My father’s journey came to an end, and we buried him today.
For as long as I can remember, he truly enjoyed swag.
Me? I don’t really like logos or labels. Tool branded hats? T-shirts? Pens? He’d light up at the sight.
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He’d wear them and it brought him joy. The next time we’d visit, “look what I’m wearing!”
I gave him a Harbor Freight hat a few months ago – shown above – and he immediately put it on. They sent 2 (thank you!), so I kept one for myself. I don’t wear hats often, but maybe I’d need it.
I also brought him my Milwaukee Pipeline hat a few months ago. It was on a shelf near him when I visited a week ago.
Last year I gave him this collection of Makita hats. If I recall correctly, these arrived with the MakTrak test samples. The variety was awesome! I almost kept one or two for myself.
I needed to send him off with a hat.
I didn’t want to drive a couple of hours to my parents’ house to look around for a suitable hat. I’m not ready to start going through stuff. I couldn’t buy him a Yankee hat. He loved the Yankees, but would say “don’t spend money on me!” I also didn’t want to task my mom, sister, or anyone else with finding a suitable hat.
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So I searched around. I pass along most swag, and couldn’t find any hats – I already gave them all away (mostly to him). I did find a Milwaukee bump cap hat, but that’s not something I would have given him.
I have another Milwaukee hat somewhere, but he didn’t like fitted hats – he preferred snapback-style hats.
But then I remembered the extra hat that Harbor Freight had sent over along with some test samples – the one I kept in case I needed it. That’ll do. I don’t think he’d ever been to a Harbor Freight store, but that doesn’t matter.
The Harbor Freight hat would be perfect.
It would have drawn a smile. There would be no smile this time. He doesn’t need a hat anymore. But it made me feel just a little better to know he’d have one, forever, just in case.
I spoke to the clergyman yesterday, and my sister spoke to him before that. Apparently we both told him the same joke my dad would say. At the graveside service today, he remarked: “I hear this is a very popular place to be, people are dying to get in.”
Jason
So sorry for your loss! Sounds a lot like my pops, loves a good SnapBack and free > paid regardless of the hat. I’m gonna go call my dad. 💔
Mike
Sorry for your loss.
Nothing prepares you for the day you have to bury your Father. I buried mine in May.
My Moms request was that his army veteran hat be placed on his head before the casket was closed.
I also sent him off with a hammer, his block plane and a fishing rod.
Bob mock
Sorry to hear that about ur Dad. It’s a tremendous loss to lose one’s father
Rog
I’m very sorry for your loss, Stuart. I don’t look forward to the day I have to do the same.
Samuel V.
My condolences to you and your family. I hope thinking of the hat will bring you comfort as you grieve. May you all have the strength to carry your grief just a bit easier as each moment passes.
Stuart
Thank you everyone!
Trying to decide what to send him off with was a welcome distraction.
Chrisk1970
Wow Stuart, I am sorry for you and your families loss.
DC
Condolences from my family to yours Stu. Can I ask your father’s name so I can say a prayer for him and your family? I understand if you’d rather not share this and im sure God will know who I’m referring to anyway.
Lyle
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad to hear that your dad enjoyed getting swag from you and that you have the kind of job that could provide him with an abundance of it. My condolences to you and your family.
Ozy
Please accept my deepest condolences.
I am a professional gravedigger, and I am sure the greatest care was taken in providing your father’s resting place.
Thank you for taking the time to post a heartwarming and thoughtful entry today.
Terry Burton
I’m so sorry for your loss Stuart. That was I nice gesture and I’m glad you shared it with us. My sincere condolences.
Pablo
Condolences to you and your family Stuart. My father passed away at the end of December. He too had baseball hat collection he loved, with caps from every step of his life. Many were tool brand ones I had given him. We displayed them at his memorial.
Thanks for sharing. Your post brought me of fond memory of my dad.
Stuart
Thank you! I am sorry to hear about your father, and appreciate your sharing.
A W
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m sure he was a fantastic Grandpa, and I’m sorry that he’s gone.
My deepest condolences.
