Remembrances of Loving Fathers

This Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day and I am remembering all the dear fathers gone before us.  I have a couple portraits that I have painted of loved and dear fathers in my family that I’d like to remember, share, and celebrate on this occasion along with all the other loving fathers my family knows.
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 One portrait I have recently painted is of my cousin, Todd Koesters...

This June in particular we remember Todd as he passed away this very month just one year ago. Knowing Todd, I can confidently say that there is no one in the world who had more love and pride for his children than he did. Though I have no portrait of him, I could also say the very same for my dear cousin Jimmy Breslin.  Sadly, the world lost my cousins Todd & Jimmy far too soon. Both died of cancer in their early 50’s. Tragically, my cousin Jim died from the same type of esophageal cancer that my dad died from just before his 72nd birthday.
 

Here is a portrait that I did of my dad, Leo. J. Breslin, after he passed away in March of 2000.  It is the first portrait that I ever tried to paint - - a composite from a collection of photos and personal memories:

​To this day, I still meet people that say to me, ‘Do you know what a legend your dad was?’ in reference to his career. My dad was quite the sharp & colorful story teller who used those skills like a champ as a trial attorney -- another leading role for which he is remembered; though those who know him best are likely to remember him for his heartfelt sentimentality, his endless generosity, and his genuine & giving spirit.

I believe that the love and pride these men and my dear uncles ( as well my grandfathers that I never met ) had for their children, and all children, remains in them as it remains in us.
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Wishing the whole world over much love on Father’s Day and always…
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Find more stories about my Dad in:
“Spirits of Irish Immigrants”

* More about Father’s Day: “Blue, Yellow and Green”