Today would have been our Dad’s 104th birthday.
Each year on his New Year’s Eve birthday, our family would gather to celebrate the end of the old year, the start of the new one, and—most importantly—Dad! We all share so many fond memories of those get-togethers.
One of the more interesting facts about the Loftesness family is the holiday connection: Dad was born on New Year’s Eve, and his father, Carl J. Loftesness Sr., was born on Christmas Eve. Father on Christmas Eve, son on New Year’s Eve—what are the odds?
Both Dad and his father (along with our mother and grandmother) are buried in a cemetery outside of Canton, South Dakota.
Here’s a photo of the two Carls standing beside Niagara Falls, probably taken sometime in the late 1950s.
Our grandfather Carl used to make an annual trip in the fall to visit all of his children. I have particularly fond memories of his visits to our home in Dayton, Ohio. As a former clothing salesman in his hometown of Canton, he was always dressed up—usually wearing a hat. He always used a wooden cane, especially during his daily afternoon “constitutional” walks.
He also smoked a pipe, using Bond Street tobacco. That aroma is unforgettable to me now. When I was in college, I briefly tried smoking a pipe myself and bought some Bond Street. It turned out not to be particularly expensive—and honestly, not that good, either!
I also remember how he spent time each holiday season cracking walnuts and sending the shelled nuts to each of his children.
Both Carls lived wonderfully long lives. They provided us with such love, care, and so many good memories!
Happy Birthday Dad!