
Love, Dean


March 4, 2000

Dear Dad:

I've been thinking about a lot of things I might want to say in this letter. I remember following you around even when I was very small, trying to help with things like fixing the car or repairing a faucet. I must of though I was helping in some way and you were always trying to explain things to me. I wanted to be near you and feel important.

I remember family vacations where we drove endlessly in the car. I was always whining about "when will we get there?" However annoying that may have been to you and others in the family, I have wonderful memories of those trips as a child.

I remember playing on church and city ball teams year after year, and every time I looked into the crowd you and mom were always there. At the time it seemed so normal to me , but now I realize that being there must have taken lots of time and effort.

I remember playing games on Sunday night, and however reluctant you may have been, you joining in occasionally for a game of Racko, Password, or Chinese checkers or a ball game in the front yard.

Even though I am an adult, your support still means a lot to me. I appreciate how both you and mom are willing to drive endless miles and make much effort even now to help me or my family, whether it is to dig up and bring lilac starts to my desert home for planting, coming with me to Las Vegas to apply for graduate school, helping us move endless times (at least it seems endless), or coming to sit in a hospital waiting room with me. thank you for getting up early for the Easter Breakfast, putting gas in my car and running errands. Thank you for peeling potatoes, picking up children or moving the freezer. Thank you for being there through both the good and bad times, even when in may be expensive, inconvenient or tiresome.

Love, Jane

Dear Gene

I am glad that I didn't have to arm wrestle you to join your family. I do thank you for the times that you have helped Jane and I our of some real jams of all different kinds. Whenever I think of you, I thin of your happy personality and your big heart. I really enjoy it when I can just sit and talk with you. I hope that you have a good birthday and may you have many more. May this year be filled with happiness and joy for you.
Love, Brent