Cassy and Erin's Blog: October 2009

Dad met his second granddaughter, Kiley, this summer.

Dad and me with the girls.

At Mike's wedding. I couldn't make it, but Dad did.

Dancing with Aunt Shirley at my wedding.

My wedding.

For the next few days I'm going to use the blog, normally reserved for pictures of the girls, to honor my dad, G. Dennis O'Connor, who passed away yesterday. Dad was 64--far too young to leave us.

He was born, grew up, and lived his entire life in Wellsville, NY. He loved Wellsville. Throughout his life he was a Bills, Yankees, Notre Dame, and NASCAR fan. He loved listening to music and singing along-not well, mind you, but entertainingly nonetheless. Rod Stewart was his idol; Elvis took a close second.

For years I went to Watkins Glen with Dad to watch NASCAR racing. He started taking me when I was 15 or 16. I traveled with a far older and more experienced crowd on those occasions. In fact one year when I was 16, his buddies smuggled me into an establishment in Corning called McHale's - a place not exactly suited for for young, impressionable teens. When I went away to college, I found a new crew to go to the Glen with. And even though I wasn't going with Dad, he always met us there and had no problem joining the young crew. He'd bring us supplies when we needed them and loved hanging out with the boys.

After I moved to Colorado, I know he missed having me around, and truthfully, I always felt a little guilty about not being there. But I saw him at least once a year, and we talked on the phone every week, making NASCAR picks or bemoaning the Bills' latest misstep.

Even though I lived so far away, Dad got to spend time with his two granddaughters, Kiley and Cara. He loved them very much. Cara always talked about her Papa O after trips to Wellsville. While they won't get to know him personally, I'll be sure they hear all about him.

He was always there for me when I needed him. He was a father and a friend. But he wasn't just my friend. The great thing about Dad was that most of my friends would call him their friend too. I don't know how many times a group of us would hang out with him. He absolutely loved all of them. I really appreciated and loved my dad. I wish I would have had more time to tell him some of this, but I think he knew. In fact, over the past few days I've heard many people tell me how proud of me he was and how much he loved me.

The last few days with my dad were extremely difficult. He suffered quite a bit, but I think he was able to rest a little easier knowing I made it home to be with him. I love and miss you dad.

I'm posting a few pictures here, and I'll add more in the next few days. Please share with me your memories of G. Dennis. If you have any pictures you'd like me to share, please send them to me as well. He appreciated and enjoyed all the times he spent with you all.

Erin