For Dad, Lewis, Grandpa, Saba, and friend.

How would you describe Lew? 
You don’t really need me to tell you about him. You are aware he used to be an avid tennis player, skiier, and body surfer. He insisted we play tennis, ski, and learn to swim well, despite our occasional objections. 

You would say he is an enthusiastic and successful gardener. You already know he is addicted to bridge and keeping up with world events. You would mention his delight in elegant design and beauty. You probably know that when we were young he invested tremendous effort into organising elaborate holidays for us around Victoria and beyond. This example has served as inspiration to me when the extended family comes to Israel for my kids’ bar mitzvahs, and no doubt has encouraged us all to explore abroad.

Dad used to be active in Rotary, thereby contributing to the wider community and setting an example of volunteerism for us to follow. He received a Paul Harris award in recognition of his work.

You, if asked, would no doubt mention his intelligence, which has always been the backbone behind our attempts to achieve academic excellence. For fun, he even sat the Matric exam in maths as an external student, at the same time that I was did it! Thank goodness we got the same mark!

Lew is nothing if not loyal. One example is the tiny necklace token I once watched him fashion for Eve, the love of his life. He used his dental equipment to mould and engrave it, of course. It was made of gold, and it was in the shape of a house. How symbolic is that?

You may have heard that Lew listens to classical music, used to play the violin, and has a lovely voice. I think of him when I sing in the choir. Who here has heard him sing? Have you ever witnessed him indulge in quoting little poems and singing ditties and songs from the fifties? He still regularly sings “Daisy Daisy” and the alphabet love song to Eve. 

Of course, Dad was a dentist. He is often remembered for how he would insert a number of implements into patients’ mouths, and only then start asking them questions! His influence in this sphere is obvious; we all make sure to brush and floss regularly! 

Luckily Dad can also laugh at himself, which comes in handy when we recall the time he was left to cook for himself. There was a minor disaster when he tried to toast a cheese sandwich in the upright toaster!
If I had to choose one word to describe my Dad, I would use the one supplied by his granddaughter, Kate. She used the word witty! And yes, he is! He loves to tell a good joke! And repeat it! And repeat it.

Dentists brighten up the world, one smile at a time. And so does our witty Dad.