ColeTrain
I’m wearing that hat as we speak and buy one monthly because they fit my head and are cheap. I lite up when I saw this swag that fit my head probably much like your father would. Sorry for your loss man… You and your family are in my hearts today.
Scott K
I’m so sorry for your loss – condolences to you and your family. Hopefully the happy memories help during this difficult time.
Tirapop
Condolences.
Jim
Sorry for your loss Stuart.
I lost my Dad 23 years ago next month. I still miss him and think about him often
Scott O
Hi Stuart,
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this about your dad because it’s those small things which are such great memories. Sending love to you and your family❤️
Aaron Bunton
So sorry for your loss. No words can truly comfort in times like this, but I hope the many memories you have of him help heal the sting in time.
WPenn
Sorry for your loss.
JG
I lost my Dad in December. And my Mom a few months prior.
Sounds like our fathers would have got along.
God speed.
fred
I know that words of consolation always ring hollow in the face of the loss on a loved one – but I’ll add my sorrow for your loss.
Stuart
Thank you and everyone! Honestly, it helps a little.
NN
Sorry for your loss, Stuart.
The hat collection is pretty cool. Keep it around and wear them with pride and rememberance.
Stuart
I took those photos at my parents’ house, just before I gave him the hats. I’m not sure where they are now.
I typically didn’t take photos of swag, but the variety of hats that Makita sent all at once was very cool.
He didn’t have much time with them, but I’m sure he enjoyed them.
I took the pics so I can show them off to you at some time, but didn’t expect this would be the context.
Dustin
My condolences. Peace to you and your family
Chuck
My condolences, Stuart. Hoping you and your family comfort through this season.
Alexk
I’m only aware of one thing that your father did, and did well. That was raising one fine son. Your character and values is part of his legacy and something we here appreciate.
Sorry for your loss, Stuart.
Rivetjoint
Very well put
Stuart
Thank you! He definitely tried his best in that regard. The best lessons weren’t taught, they were learned by observing what he did, how he acted.
Steve
Sorry for your loss Stuart, but pleased you have those nice memories of him and were able to bury him in a hat he would’ve approved of.
If he’s like my dad was another one of his jokes would’ve been to comment “that’s the dead centre of town” whenever he drove past the cemetery!
William
Prayers for you and your family.
Kentucky fan
Buried my dad with a pack of Marlboro reds and a Kentucky polo from Walmart because that’s what he would have wanted to be in the rest of his life. It’s the simple things that drive us. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.
DRT42
Very sorry for your loss. I went through this about 5 years ago. Still think of my dad very frequently. I still have his favorite hat.
Mudman2k
I am a long time tradesman who appreciates your honesty, and I enjoy your site.
I am truly sorry for your loss, I’m sure your father was proud of you, as he should be.
Your reach, influence and honestly is the reason I check this site daily.
RIP.
Geewiz
Sorry for your loss too. When my dad passed we had bags of hats he had collected through the years. He wore them sometime when he was young but later in life when his top got thin he had to wear them every time he was outside. Many of my tools came from my dad and I continue to miss him every time I touch one. RIP
Jeremiah
Condolences and so sorry for your loss. It’s not easy at any age and I find words don’t make much difference. Warmest thoughts to you and those who live on with a piece of your father alive in all of you.
Jbongo
My condolences, Stuart. Thank you for sharing this story.
razl
Condolences to you and yours, Stuart. And, thank you for sharing the story – it gave me a smile to know you got that hat to him.
IronWood
Stuart, so sorry for your loss. We’re going through the end with my mom in hospice right now and it’s just all hard. So important to keep perspective on good things past and present, the things you can still laugh about. I love that your dad was so excited by a Harbor Freight hat from you, from a store he didn’t even visit! Sounds like my dad. I always get him a hat from wherever I’m working, he has hats from shipyards, railroads, and plants he’s never seen and they make his day. I think you have a great sendoff for him, and I wish the best for your family during a tough time. That goes for everyone else on here, too; good thoughts going out to anyone struggling right now.
