While I was thinking about the imminent approach of Father’s Day, my grandfathers popped into my head.
I am fortunate to have the world’s greatest dad, and even more blessed to be the granddaughter of two great men.
My grandfathers couldn’t have been more different.
My maternal grandfather, Orin Roper, was a business owner in town, and my paternal grandfather, Roy “Buddy” Steers, was a cattleman who lived on a ranch.
I spent summers camping with Grandpa Roper. He loved to fish and boat, and he loved even more to share his hobbies with his family.
Grandpa Roper only had four grandchildren so we were showered with all of his attention.
He took me driving miles of country roads when I had a learning permit, and he watched my soccer games. He was a second father to me growing up.
Grandpa Steers had many more children to share his love with. When I was a child he had nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Even though there were more of us to love, he always showed us a great time when we were at his ranch. We sledded in the back fields in the winter and drove the four-wheelers on the ranch roads in the summer.
Sometimes we would go up into the mountains with him to bring the cattle down to the ranch in the fall or put them out to graze in the spring.
He was always happy and interested in my future. He wanted me to be taken care of the same way he took care of my grandmother.
Although I am still young, I had no living grandparents left until I married my husband.
Now, I’m lucky to have Grandpa Dick MacVittie, who treats not only me like a granddaughter but now my sister as well.
From the moment I met Grandpa MacVittie and Grandma Thelma MacVittie they’ve made me feel like family.
Grandpa MacVittie taught my father-in-law, Rick MacVittie, many life lessons that were in turn passed down to my husband. They are both to thank for the wonderful life I know enjoy, and I am happy to have two more people in my life to say “Happy Father’s Day” to.
I’m a pretty lucky woman to have two great dads and a grandpa to celebrate.
Trista Steers MacVittie
Managing Editor
