PLEASE NOTE: My dear old Father's birthday is actually on the 4th June, but we had his shindig on the 6th June where I would be reading this post out to a group of tipsy friends and family. So I couldn't risk him seeing this post before that... that's why this post is being... posted... on the 7th June... comprende?
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After all the posts I have made featuring my dear, dear father, which amounts to just about EVERY SINGLE match summary that the BHO has ever created, what else is there to say?
Well, plenty. So please allow me a little over indulgence as I croon on about this wonderful human being on today, his birthday!
This year is a biggie for my daddy, but you know the rules; you never ask a woman her age, so I'm going to respect that and just say that she (being my dad) is ...advanced. Not that you would know. This fella is fighting fit and ready to approach whatever comes his way head on with a vigour that is comparible to a man a third of his age. He certainly has more get up and go than me!
A lot of this can be put down to his colourful past. Not many people know this, but he is the only man to serve in every single war since 1066 until he retired officially from military service at the beginning of this year.
Because of my father's unwavering dedication to the preservation of his country and his various other endeavours (plague doctor, ship's captain... hooker) he has been accused by my siblings, most notably my eldest sister, never myself, of course, of not being around too much. But he has more than made up for that in recent years (not that any of that was true, anyway). He is now a part of the furniture in all our lives, but I think we can all agree that our lives are much the better for it.
Now, this wouldn't be a BHO post without mentioning the BHO, and would you believe it... I actually have something to say about the BHO... bet you didn't see that coming!!
When I first had the idea of collecting the very few people that I know to get together and play Yahtzee competitively, I was dubious whether anyone would come along. I was even more dubious whether my daddy would want to come along. It's not that he is an old fuddy duddy (he is), but I don't think he would mind me saying that he is a little bit set in his ways. This is not a negative. He has been around the block a few hundred thousand times and he knows what he likes and he knows what he doesn't, so I think he's earned the right at his advanced... sorry, I mean incredibly young age... well, there's still only two digits in his age... for now...
But, to my surprise, not only did my friends and family join me on my journey, but my dad did too. Not only that, but two years on, my father is one of the BHO's best players! He is the first member of the BHO to win three Championships and he was honoured with the Player Of The Year award earlier this year! This is both impressive and annoying in equal measure! He is now the patriarch of the BHO in every sense of the word, a man that possibly holds more sway than myself in our organisation, but that's okay... just don't sack me!! (But just know, the BHO is still mine! So keep them intrusive thoughts out of your noggin Russ!)
But anyway, I've talked enough, so I think it's time to give others (members or otherwise) that know him and love him as much as I do to have their say also...
"Happy 70th Birthday Daddy. I can’t think about you being 70 because it terrifies me, and don’t know what or who I’d be without you. You are the most funniest, moaning old git and best Dad a girl could’ve asked for, thank you for being my Dad. I lost 5 pieces of my heart the days, Grandma, Grandad, Mum, Hettie and Cooper died, if I lost you I don’t think I’d have a heart left. You’re my sunshine and my irritating Victor Meldrew. I hope you have had an amazing birthday because you deserve it, we’re in this together forever, we’re little and large. Happy Birthday once again. I love you to the moon and back" - Princess Kerrie (Daughter of the King)
"Dad, I have known you for at least two thirds of my life. We have shared some fantastic times. Also some times I can't remember... plus some times I would rather forget, including times you would probably deny even if I mentioned them. Anyway, throughout my entire life, which is actually getting quite lengthy now (who'd have thought it), you have been a thorn in my side and an irritation, quite like the rash you get between your ballsack and your thigh. But you have also been my best friend, my drinking buddy and now my Yahtzee opponent! Despite what any doubters might say, you have always been a decent human (and there really isn't that many of them about these days) and that is why I have always found myself wanting to be around you! Is it your super shiny skin? I don't know. Is it your watch collection, which I'm hoping to some day inherit? I don't know. OR, is it the fact that you are the calmest, most tolerant human I have ever met? I don't know. But whatever it is, Dad, I love you, happy birthday and here's to many, many, MANY more!" - Prince Chris (Son of the King)
"What can I say about my dad? Well, he is definitely one of a kind, hardworking, trustworthy, loyal and a truly caring person. BUT, he is also sarcastic 90% of the time, famous for his "I've got some in the car" line. He's good at Yahtzee (not) but he tries bless him! And he has an unhealthy obsession with TikTok!!
