Craig Smith
John, Mark,and Brooke
I am so sorry and saddened that Tad has passed, especially for the grandkids. Your dad figures prominently in the stories I relate to my own kids. I learned many things from Tad - the proper manner in which to wield a short-handled shovel, the proper speed at which to approach a bump-gate, the proper way to apprise the situation when you approach that same bump-gate at the improper speed, the proper application of leverage on a pipe if you ever have to remove a bump-gate from the side of a truck, how to properly wrap a canoe around a tree, where the knot on the end of the rope should be laid to get someone's attention, the art to gathering cattle in south texas brush, the proper method one should use to have flies and gnats not be attracted to your face when eating BBQ off the tailgate of a truck while working cattle, how to braise mountain oysters using a branding iron fire, how deep the creek has to be before you decide not to cross it in a jeep, or a horse, or a truck, and what to do when your horse turns off early when tying on to a steer that weighs more than you think it does. So many stories, but the influence goes even deeper. How to laugh and enjoy life, what truly is important, and where to look when all else fails. He used to make coffee over an open fire at a bible study back in the 80's,(it's still the only way I can drink it)they termed it the goat roper's bible study and attending that time with Tad, Joe, Ross, Dad, Royce and Dave was most influential. As a rebellious teen, the laid-back, humble and tough demeanor pointed my heart to God more than anything else could at that time. I owe much to the placement of Tad in my life. We will be praying for you all and your families.
Saturday August 19, 2017 at 6:19 am
