Dear Dad,

I have been reflecting all summer about you, as we prepared for your retirement party in Idaho Falls. It is amazing that a bunch of loud mouthed kids actually pulled off the surprise. You were stunned into silence. What a wonderful night it turned out to be.

First of all, thank you for the enjoyment I had going through your life of 66 years. So many questions about experiences you have had and who the people are in the photos that have crossed your path. How did they influence you? Why coaching & teaching? What made you cry when seeing a picture of the woman who raised you? Were you carefree as a kid? So many questions, I look forward to our future converstions.

Look at your legacy. The night of the party I should have stood and told everybody the feelings that filled my heart that night about you, my dad, my friend, my hero. This will come with less tears and more clarity, but with all the love that I feel for you:

I have been reflecting about what this Pioneer Day means and it reminds me that I have been blessed with a modern day pioneer in my life. You came to Rexburg, Idaho as a young man from the Hawaiian islands, not knowing a soul and so bravely and honorably made choices that began this great big Ohana. You have blazed the trail for all of our lives and have done it with hard work, dedication, faith, love and integrity.

There is not much of my life that does not reflect some aspect of you. Our hearts are so similar and I have felt your inspiration so many times, without even knowing it until this summer as I got to take a look into your life. There are so many things you have taught me about how to get along with others, whether it be on a team or just cooperating with family. I learned to make the most out of my God given gifts and talents. You nourished my leadership skills and reminded me to always be an example of goodness and service. Love of your spouse comes first and loyalty to family is of the most importance. And, I always know that my Father in Heaven loves me and I am his daughter. Mahalo father, for these and so much more.

I see this same influence in my own family. It is easy to see your sweet face and giant heart in my Jackson boy, Cody has your strength and strong spirit, Dani is gifted with your love of serving others, making their lives easier and inspiring them to be better, and Lander has your enthusiasm for life, your affection towards others and for family. Even Paul is inspired to be a better father and husband through your example.

You are such a Christlike person, always have been, always will be.

Many people throughout my life have commented about how hard it must have been to have you as a vice principal, advisor, coach and so on. I honestly tell them that is was actually really great. My friends wished they had a dad like you, the students of IFHS loved you and the community admired the service that you gave.

You will always be Mr. Kane, Coach Kane, Stormin' Normin' the coolest guy ever!

it is a blessing that I get to call you dad.

I love you and Aloha!

Michelle Pualani Kane Barton