Jeremiah
I lost my mom 30 years ago after a multi year, miserably losing battle with cancer. There was comfort in the end to her suffering and the mourning of her death began before her passing. It’s one of the hardest parts of life.
Condolences.
Stuart
I’m sorry to hear that and wish you and your family peace and comfort.
Frank D.
My condolences.
That is a lovely story about your dad and swag.
Phil H.
The loss of any parent is very tough. The loss of my Dad 20 years ago was the toughest day of my life. He was my hero being a P-51 pilot in WW2, and I remember what he told me when I was young. He said “don’t stand over my grave and cry for me. I am the one who is gone, and I don’t feel anything at all. It’s all of you that have to go on living”. His way of saying to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and press on. Like others have said, Dads Craftsman tool collection is in my garage, and still being used. Stuart, you provide a great service for all of us, so “press on” and thank you. Condolences.
KeithInKC
So sorry for your loss. It sounds like you had a great relationship.
Jay
Sorry for your loss. I hated to read the above but enjoyed the story you gave us, warms us all a little. Thank you for sharing.
Dave
I have nothing to say that hasn’t been said, and no condolences from an Internet stranger can make things better. I’m not a religious person, but I said a little prayer for you, yours, and your dad – be well, or as well as you can be right now. A lot of random people you’ll never meet are grieving on your behalf, and I’m sure we all wish you and yours the best.
Bill
Stuart, thank you for sharing this story of your father and the loss you experienced in his passing. While we all go through the loss of loved ones, it is in the sharing of our loss and the memories and stories of their lives that help bring us together in times of grief.
I lost my father many years ago when he was only 59, but what I remember most is the life lessons he taught me, large and small. He is with me every day because of those treasured teachings.
God bless you and your family in your time of loss.
John
I’m sorry Stuart. Death is never easy.
Yosef
A big hug to the whole family
Plain+Grainy
I’m sorry for your family’s loss! I’m glad that your kid(s) had a chance to know your father. My grandparents past away before I was born( left a void ). I differed from my father, he always wore hats and I never did. He would be 116 this year if still living, I treasure all the history he passed to me.
Grant Beeson
I’m very sorry for your loss.
RobGMann
Spending love your way and wish you many memories of a life well lived by a loved one.
Tom
Sincere condolences on your loss Stuart. I travelled back to the USA from Philippines to help care for my father who passed away from cancer last year. My sister and my son also helped,she came from Pennsylvania and my son from California. I was sitting next to him when he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Fr. Anthony
Sorry for your loss Stuart. I’m a Catholic priest, and enjoy reading your content. I said a prayer for you and your dad today.
Stuart
Thank you very much, I appreciate it!
MM
Sorry for your loss, Stuart. We buried my aunt just a couple days before…must be the season.
Michael Fondacaro
My prayers for you and your Family. Keep him alive in your memories.
Rob H
Losing your dad is hard. I’m sorry.
Peter
My condolences for your loss Stuart.
Rx9
My condolences to you and your family, sir. It’s not easy to lose someone that close and important, and times like this can be excruciatingly tough. I have no doubt though, that as time passes, things will get better, and you will continue to make your old man proud.
Robert
Condolences to you and your family Stuart. I’m so sorry at your loss. I went through this a few years ago. I was so in shock I didn’t think of burying anything personal with him, even though he too liked hats.
Jack D
Let me join my voice to the chorus, Stuart. It’s a most difficult thing to do, losing a parent, even if it is the natural order of things. My best to you and your family during this difficult time, and in time may fond remembrance overtake sorrow…
Daniel
Stuart, I know your grief. Lost my Dad 6 years ago. Prayers for you and your family during this time.
I’m sure your Pop is smiling down and happy you put the hat with him. Hang on to the memories. When you are ready to go through his things grab one of the hats and hang it on your shop wall. I kept a few of my Dad’s tools just for keepsakes. 6 years later I smile when I look at them and usually remember some lesson he taught me.
