Hey Dad.

 It has taken a big piece of my heart watching you fight this disease and I truly wish I could have taken away all of that pain. I’ll start by telling you how much I love you. We didn’t say that enough over the years, but please keep that feeling close to you, I’m sure it’s going to mean something. 

We shared some incredible moments together buddy but it was the times where we truly connected that will always take me back to that feeling of being loved, I want to sincerely thank you for those memories. It seems we always connected strongest when I was hurting, whether it was from losing a tough game that you know meant everything to me, explaining one of my many screw-ups, or just struggling to manage my day-to-day. I knew you always had my back, and at the end that is the single most important thing you could have ever given me, I’ll hold on to that feeling with everything I’ve got. I just wish I could have been there for more of the times you needed me. 

Snake, you were my idol. As a kid I wanted to be exactly like you, a combination of Paul Newman from the Colour of Money, mixed with a bit of Ray Liotta from Goodfellas. Watching you growing up didn’t always set the best example but it did give me the confidence to be anyone I wanted to be, and believe that I didn’t have to follow anyone’s path but my own. You were full of street smarts, charisma and a don’t give a f**k attitude and it made you polarizing, your friends seemingly a gang of brothers drew me in making the way you lived so captivating, how could I not want to follow in your footsteps? A path paved by you that so many wanted to take a walk on, even if it was just for a little while.

So many people reached out to me to share in this sadness, there was one overwhelming common message. You made an impact on people's lives and were appreciated for being unapologetically you, good and bad. That same connection that we had was shared with so many and I can feel how much you’ll be missed. The vibe was always better with you around pop. 

Thank you for making the sacrifice to leave Winnipeg and everyone that made it home just to be closer to me. It meant everything and I know how hard that must have been. I hope you can see now why it was so important and I promise you I will take care of mom so rest easy. This time, even though Covid and Cancer claimed so much of it was priceless and will hold a place in my heart until we see one another again. 

I don’t want you to be scared about what’s to come, I promise you this is only the 5th end Skip. You are loved by mom, Jess and me for everything you were and forgiven for everything you weren’t. I really hope our paths cross again because knowing you has been my absolute pleasure. Take good care of yourself and whenever you need a break from the track drop in to say HI, you know I’ll be looking for you in the stands…

Bye, Dad.

Your son, on behalf of many. All the Love.