My Dad was a tough and fair man. He always said, “I think your Mother did a good job of raising you.” He never thought he had a role but he did.

He introduced me to shooting at about the age of 7 and it’s a hobby that has stayed with me ever since and has brought so many good folks into my life.

He taught me to hunt. To enjoy the glorious out-of-doors. To revel in what God has wrought.

He taught me honesty and sticking to your word.

He taught me to be an example to my own children. And I find myself saying, “Your Mother did a good job of raising you.”

My brother and I recently finished going through his arms. They, by my Dad’s wishes. were to be divided evenly. And I believe we accomplished that task. Of course, there were things I coveted. And, of course, there were things I either never knew he had or had forgotten. I will probably never get to shoot them all. Both my brother and I are planning a “Dad Hunt” this year. We have more than enough to outfit whoever comes up to chase deer with us. They will all be required to carry something of Dad’s or they will not be allowed to participate.

His legacy is deep...deeper that I would have guessed. I am blessed in ways I am still discovering. His gifts go well beyond his arms.

He really was my hero.

It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming to read this, especially coupled with your prior post that I just saw.

You and your brother are in my thoughts and prayers. Two years later I'm still not over losing my father, or from going through his collections. Matter of fact, I put most of them away because it was too hard to enjoy them for a while.

I applaud your hunt for him, with his gear. May the planning and execution of, and camaraderie from, be a blessing as is his memory.

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Br.

Prayers with you Mike, may you find happiness .

Your dad did a great job raising you!

Fathers. Mine wasn't an outdoors person, nor a gun person per. I say that, but when he passed away 20 years ago, he did own a Win 94 in 30-30 for going up to visit and hang out with family during dear season. He also had a .410 pump shotgun for pests and such, and one handgun. I've passed the long guns down to his only grandson. The single, most valuable to me, handgun in my safe that can't be bought is his old RG 38 Special. A couple of pocket knives and some hand tools and that sums it up. The most important thing, is the lessons he taught me about life. God alone, knows how many times those lessons have came into play since he departed.

And yes, Mr. & Mrs. Gibson raised a son anyone would be proud to call theirs.

Murphy

A fitting tribute. Thanks for sharing.

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AKA zzr7ky

God bless you

Warmed my heart. Lost mine 1990.