We Lost a Great Gator Last Week

[Double Gator Dad]

I wanted to let everyone know that my father passed away last week the day before the UT game.
Although he did not graduate from UF, he did attend for a couple of years. More importantly, he instilled his love for the gators into my life back in 1963.
This passion is now alive and well with his two grandsons who are UF grads.

He was not a rich man, so no Bull Gator level of support, but he was a booster for 40 years and as passionate a gator as you will ever meet.

I especially appreciate him blowing that field goal to the right on Saturday and I am sure he got a real kick out of doing his part to help the cause.

There is now one more gator waiting for us upstairs.

 

[oxrageous]

RIP. It must have made that game on Saturday a little bittersweet.

 

[Jand3k]

Wow DGD, so sorry to hear about your dad's passing but may he R.I.P.

And as for the "blowing that field goal", I have no doubt he did as much because the stands are open to the right (near the Gatorsports shop) and the storm that evening was coming from the East so an Easterly wind was coming in through that open V area. That kick, especially once moved several yards INSIDE the right hash, along with an Easterly wind should have had zero ability to move RIGHT!!!!!

 

[MidwestChomp]

My condolences. I'm sure your dad said this to Ray Graves before the FG, watch this.

 

[dphgator96]

Sorry to hear about your loss....RIP

 

[Gatorphan]

May your father RIP Double Gator Dad.

We have a similar situation in our family generations but about 10 years behind. I am still able to enjoy the games with my father and sons. I will cherish each one these experiences as I'm sure you did. Thank you for sharing, it keeps things in perspective.

Go Gators!

 

[rogdochar]

God bless your father and his loved ones. He was a founding father of your Gator tradition. Wish a most useful peace to you all.

 

[Concrete Helmet]

Sorry to hear of your loss....the whole FG thing would have no other explanation as the ball seemed to be hooking inside the goal post. RIP Double Gator Dad's Dad.

 

[skinnyquinton]

Sorry for you and your family's loss DGD. Rest easy Sir. #gogators

 

[Swamp Queen]

So sorry for your loss...that's tough.

 

[WobbleGator]

RIP.

 

[MJMGator]

My heart goes out to you, as I recently lost my mom. Remember the good times you shared and keep your chin up. Go Gators!

 

[NVGator]

Sorry to hear of your loss. You think your Pops could do us a solid again this weekend?

 

[Chomper]

Your father sounds like someone I would like to have known. My condolences during your time of grief. RIP Gator.

 

[TheDouglas78]

RIP

 

[dubster1]

sorry for your loss,RIP

 

[NavetG8r]

Condolences. May he bask in the orange and blue heavens of eternity.

 

[lagator]

Sorry for your loss. I lost my father this year as well so know the pain you and your family must be feeling.

 

[stephenPE]

My dad attended UF (back in the late 40s early 50s) but didnt graduate. Still a huge fan at 85. Like you, I will miss him the day he passes on, You probably had your dad a long time. At least he lived to see the great years with SOS and URB and TImmy. My condolences.

 

[TN G8tr]

Sorry to hear that DGD. I can certainly relate to a similar situation with my Dad. He was a huge Gator and never was able to attend UF. Korea came calling with a draft card. I can never remember anything but being a Gator. He took me to Gator games from my childhood and we went together, tailgated, and cheered into my adulthood. His last Gator football game was the '95 SECCG vs. Arkansas and barely able to make the trip with me. Ultimately he was too sick to try and make the trip to Tempe for the NCG vs. Nebraska. Perhaps that was a good thing. We lost him the following April and I have no doubt he was smiling ear to ear up above looking down on New Orleans that next year. Maybe they're up there with all the Gators gone before arm in arm singing "We are the boys". May he RIP.