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guitarnan
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| Posted: Oct 22 2007 at 8:42pm | IP Logged
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Bob Ray, of Maud Hart Lovelace's Betsy-Tacy books, ties with Pa Ingalls for my vote.
Mr. Ray worked hard, came home whistling, listened carefully to his daughters, provided them with travel/educational opportunities as they arose without feeling it necessary to give the other girls something right then...he knew they'd have their turns later. He listed with love when his daughters wanted to become Episcopalian (he was Baptist) and supported them fully. He encouraged each girl to be practical, find a way to make her own way in the world, and pursue her dreams. Mr. Ray had tremendous "people sense." He gave up any chance at a college education to support his widowed mom and siblings, but he found in people the education he truly craved, and he passed his wisdom on to his children.
Pa Ingalls loved God and his family, and his devotion to both shaped his whole life. His sense of adventure led him to try new things, but he listened to his beloved wife when she knew it was time to settle down, and he didn't complain about the choices they made together. He accepted joys and hardships, and made the best of both. His music and positive spirit saved the Ingalls family from despair and, during the Long Winter, starvation. He was a self-effacing but effective community leader. Laura Ingalls Wilder began her ground-breaking series as a tribute to her Pa, who brought joy and hope during the worst times. She couldn't bear to see his stories fade away, so she wrote a book to showcase them...aren't we all glad?
OK...someone else needs to start more "favorites in literature" threads. This is fun!
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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teachingmom
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| Posted: Oct 24 2007 at 12:09am | IP Logged
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Yep, definitely Mr. Ray!!!
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Mary Chris
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Great question! And I agree. It would be so delightful to spend time in the Ray kitchen on a Sunday evening.
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aussieannie
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PA!!! Absolute admiration for that wonderful man - also he reminds me so much of my own father....very special connection.
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Barbara C.
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| Posted: Oct 24 2007 at 11:38am | IP Logged
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In correlation with my post for favorite mother, I have to nominate Arthur Weasley from Harry Potter. Arthur was extremely intelligent, caring, and loving father. He had a great sense of whimsy but he also knew when it was time to be stern with his kids. He had a love of learning which led him to investigate all things Muggle. And he could have been more ambitious at work and gotten higher up in the Ministry of Magic, but he felt he had an important job in helping protect Muggles from anti-Muggle tricksters. His respect, love, and admiration for his wife was always evident.
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organiclilac
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Hmm, no one has nominated Atticus Finch? Karen E. must not have read this thread yet! 
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humanaevitae
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The Father in Swiss Family Robinson. Dh thought he had Pa Ingalls beat!
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marihalojen
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Frank Gilbreth in the book Cheaper by the Dozen. Such a cool dad! Painting morse code all over the walls, sailing all summer, picnicing and singing, involving his family in his work...I think he was a homeschooling dad at heart. 
Bob Ray is a great father figure too.
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teachingmyown
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For some reason, Jean Valjean comes to mind. His love and gentleness towards his adopted daughter Cosette was so beautiful.
I am trying to remember how much of my impression comes from the book as opposed to the musical. Either way, it is just about my favorite story!
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JuliaT
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I really liked the Dad (I can't remember his name) in Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl. I liked how Danny's dad always spent time with Danny. If Danny got into trouble, his dad always stood up for him. I always felt the 'warm, fuzzies' when I read this story.
Julia
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Stephanie_Q
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| Posted: Oct 25 2007 at 7:25pm | IP Logged
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Atticus Finch was the first that came to mind, but I also loved Matthew Cuthbert from Anne of Green Gables.
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Mary G
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Gosh, ladies .... when this was first posted, I couldn't think of ANY dads. The moms are usually so much more of a presence. And yet, Atticus Finch, Matthew Cuthbert (I still cry EVERY TIME he dies  ), Frank Gilbreth, the dad in Mama's Bank Account, and Pa in LHoP are all such amazing role models. Maybe that's why I didn't think of them right away .... I don't need a "dad" role model !
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MaryG
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Who is your favorite father in literature
