My dad was too good for this world. He was a Fire Captain at the St. Paul Fire Department, and also served as the union president for firefighters across Minnesota. He was the best dad anyone could ever ask for. He even dipped his foot into politics, from working to pass health and safety bills in our state, and he even ran for city council in Minneapolis. Even on his off days, he would spend his time running, playing tennis, watching tennis or golf, playing guitar, skiing, cooking, bowling, and traveling; all of which he shared with our whole family. He loved learning everything he could about science, history, and languages like Spanish and Swedish. I like to think that he is still out there, backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail and playing his guitar under the stars.

Even though he did so much for our state, our family was the most important thing to him. He was an extremely involved and supportive dad and step-dad. He was always ready to help anyone in our extended family if they needed it. He also helped champion workers rights and public safety on the state and federal level. For years, he helped pass laws against toxic chemicals in furniture that cause cancer for firefighters, which he was able to speak in front of a congressional committee in DC about in 2019. He also helped first responders who were suffering with PTSD, and families of firefighters who were killed in the line of duty.

My dad was a very honest person, and we had conversations about what he wished to happen when his time came. It was very important to him that he was a donor, since he already devoted his life to saving people. He would be proud that he was able to save two more people after he was gone.