Loss of a Fan and a Father

[Southpaw]

I’ve been debating creating this thread for a few days now. On Sunday, August 12, 2007 jdlea and I lost our father at the relatively young age of 50. He had been battling lung cancer for over a year and was actually told that he was cancer free a few months back. However he had received so much chemo and radiation that his body was weak, and he had to deal with several infections as a result. His heart was weak because of the numerous infections, and he eventually suffered a heart attack due to his body trying to fight them all off.

I didn’t create this thread for pity or to invoke sadness, but as a tribute to one of the most passionate Redskin fans I’ve ever known. Being born in the DC area, our father was a Redskins fan all his life. He lived in San Diego for four years while in the navy. While there, he was unable to watch many Redskins games(no NFL Sunday Ticket), and developed a soft spot for the Dan Fouts led Chargers, but as soon as he returned to the DC area, he once again devoted his football love to the Redskins.

I entered the picture in the 1978 and jdlea followed in 1984; the beginning and the prime of the Redskins glory days, so as you can imagine, it was Redskins mania in our house when we were little kids. My parents didn’t go to a lot of games, but my father was in the stands when Joe Theismann’s leg was broken and a few other big games over the last 20 years. We always made a big deal about opening day, and it was treated like a holiday in our house. The Superbowls were treated the same way, but they occasionally included a big celebration with the entire extended family as well.

As we got older and as the magic left the Redskins organization, our father became less concerned with watching his language around us, and we were opened up to an entirely new version of our father the Redskins fan. He let the curses fly and screaming at the television became his Sunday trademark. It got to the point that my brother and I had to watch the games in a different room, but as soon as it was clear that Washington was going to win the game, we’d rejoin our father and share in the cries of joy that were just as passionate as the curses of anger. The funny part is, my brother and I would talk about how crazy dad was during the games on Sunday, and over the past few years, I’ve noticed that I’ll react very much the same way during the games as our father did. As controlled and logical as I can be during the week, I’m basically a clone of my father when it’s game time; complete with all the yelling, cursing, and stomping when they lose, and yelling, cheering, and jumping when they win.

My parents moved to Myrtle Beach a couple years ago, and luckily the Redskins were still televised fairly often if the Panthers weren’t playing at the same time. But I do remember how pissed my father would be when they’d be showing a game during the 2005 late season playoff run, and cut off the end of the game because the Panthers were about to kick off.

Our father gave so much more to us and to the world than I am willing to share here, but Redskins football was definitely one of his top two most passionate hobbies(the other being golf). Washington Redskins fandom has lost a great and loyal member, but anyone who watches a game in the presence of my brother and I will see our fathers spirit and influence reflected through us. We love you dad…

[Southpaw]

As a side note; jdlea is attempting to set up a yearly charitable golf tournament in remembrance of our father, for cancer research/smoking prevention. It’s in the planning stages now, but it’s looking like it will start next year around September 1, so if you live in the southern Maryland area, or can make it down, it’s going to be a good time. I’m sure he’ll pass on the details as they develop.

[12thMan]

Man, I'm truly sorry to hear about this and you both have my condolences. Sounds like your father was a stand up guy.

Keep us posted on the golf tournament, I'm sure the local guys would love to help out.

[Gmanc711]

I'm extremely sorry to hear that, having met both of you, you both seemed like real good guys....I'm very very sorry.

[jbcjr14]

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. RIP

[skinsfan_nn]

Sorry to hear of your loss. May GOD BLESS and keep him and be with the family in there time of need.

Please get the word out on the golf event, I'm in. Regards

[MTK]

I'm really sorry to learn of your guys' loss. If we can do anything here to help out with spreading the word about your golf tournament just let us know.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

I'm so terribly sorry guys. I really don't know what else to say.

[jdlea]

The Golf Tournament will be annual and will be held on either Sept 1 (his birthday) or Labor Day (depending on what day I can get/weekends and things like that). However, the course it will be held on is not the best. It just happens that it was my father's "home course" if you will. I hesitate to call it his favorite, just the course he played most often. He and I shared many great rounds there and, while I worked there, a lot of free ones too.

The course is called Chesapeake Hills and is in Lusby, MD. I share more as the time approaches. I don't feel like I have the time to put the tourney together this year because I want to try to have a silent auction and some other things. Also, I'm totally unfamiliar as to what one should charge participants for this event. I'll probably sit down with some people from Chesapeake Hills in a little while (once my life calms down).

As for our father, I couldn't have said it better than Southpaw. He loved the Skins and he's the reason we're fans of the team. He's also part of the reason we're so negative about the team sometimes...lol. The team lost a great fan on Sunday and we lost a great man.

[SmootSmack]

May your father rest in peace. And my prayers are with you and your brother and your father's loved ones.

(check your PMs)

[Riggo44]

I'm sorry to hear about your father Southpaw and jdlea. He sounded like a really cool dad. The Redskins and golf are two of my favorite things in life as well. May he R.I.P. Good luck with the golf tournament.

[BigSKINBauer]

Guys i am really sorry to hear that. My prayers are with you guys.

[Lady Brave]

My sincere condolences go out to you and your family. You'll be in my prayers. May God bless and keep you both.

[70Chip]

My deepest condolences for the loss of your father. Hail to the Redskins.

[GMScud]

My prayers go out to both of you and you family. I am terribly sorry for your loss.