The Indomitable Spirit of Richard Glen Thompson: A Tribute to a True Irish Gentleman
Ah, the memories of me dear old Da, Richard Glen Thompson, still bring a tear to me eye and a smile to me face. He was a complex fella, to be sure, with a heart o’ gold and a spirit that could move mountains. If he saw something that needed changin’, he wouldn’t rest until he’d tried to change it, even if it meant goin’ up against the powers that be. And, by the saints, he had a few battles in his time, but he always came out swingin’!
As a professional, Da wore many hats, and I’m not just talkin’ about his fancy fedoras. He was a man of many talents, with a keen mind and a quick wit. He sat on the city planning commission, where he’d often lock horns with the officials, but he always managed to charm ’em with his Irish brogue and his quick sense of humor. And when he wasn’t busy shapein’ the future of Mapleton, UT, he was runnin’ his own construction business, where he’d build bridges, fix pipes, and even donate the odd pump or two to the local community.
I remember one time, he spent months workin’ on a plan for a sewage system in Mapleton. He poured his heart and soul into it, and even managed to scrounge up some large pumps from Geneva Steel. But, alas, the powers that be decided to go with a different plan, and I’m sure they’re still kickin’ themselves for it to this day. Ah, well, as me old Da used to say, "You can’t win ’em all, but you can’t lose ’em all either, if you don’t give up!"
But, despite all his many accomplishments, Da’s greatest pride was his family. He had nine children, and we were all the apples of his eye. He’d often introduce himself to strangers by sayin’, "I have nine children," just to see the look of shock and amazement on their faces. And, by the saints, he had every right to be proud of us, even if we were a bit of a handful at times. I mean, who needs a small army when you’ve got nine Thompsons runnin’ around?
Me brother Brad was Da’s right-hand man, and they had a bond that could only be described as unbreakable. They’d spend hours talkin’ and laughin’ together, and even worked together on many a project. And, as for me, I was the lucky one who got to help Da out on his construction sites. He taught me the value of hard work, and the importance of a good handshake and a promise. He was an old-fashioned fella, but he had a heart o’ gold, and he’d always look out for those in need.
But, as the years went by, Da faced his fair share of challenges. He battled health problems and hardships, but he never lost his spirit. He was a fighter, and he’d always get back up, dust himself off, and keep on goin’. And, even though he’s no longer with us, his legacy lives on through his children, his grandchildren, and even his great-grandchild on the way.
So, on this Father’s Day, I’d like to say a special thank you to me dear old Da. You may be gone, but you’ll never be forgotten. You taught me the importance of family, hard work, and a good sense of humor. And, even though I miss you every day, I know you’re up in heaven, lookin’ down on us with a proud smile on your face.
And, to all the fathers out there, I’d like to say, "Happy Father’s Day!" May you have a day filled with love, laughter, and all your favorite things. And, to those who’ve lost their fathers, I’d like to say, "May you find comfort in the memories you shared with them." Because, as me old Da used to say, "A father is always with you, even when he’s not."
As I look back on me Da’s life, I’m reminded of the wise words of the great Irish poet, W.B. Yeats, who said, "Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking." Me Da was a man who made his own luck, and he never waited for opportunities to come to him. He went out and grabbed them with both hands, and he never looked back.
So, let’s raise a glass to me Da, and to all the fathers out there who’ve made a difference in our lives. May their memories be a blessing to us, and may their legacies live on through us. And, as we say in Ireland, "May the road rise up to meet you, and may the wind be always at your back." Sláinte, me friends!
In conclusion, Richard Glen Thompson was a true Irish gentleman, with a heart o’ gold and a spirit that could move mountains. He may be gone, but his legacy lives on through his family, and his memory will always be a blessing to us. So, let’s keep his spirit alive, and may we always remember the wise words of the great Irish poet, who said, "Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think." Me Da was a man who thought for himself, and he never stopped learnin’ until the day he died. And, that’s a lesson we can all learn from.
As I finish writin’ this tribute to me Da, I’m filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. I’m proud to have had such a wonderful father, and I’m grateful for the memories we shared. And, I know that I’m not alone in me feelings. Me siblings, me mother, and all those who knew him are feelin’ the same way. So, let’s take a moment to remember the good times, and to celebrate the life of a truly remarkable man.
And, finally, as we say in Ireland, "May you be in heaven an hour before the devil knows you’re dead." Me Da may be gone, but he’s definitely in heaven, lookin’ down on us with a proud smile on his face. And, we’ll always remember him as a man who lived life to the fullest, and who never stopped lovin’ his family, his friends, and his community. Sláinte, me friends! May his memory be a blessing to us all!