May God bless you and comfort you and give you peace!
ermine9
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you and your loved ones can find what y’all need to heal.
frobo
Very sad news, Stuart; I’m sorry for your loss. Your story reminded me of when we placed my dad’s ashes in a military columbarium about 15 years ago. I added a few mementos that reflected parts of his life, including a snapback hat and a pen bearing the name of the company he worked many years for, along with a worn-out 4-in-1 wood rasp that had lived in his tool box for as long as I could remember. My condolences.
JoelLikestools
Prayers for you and your family. That is a hard day.
TW
You and your family have my deepest condolences.
HC
Condolences to you and family.
G G
Very sorry for youyr loss, Stuart. I’ve lost my Dad, and Mom, and many others, and it always hits hard.
Bmak
So sorry to hear about your dad Stuart. I’ve been through that too many times with immediate family members.
Take care and remember all the good times
Chris
So sorry for your loss Stuart. My dad’s dad just passed unexpectedly on Sunday, during the blizzard. It’s never easy.
Stuart
I’m sorry to hear that. Your family will be in my thoughts as well.
We unexpectedly lost one of my uncles a few months ago.
We never know what life will bring and so it’s best to live accordingly. I tend to act like this is great advice for tomorrow, but will try my best to heed it today.
MikeK
Wow, I’m very sorry for your loss, and thank you for sharing such a great story with us. Now you’ve made me wonder what my wife will do with all my hats and shirts; no tools, it’s either dogs, whisky, or musical artists for me.
You obviously have some wonderful memories.
JoeR.
Very sorry for your loss Stuart. Yet thank you for the enlightenment that your father was a wise, caring and hard working man. Characteristics carry forward, values learned. You honor your father daily in the way you conduct this venture. He lives on in you.
In my garage hangs a SKIL circular saw box top with a brown paper bag cutout still taped to it and these words “Joe, there is plain wrap a& no wrap This is no wrap The old carpenters used to say “measure twice cut once”. BE CAREFUL (underlined) goes without saying. Enjoy and take care of it which I know you will. And remember when all else fails, read the instructions. DAD”
Time lessens loss. Certain memories, be they hats or in my case box tops, remain forever to remind of our purpose and push forward.
All my best to you and your family!
Rob S
I am sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad a few years ago, and he loved tools.
Mark M
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face shine on you, be gracious to you, and give you peace.
The world is a lesser place today.
Scott F
Sincere condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing, I got a chuckle at the dad joke snuck into his service.
AP
My condolences, Stuart! Wish there was something I could do.
Stuart
There’s plenty anyone can do. Smile at or wave to babies at restaurants or grocery stores. Hold the door open for someone that might struggle. Tell a silly joke to a stranger. =)
Alexk
Being kind to others is a gift that gives joy to others as well as oneself.
Mike.z
Sorry for your loss and my condolences to you and your family.
rzorrok
Condolences to you and your family.
SP
So sorry for your loss.
MFC
Sorry, for your loss. Hope you take some time to grieve. These things hit randomly and can be difficult to put into words. Give yourself some grace and find someone to talk to… God bless you guys.
Marc
So sorry to hear about your Dad’s death. I know first hand how difficult it is to lose your father. Just remember, you are half of him. Live your life and make him proud.
Doresoom
Sorry for your loss Stuart. Thank you for sharing some of your memories of your dad with us.
Mike (the other one)
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Stu. I know how it feels. You could have been describing my Dad. He loved hats. Had dozens of them.
Jake
I’m very sorry for your loss.
What a great reflection to share a little of your father with us.
Tony
Deepest condolences. I lost my father years ago. It still hurts when occasions come around like his birthday and Christmas.
Frank R. Wambach
Sorry for your loss memories of your dad will come and go. They’ll strike you at the oddest moment. My dad loved getting a hat also a very strong memory for me.. it’s already been quite a few years, but I still miss him
Scott P Reid
I lost my father 17 years ago and I still smile whenever I think of him.
I hope you will be able to do the same.
Blocky
The most recent gift I got my dad was also a hat. I’m sure there are many aspects of you that are continuations of him. My sincere condolences.
W00dy
Sorry for your loss, my condolences for you and your family. Take care!
