Happy 50th, Dad!

Today is the day that we've all be waiting for, okay so maybe nobody has been waiting for it, but nonetheless it has finally arrived! Richard Phillip Fought, born November 13, 1958 at 7:11 a.m. has now reached the ripe-old-age of 50...that's right folks, 50! (And yet he doesn't look a day over 49!) Because it is my dad's special day and I'm stuck in class all day, I decided to write somewhat of a tribute to him and his life. So, here it goes...

Exactly 50 years ago today, the stork delivered Dad to James Phillip Fought and Mabel Elisabeth Gibson. Arriving a little before they expected, he spent the first several days of his life in an incubator so that he would have a chance to grow. It was hard on Grandma to leave her first baby at the hospital and she was very excited when she was able to take him home.

Dad's first house was in Ogden, UT. He grew up there and enjoyed many of the things that most young boys do. Some of his favorite stories to tell include going to Grandma Gibson's house, receiving birthday presents from Grandma Dorothy, winning the best penmanship award in third grade, taking care of the apartments and vacuuming the house every morning before school.

Beginning at about the age of 10, Dad started learning how to play tennis. His skills improved quickly after lots of hard work and he began to play in tournament after tournament. In fact during his high school years, Dad never lost a match! Because of his determination and hard work, he was offered an athletic scholarship to BYU where he played for four years and graduated in Recreation Management. Dad also had the opportunity to be the assistant coach for BYU and has always considered himself to be a true cougar!

While living in Provo, Dad met a woman named Pat Robison who is just as talented and hard-working as he is. After dating for awhile, he finally proposed and they were married on Friday, July 13, 1984 in the Salt Lake Temple.

A year and a half later, Baby Boy Fought came into the lives of Mom and Dad and they named him "Patrick" because it was a combination of their names.

A couple of years later, Dad was pleased to have a little princess arrive. (That's me!)

A lot has happened since that time, but there are a few things that I will always remember.

Dad is...
1) ...the king of doing silent acts of service.
2) ...easy to talk to and a great person to get advice from.
3) ...the best person to have teach you how to read or to learn your times tables.
4) ...the cleanest person I know.
5) ...a great cook.
6) ...a great person to have wake you up in the morning.
7) ...an excellent dog-walker.
8) ...the best gardner on the block.
9) ...an awesome story-teller and writer.
10) ...excellent at faking sleep...or is he really sleeping?
11) ...the best dad in the world.


Dad, thank you for all of the things that you have done for me over the years. I am so grateful for the love and support you have given me and the advice that has been such a blessing in my life. Thank you for insisting that I brush my teeth every night, giving me piggy-back rides, letting me ride on the handlebars, teaching me to drive stick, encouraging me in school, and for dancing with me on my wedding day. I love you, Dad.

Love Always, Mageera