This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, LeRoy Petry, 83, born in 1930 and passed away on August 28, 2013. We will remember him forever.
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BUILDING THE FORT AND WORKING ON CARS
I was around ten years old. I wanted to build a fort. Our trees weren't big enough so this one had to be one on the ground My dad and I talked it over and about the plans. He started and finished the frame. I handed him tools, boards and nails. He showed me how to measure with a tape measure and a square and use a regular saw and cut the wood - straight! Oh, and how to use the pencil just right! The windows were large but not any glass. There was a doorway but not a door. This was for safety purposes. By all means, no boys allowed! Dad then taught me how to saw, measure, cut and nail the wide boards for the siding. I would try to get my sisters to help but this was my job and not my dad's. He finished the roof and floor. Of course I was the "Gofer"! What a great job we did together. He was a good teacher, never criticizing a mistake, always calm and cheery explaining every step thoroughly. He was a joy to work with and to be taught some basic carpentry by him at a young age was a blessing. I wish we could be building something else together, like a porch, even if it would be birdhouses. We were separated by distance but never our hearts. We always kept in touch by phone. We had a lot in common. When he worked on the cars when I was a youngster, he taught me about the tools and as he was under the car I was unmistakably very helpful and even was a "Gofer" for that and I cleaned his tools and put them back in place - a habit I never acquired. My tools are somewhat dirty and get misplaced. Now when I work on my car I wish I had a helper. It's a pain getting the tools myself, back and forth from under the car to the box! Always a reminder of the time we spent together even if it was a bit of work! This is NOT the end of the stories!!!! Now let's hear yours! Even a joke you may remember!!