Emporian
Sorry to hear this news. Prayers for you and family.
James
My sincere condolences Stuart. I’m touched by your message and choice to share with this community.
Katie
I sometimes gave my mom gardening items as gifts. I gave her some goatskin gardening gloves which she appreciated, and when she passed, I took them to keep. These are very personal items, like the hats. It took a long time for the pain of her death to recede, but now I treasure things about her, like her love of plants. Those are the memories I have when I see her gloves in my drawer where I keep them. I still miss her, but it the intense pain has faded.
The Harbor Freight hat seems just right. What a fitting way to honor your father and show gratitude for his life. My condolences to you and your loved ones.
Brad J
Sorry to hear bro.
Yadda
Remember his stories and jokes. Repeat them to your kids. Those stories and jokes will keep the memory of your dad alive for years to come.
joh6nn
They are not gone who we still remember. May his memory be eternal, may it always be a blessing.
Richard
I am sorry for your loss. It hurts to lose a parent.
Papa was a plumber, and his rule was you better show up with a pencil, a knife (to sharpen the pencil) and a tape measure. He called it “being prepared”.
He liked the Barlow style knives, and he always had one of those metal spring clips slipped on his pencil to keep it in his shirt pocket. And he loved those old Lufkin tape measures with a black textured finish and a small button to retract the blade. He complained often when they became unavailable many years ago.
So I gathered up a Barlow knife, a pencil (sharpened) with a clip on it, and pulled one of my vintage Lufkin tape measures out of my stash, and at his wake, I gathered my brothers around his casket. I slipped the items under his pillow, and said “OK Papa, now you’re prepared.”
We had to be sneaky because he was an ultra-strict Mennonite, and the church people would have raised a big hissy fit had they known. But I told Mama later, and she understood.
Stuart
Thank you for sharing!
I wanted to send him off with so many things, but chose just 2 tokens, a small historical relic, and the HF hat.
We knew this was coming, but it still doesn’t feel real.
Aaron SD
Deepest condolences. May his memory be a blessing.
Soup
My deepest condolences, Stu. I hope you have comfort in the positive impact he made in you and the people around you and you have passed that on to all of us, so your father’s impact lives on through your site and the positive impact we have all had through you.
When my father died, someone shared with me the Ball in a Box Analogy of Grief and it has really helped me understand my own grief process over the years.
I hope you have many joyful memories and warm thoughts of all the good times.
Peace to you.
Scott
I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Stuart
Thank you – I just read a brief overview of the “ball in a box” description of grief, and it does make sense.
Every loss hits differently. I do have a lot of good memories, and know it’s unavoidable that I wish there were more.
Matt F.
Condolences to your family! Thank you for being so genuine. May the sharing of memories remind us all what’s important in life.
Catamount
Hang in there, Stuart. When I lost my Dad I took some comfort from knowing that half of me came from him. He’s still with me forever….. whether I like it or not. He could fix anything, and took the time to show me how to do the same by example. My Dad was always there for me, ready to help out if I needed a hand. I still fix anything I can, because that’s the way I was raised. I’m sure your Dad and mine were cut from the same cloth. I’m sending you and your family my heartfelt condolences.
Gonsl
Sorry for your loss and safe journeys for your dad.
Jason Watkins
I wasn’t emotionally ready for this post.
I found out in october that my father whom I have looked up to for the 36 years of my life was jailed on charges of touching my young (13) adopted sister. He is currently awaiting 8-16 years of prison time. I questioned my entire childhood. I doubted everything ive ever known. Part of me wishes he would have just died instead the image I had of him dieing. I think I could cope with that easier.
Stuart
I hope you and your family can work through that with minimal trauma. That is absolutely a situation where mental health professionals can help give you the tools and and pathways for coping.
Similar to seeking help from a plumber before flooding the kitchen trying to take on a complex fix on your own, it is okay and even a show of strength to seek outside help when coping proves difficult.
Clay
I am very sorry for your loss.
