Community Corner

Royal Oak Woman Wins Patch's Father Day Contest

Here are some valuable lessons from the father of our grand prize winner and other Patch readers.

This story was posted by Jessica Nunez. It was written and reported by Teresa Mask.

As far as fathers go, Angela Doolin says she has the kind that is full of wisdom, never raised his voice and was always present with his children.

"My dad has imparted the importance of patience, gentleness, warmth, creativity, and compassion to my sister and me ..." she responded to Patch's Father's Day Contest were we asked readers to tell us the lessons Dad taught them. "My sister and I are adults now, and I feel that we’re only beginning to grasp the gifts of steadfastness, humor, and big-heartedness he has given and continues to give us."

Doolin, of Royal Oak, was the grand prize winner, chosen randomly to receive an overnight stay at the Baronette Renaissance in Novi and a $100 gift certificate for the on-site restaurant, The Toasted Oak.

Second place winner Amy Johnson said her father taught her many thing such as "anything broken can be fixed with online tutorials and a little bit of duct tape—or a lot; that there are plenty of fish in the sea, but you’ll never catch any of them without a lot of patience and the right lure—mine was usually sparkly and pink; and to never, under any circumstance, claim a fart as your own—'whoever smelt it, dealt it!'”

Johnson, of Fenton, won a $50 giftcard for Joe's Produce Gourmet Market in Livonia

Ken Czarny, of Chesterfield Township responded that his dad taught him  the importance of supporting one's family and the value of a hard day's work." For his entry, he won the third prize of a $25 giftcard for Uncle Paul's Pizza in Grosse Pointe.

Those three were among the many Patch readers who answered our call for the best lessons from their fathers. And in honor of this special day, we're sharing our favorites with you.

About relationships:
Lauren Knoles: "My dad has taught me to to associate with people that are ambitious, positive, and happy, because life is too short to spend time with people that don't bring out the best in you."

Christian George Vulaj: "My dad taught me to respect ALL women. He told me, treat them how you would like someone to treat your mom, sister, daughter or wife!"

Amy Bruce-Stevens: "My dad taught me not to let people take advantage of me. To stand up for myself."

On life: 
Jillian Rodriguez: "My dad taught me to always "have fun & learn stuff". He said that to me every day when he dropped me off at school and now that I'm an adult, I always remember to have fun and learn stuff in whatever I do. He also taught me that life is fun, life is fair, life is good. 

Practical tips:
Karen: "My dad taught me how to use tools and how to fix things around the home."

rita: "My Dad was a Det. Police Officer. He taught us to always remember that you need to consider all guns to be loaded, always. Even if someone says "I dont think it's loaded"

On having fun: 
Tina Cardamone: "My father taught me how to the Irish Jig and I've loved to dance ever since..." 

Theresa Marier Weiler: "My dad taught me to love singing, especially in church!"

Got some lessons to add? Tell us in comments.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here