After searching for some time for something unique to say today about Father’s Day it occurred to me that simply talking about my dad would be pretty unique in itself!
As many of you know my dad grew up in Hilltop as the oldest son of Chris and Dena Ott Sauder. Born in 1916 he was a product of the “dirty thirties” which included his being denied the opportunity to attend college because he was needed at home on the farm his family would eventually lose in the depression.
I was born in 1946 in Emporia, but my home was Gridley where Dad had purchased an old grain elevator. He also did bookwork for an independent oil rig owner which explains his almost accidental entry into the oil business where he experienced much well-earned success.
My relationship with my father can only be described as complicated.
Never any question about his love and devotion for me. But because of his dad’s business problems – Earl Sauder was absolutely anal about succeeding. Failure as they say was not an option. Only by adding in his perfectionist style will you understand my father. There was only one way to do a job – the right way – meaning his way – regardless of how long it took!
His favorite saying was “ he’d never seen a job he couldn’t outwork.”
That’s how he lived his life when we were kids – work in the day, work at night, and on the weekends. No golf, no ball games, no playing catch, no hobbies just breakfast and dinner at home and always church on Sunday. Heck, I think mowing the yard was his hobby.
Consequently, he seemed like somewhat of a stranger at times.
We moved to Emporia in 1959 and thru high school Dad pretty much kept his work ethic intact until his heart attack. Mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis softened him a bunch.
Dad became my business partner after college creating a relationship of a whole different color. He was tough but fair with accountability always the key.
During the last 20 years of my dad’s life, we became best friends. When I messed up my first marriage he was there for me.
My dad like most dad’s taught me many things. My hope is I have done a reasonable job sharing his examples with my 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law, six grandsons, and one lone granddaughter plus when Bobbi and I got married I inherited 2 bonus daughters, a first son-in-law, another granddaughter, and two more ornery grandsons.
Wow! If my count is correct that’s 19 people who call me everything from Steve to Grandpa to Papa. That’s a big responsibility I absolutely cherish.
Love to all and Happy Father’s Day!
I’m Steve Sauder
