05/07/2026
25 years without him. Johnny, Uncle Johnny, Long Rod Utter (his fishing rod!). He had many names and held many hearts, but to me he was Dad. I’ve lived most of my life without him, but every single one of my core memories is with him in it. There’s no explaining why this year hits different. But the hole he left is big and deep. His time here was far too short, but his spirit and character, his humour and wit, his authenticity and humility impacted so many. I choose this picture every year because I feel like it captures all of his essence. He was one of a kind. The biggest sadness is that my kids will never know him. But I’m doing my damndest to give them a bit of who he is. I’ll be mixing a rye and coke tonight and listening to Duke of Earl.