Derek
Stuart – So sorry for your loss. Your father reminds me of my Uncle Bob. He loves it when we get him something branded from where we work or wherever. Don’t buy him something though or he won’t like it. If he’s buying something there’s no logos on it.
skfarmer
sorry for your loss. i lost both of my parents a while back and it changes things. my dad was a hat guy as well although it was tractors, seed companies and grain elevators that he liked. me, i rarely wear a hat. maybe we should.
Stuart
My father wasn’t a hat guy until he had a small cancerous growth removed from his nose (20?) years ago, due to sun damage.
He was always a useful swag kind of person, collecting pens and doodads from industry trade shows. We had a family “grab a pen” bucket (a casino coin cup), and he split the rare stress balls between me and my sister.
I think that the affinity for swag and “you gave me this!” aspects combined, and that’s what he liked. He got a dog around 12 years ago, and so he put on a hat every time he went outside.
Wear a hat, protect your head and face from the sun. I wear hats for that reason, and in the workshop to prevent wood and metal chips from getting into my hair.
Jonathan OAF
Sounds like you have some mementos to remember him by. 15 years on mementos help.me remember mine fondly.
I hope the same for you going forward.
Farmerguy
My condolences to you and yours. A life well lived made the world a better place.
Terry S
Peace to you and your family.
BobH
Very sad news… we all have only best thoughts for you and your family.💕
Mosh
BD”H
So sorry for your loss..
Andy
Sorry for your loss Stuart
John in TN
Deepest condolences. I lost my Dad to cancer one year ago last week. This first year for you will be hard. One day at a time forward.
Blessings to you and your family.
Old Suburban Dad
Really sorry for your loss, Stuart.
I bet your dad was proud of you, and what you’ve done , including this community you made possible.
Dominic
So sorry for your loss. My condolences.
Sam Greenfield
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry for your loss.
Ron
So sorry for your loss. My condolences
MikeS
My deepest condolences.
curtinfarmer
Sorry for your loss Stuart. Losing a parent is very difficult.
Walt Bordett
My condolences to you for the loss of your Dad. I am sure you will remember the hats and the time you spent together.
I lost my Dad when I was a sophomore in college over fifty years ago. I still remember him every time I use one of his tools.
Kurt
I’m sorry for your loss Stuart. I lost my dad when I was 25, and I miss the years we might have had together after bonding in the final few months. I’m glad you have so many great memories.
L.A.
I’m terribly sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing.
Dave C
Thanks for sharing. Be well. It’s a lot. I know first-hand, second-hand and the rest.
ebt
Sorry for loss of your Dad. HF hat is perfect!
Ben
Very sorry to hear that Stuart. Wishing you nothing but the best, and many happy memories of him. Praying for peace for you and your family.
Massimiliano
Sorry for your loss, Stuart
Nils
It’s a funny community you’ve built here. I still check your site almost daily and read some of the comments so I feel closer to you than probably makes sense. I’m sure we all do. I love the concept that they’re still alive as long as people remember them and your dad’s swag habit is such a memorable endearing legendary detail. Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss
Brian
Stuart – my dad passed away 7 years ago today (2/2). I think of all the little sayings and jokes my dad said – and he would say them over and over again. LOL Like when he finished a job/project, he would say: ‘Dear John, Sent your saddle home. Signed, Sue.’ Which meant the job was finished and he was done with it. I don’t know where that came from (and he said he didn’t either!) but I find myself saying that sometimes…
He was an antique dealer, so I was able to work with him repairing and refinishing furniture, wiring lamps, etc. He was not an educated man, but I learned so much from him just watching him work and how he treated others. It still hurts but it gets a little better each day. Hang in there brother.
Peter
Stuart, when I gave the eulogy at my father’s funeral, I said: I owe most all my successes I have now to the love, integrity and inspiration that my father selflessly gave to me his whole life. I would not be the man I am if not for his guidance, teaching and love. (He was also a toolaholic!)
I also read a very ancient Talmudic story. It goes something like this. When a new boat is launched in the harbor for the first time, on its beginning voyage, EVERYONE cheers and celebrates. Yet, when an long seasoned old boat comes home after its last voyage, it enters the harbor with no notice, no fanfare.
