Video Trek III: The Search For Dad - Part 2...

*VERY BOLD FACED WARNING: IF YOU HAVEN'T READ PART ONE, CLICK HERE FIRST TO READ IT!*

I was still in shock. "Wow, Dad, that's great! Can't believe you're finally doing it."

Dad cleared his throat slightly, "Yes, I'm finally doing it."

"So, are they throwing you a retirement dinner?" I asked.

Dad cleared his throat again, "I told them to save the money on a dinner and just dump the funds into a scholarship fund or something to that effect. They could put the money to better use that way."

Ah, Dad, Mr. Humble.

The fact of the matter is that my Dad has never really craved a ton of attention. He never wanted to be showered with tons of praise or awards. Although he topped out at the ranks of associate and assitant dean of his department, he was a college professor at heart and his goal was to further the cause of higher education, not to have his name plastered on the side of a building.

On the other hand, he did wish to be given proper credit for his work, which was something that was not always appreciated by The Powers That Be who typically were more into the prestige and economic benefits of higher education and were not wholly against taking credit for the hard work of those in their department. My dad got skunked a few times by having someone take the credit for all his hard work, but instead of letting it get to him, he pressed on.

Better to work on the future than to sit here and moan about the past.

My dad has had quite an amazing career but if you ask him about his career milestones, he is quick to point out the extensive list of those who worked right alongside him. He finds a lot more enjoyment in pushing the frontiers of his field than in receiving honours for his accomplishments.

Last year, the department decided to install him as a Legend, which is a very high honour. He insisted that they choose somebody else because there were so many worthy candidates who have done so much to further the Program.

Let me tell you, my mom just about had to hog tie and drag him down to the awards dinner. As my mom told me, "there was a time for humility and there is a time for you to grin and let people thank you for your hard work. Getting your dad from A to B was a challenge."

Which leads me to the present day.

In honour of my dad's upcoming retirement, I decided to attempt a new tribute video, much like the one I made for my grandfather. Instead of delving into family history by the shovelful, I would be quietly excavating my father's career.

After all, this video is to be a surprise. Unfortunately, this isn't like it was with my grandfather who was 1,400 miles away and therefore easier to hide such a surprise from. Nooooo, I'm doing this right directly under my father's nose.

I'm attempting to collate a list of my dad's co-workers, colleagues and friends in an attempt to give a broad look at his career. My primary co-conspiritor on this fool's errand is my mother, who will run interference and provide me with as much information as she can to aid me in my quest.

A list of names and e-mail addresses. A general summary of his major career points. Two campuses in two separate cities. Some contacts easily accessible, others spread across the country.

One point five months to film and edit this beast.

One thing I do know is that Dad's more than worth the effort. I only hope I can do him justice!

Excelsior!