My dads last GRIZ cat game

[JDoub]

Last years Brawl was the last game my pops ever got to watch. He went in for Surgery the following Monday and never left the hospital. This years Brawl will be awkward to watch knowing I won’t get a call after the game from my dad. We went back to Missoula in March for his memorial and stopped by the university, ran into Hauck and he invited us to the scrimmage and we got a tour of the champions center. My dad would have loved it. Here is hoping for a GRIZ victory Saturday with my pops rooting from above.

Sorry for your loss. Sounds like you have good memories of him that live on. Wishing the best for you and your family, I will raise a glass to your Dad, either way this game turns out.


edit: My Dad was drafted Army, went to MSC (back then) on the GI Bill, was a Bobcat, but a Montanan first. We lived in Missoula when I was young. He ended up a big wig at Montana Power and pushed to sponsor the Cat-Griz game, as he called it, never liked the moniker they came up with (Brawl of the Wild), but never missed a game. He supported my decisions, including which school to play for. But when I chose the one in Bozeman, he was extremely excited. He's been gone 10 years now, and I still have vivid dreams that he is still with us. Thankful for him, and my Montana heritage.

 

[cclarkblues]

My dad passed last month. I really feel for ya man. It's heart breaking not being able to watch games with them especially when it was often, pretty much tradition. Now things are all shook up. It's hard to be excited about a game when you're missing someone that was there with you for most of them.

JCU, just so you know, your father has the best seat in the house. He will be with other Griz fan fathers screaming and yelling like never before! If he sit's near my dad, hope he likes loud!

My folks are there too. And they get the best seats, even better than PR.

 

[Cuervohola]

Sorry for everybody's loss. My Dad passed 13 years ago, and never watched sports besides the Brawl. He graduated from MSU, but for whatever reason settled down in Missoula where I was born. Every year, it was "Poor Cats" or "Poor Griz" depending on the outcome, but that GOOD streak of 16 games was incredible for me, most of grade school and all of JR./ SR. High School was mine, and many years after.

RIP, Stubborn Marine.

 

[BWahlberg]

Last years Brawl was the last game my pops ever got to watch. He went in for Surgery the following Monday and never left the hospital. This years Brawl will be awkward to watch knowing I won’t get a call after the game from my dad. We went back to Missoula in March for his memorial and stopped by the university, ran into Hauck and he invited us to the scrimmage and we got a tour of the champions center. My dad would have loved it. Here is hoping for a GRIZ victory Saturday with my pops rooting from above.

My dad passed last month. I really feel for ya man. It's heart breaking not being able to watch games with them especially when it was often, pretty much tradition. Now things are all shook up. It's hard to be excited about a game when you're missing someone that was there with you for most of them.

Goes to show this game and this team is more than just something to do or follow for a few Saturdays in the fall. The memories we share with our loved ones at events like these really show how great Grizzly football/athletics can be.

Posts like these are great reminders for me to continue to make meaningful time and treasure the time I have with my family, specifically my pops as we watch as much Griz and Packers as we possibly can. Thanks for sharing guys, and sorry for your losses, I'll bet that both of your fathers will have the best seats in the house for the game.

 

[PlayerRep]

It's interesting to read all of these dad/mom posts, and to see how many involved Griz or Cat football, or both. As I have said before, my dad died about 59 years ago and also had a Griz connection. It's obviously important to enjoy and embrace one's family every day.

 

[100%GRIZ]

Unfortunately my Dad got what they called back then shell shock on his way back from WWII & I never really got to know him but my step Dad went MSU & we would jab each other back & forth during Griz cat week. He passed away at the age of 96 a couple years ago. My real dad unfortunately wasn’t the same after he got hit on his tractor he was driving at night by one of his drinking buddies. As a side note I would have Loved to have gotten to know my Dad under normal circumstances!

 

[Mousegriz]

My Dad passed away one year ago tomorrow (11/22) and 4 days after his last Griz/Cat game. He'd made the drive from Billings as he (and Mom who passed away in 2015) had for 25+ years as season ticketholders. My final night spent with Dad was following last year's game. He was tore up with the loss but enjoyed the close game. Always supportive and very passionate about the Griz but also always respectful of the opponent.

Hope he and Mom are looking down on a big Griz win this Saturday!

 

[pyroguy]

Like many of you my Dad graduated from Missoula and shortly after headed off to WWII. My fondest memories of my dad involved the drive from Helena to Missoula along the river listening to the radio and headed to Griz football. WE shared a love of the Griz and he never missed a home coming game until he dementia go so bad. Well over 60 years of home comings and he loved Griz/cat week. I bought season tickets over 20 years ago to keep those memories of Griz game days with my dad in my heart. My mom who is in her 90's still listens to or watched every Griz game and calls me to talk about it afterwards. The Griz has been something that keeps my family close together. Now my 12 year old Grandson (who has only missed about 4 regular season games in his life) and I are building that same bond.

 

[Htowngriz]

Like many of you my Dad graduated from Missoula and shortly after headed off to WWII. My fondest memories of my dad involved the drive from Helena to Missoula along the river listening to the radio and headed to Griz football. WE shared a love of the Griz and he never missed a home coming game until he dementia go so bad. Well over 60 years of home comings and he loved Griz/cat week. I bought season tickets over 20 years ago to keep those memories of Griz game days with my dad in my heart. My mom who is in her 90's still listens to or watched every Griz game and calls me to talk about it afterwards. The Griz has been something that keeps my family close together. Now my 12 year old Grandson (who has only missed about 4 regular season games in his life) and I are building that same bond.

No better drive in the world. :thumb:

 

[floridagriz15]

Dads a Griz, Mom and 2 Aunts went to MSU, Thankful my dads around, but I know Griz Games on Saturday will not be the same at some point.