But, as in life, we have it all backwards. Why celebrate the new launched boat, like a newborn, that will confront incredible unknown challenges, that they may or may not survive. Yet, the seasoned, retiring vessel, like those at the end of their life, HAVE traversed the unknowns in the open sea – and made it safely home, with much success behind them. We should celebrate those returned vessels and souls for their return from a successful journey.
Wishing you happiness from the memory of your father’s gifts to you.
PHR
Stuart
Thank you, I enjoyed that story.
My father was also the type to give and sacrifice, always silently. Except for the life lessons and wisdom – some were repeated more than once if needed, and they and provided invaluable guidance.
Ron K
Stuart, it can be a tough path to walk, and I wish you strength. I suspect many happy memories will help you on your walk. My condolences to you and yours.
Matt
Sounds like a nice memory to keep him alive in your mind. Best wishes to you and your family, loss like that is never easy
Todd
very sorry for your loss. You’ll have no limit on the reminders of him — each trade-branded hats. Take care
Jim Metzger
In a similar but reverse story, my nephews have a sort of big deal band and my brother, their father, always wore a hat to their concerts with the word “WEAK” on it. It is the name of one of their songs.
Since Gary passed 2 1/2 years ago I wear that hat when I see them.It makes me feel closer to him.
Huggy Bear
I am sorry to his this, may he rest in peace.
Please take comfort knowing that he is resting in a “Better” place.
John Sullivan
I’m so sorry for your loss, Stuart. Your Dad raised a good son.
Paul E Hacker
Sorry for your loss ..Fathers are very special people for sure ..
Jerry
Words cant explain what we go through in these times. You and your family are in my thoughts. I can imagine he brought so much light to this world as you do to all of us in tool land….
Alexk
My father is still alive, about to turn 90. Sadly, I won’t be able to write nice words about him, as so many have wrote of their own. My brother and I have worked hard to not be like him. He did give me life and I am thankful for that, but he also caused much harm.
My writing this is to acknowledge all those whom had/have a different experience.
I’m glad that your experiences was more positive, Stuart.
John
What a fond memory of your Dad. We lost ours 20 years ago this month and Mom just a couple of years ago. My brother lived with our parents as they got older and purchased the house after they passed. Dad’s urn sits on a shelf in the same basement workshop where he spent hours teaching us how to built and repair things at home. He was a product of the great depression and was very resourceful and frugal. His work shop was filled with wood scraps, coffee cans and baby food jars full of things to be saved for future projects. My siblings and I learned many life lessons helping Dad with projects and still carry those values today. I’m sorry for your loss and may you keep you Dad’s memory close to your heart.
Joe
I’m sorry for your loss Stuart. Thank you for sharing a little about your dad with us.
My dad has both a hat and a t-shirt problem, unfortunately he buys them (seems like one everywhere he goes).
James
Sorry for your loss. I lost my mom few months ago. Its not easy but the more your talk and share stories…the more manageable it is. Everything good in you came from him.
AC
Sorry for your loss.
Steven Lauren
My condolences go out to you and your family. We all feel for you brother.
Hats, kinda makes me smile and rings a bell to me as well. My grandfather loved wearing his hats. He passed away in the late 1980’s. He wore both a proper hat when going to work and a baseball cap on the weekends. Ahh the memories I have of him as a child, priceless.
Fast forward to 2026, now kid (at heart) in my early 50’s, I still to this day have a few of his hats and a few other items of his, which are some of my most cherished memories and personal items I still carry to this day.
If you have some little ones, pass on his hats to them. Nothing beats seeing the little ones wearing them and reminding you and the family of your dad. This way a part of him will always be with you all…just a thought…Hope it brings you a smile during these difficult times.
Jared
I’m sorry to hear that Stuart. I don’t think there’s ever a time when it’s not hard to lose a parent. That’s a wonderful way to celebrate his memory.
Steve
I’m so sorry. He sounds like he was a great man. My condolences.