I can also honestly say he is one of my favourite people and I wouldn’t be who I am without him, he always manages to make me laugh and cheer me up while also listening to my rants most weekends!! Happy birthday to my amazing Dad and wonderful Grandad, we love you so much and are always grateful to have you in our lives xxxxxxxxx" - Princess Claire (Daughter of the King)
"Hi Russell, Happy Birthday, have a great day. Cheers." - Neville Brotherton (Former Colleague)
"Many happy returns Russ, hope you have a great celebration and enjoy destroying Chris at Yahtzee for many more years to come." - Lincoln Fraser (Collegue and cheeky git)
"There’s a quiet kind of intensity in the way he plays Yahtzee. The dice roll across the table, clattering like small bursts of chance, but his eyes stay focused - calculating, hoping, adjusting. He leans back between rolls, half-smiling, as if he knows the game is just as much about patience as it is about luck. And when the dice finally line up just right, there’s that moment, a spark of triumph, that makes it all worthwhile.... except he misses the Yahtzee, almost everytime. A great man to play against! Happy Birthday, Grandad." - Grace (My Daughter & Grandchild)
"I don't really know what to say, you’re cool and you have a nice smooth head, Happy Birthday xx" - James (Short Grandson)
"Russell, you've seen it all, done it all, and heard it all. You just can't remember it all. And there are more memories still to come. Happy Birthday xxx" - Faith (An in-law)
"Russ, it's so hard these days to find someone who has the same work ethic as me. We have known each other for approximately 30 years, although not really speaking until the last 15 or so. But I know I made the right choice in my wingman. I hope you have a fantastic birthday surrounded by your family and friends and just remember, you will always be 69 to us!
From Dave and not forgetting all the rag tags on the shopfloor." - Dave Pullan (Colleague)
"To a special person on a special day. Distance means so little when someone means so much. Just know that you are always in our thoughts and hearts, we love you loads, wishing you a very Happy Birthday." - Keith, Kairen, Toni, Kira and a couple of licks from Beau (Brother in-law, Sister, Neice, Neice and their dog)
"Happy Birthday to my amazing Grandad. I hope you have the best day, you deserve it. Love you lots." - Chloe (Grandchild)
"Happy Birthday on what is hopefully a wonderful day for you. I remember when I had my birthday and was having my computer set up, you were helping me as I was running up and down AND up again trying to get the router to work. We stuck at it all day until we got it fixed. At Christmas you sat with me and helped me build my Lego sets. It didn't matter how long it took or what else you had to do, you still helped me. You have always been so caring, kind and helpful to others and it always means the world, even if people don't remember all the times you helped them, they still carry them with themselves and they're nourished and juvinated by your kind deeds. You are nothing short of an amazing person, I love you so much and I hope you have an amazing Birthday." - Theodora (Grandchild)
"Happy Birthday Russell. Although I might annoy you with my loud voice after a bottle of wine, even though I know you love it really, you do make me laugh and love when you treat me as a part of the family and always reassure me, even when I'm drunk. You're such a boyo, hahahahah, love you Russell." - Lily (Very sweet, but very dim tag-along)
"Happy birthday Russell! It's been an honour and a privilege to do battle with you on the board. As much as it pains me to admit, you've been a wicked thorn in my side since I joined the BHO. Far too many times has victory been all but certain, then BLAM. Here comes HRH to pull me off my high horse with a surprise Yahtzee. May the dice continue to treat you suspiciously well... All the best." - Jacob (Chisel jawed hanger on)
"You are the best Grandad in the world and I used to like your dog. Happy birthday to you and I love you very much." - Heidi (Grandchild)
"Happy Birthday you old fart!" - Neil (an in-law)
"Grandad you're an amazing person with an amazingly shiny head, but it's okay. Happy Birthday" - Miles (Grandchild)
"Happy Birthday Grandad, love you!" - Isabelle and Ava (Grandchild & Great Grandchild)
"What can I say about Russell that hasn’t already been said countless times in the past; he’s hardworking, loving, well composed, humorous (as much as I hate to admit it), intelligent, strong-willed, an amazing parent and grandparent, so on and so forth. I just truly couldn’t disagree with any of those words used, but at the end of it all, the most important and meaningful word I can describe him with, is simply the word “Grandad”.
The word Grandad describes men who are supposed to be an extension of the love given to you by your parents, an older person to teach you new things, an additional but wiser individual to turn to for advice, and even a grumpy old man sometimes. My Grandad is all of those things and will always continue to be. There’s not a lot of other things that brings me greater joy than knowing that, I'm sure all who know him would agree.
We love you, Grandad, warts and all." - Lee & Millie (Grandchild & Grandchild in Law)
"Happy birthday grandad, I hope you’re enjoying celebrating your day with all of us. I love you millions, even after the “Morton Munter” jokes that still seem to stick with me whenever I look down at my long toe - but it’s okay, I’m sure those bald jokes will stick with you when you catch the reflection of your head beaming onto the walls. Anyways, enough of that. You are the most down-to-earth, caring, strongest man I know and I’ll forever look up to you.
Thank you for always being there for us with your humour and your big heart. You’ve given all of us so many memories. I’m so lucky to have a grandad like you - someone who can make everyone laugh, make everyone feel loved and hold the family together without even trying. Love you loads grandpapa." - Molly (Grandchild)
So there you have it. A well respected and very well loved human being. As far I am concerned by the way, my dad is my hero. He is always there, at least in body, if not in spirit. He taught me... things, and he gave me the only job I have ever enjoyed. He is the nicest man you will meet and he is my best friend. So here's to many more! To King Yahtzee!!!
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