A day out on the links is a Father’s Day tradition for many.
This year was no different.
“It’s challenging, and frustrating and fun and brings a lot of comradery,” said Danny Henry.
Henry was one of many dads who packed onto Cedar Hill Golf Course in Saanich for father’s day round Sunday.
It’s one of the traditions that the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t disrupt this. However, for many, this unprecedented moment in time has brought on a new perspective
“It gives you a realization and a little more appreciation for what you have and your loved ones around, it’s an eye-opener,” said golfer and father Don Thompson.
But while rounds of golf were still on, not everyone was able to see their father Sunday.
“My daughter said she would love to be here to be enjoying a father’s day buffet breakfast. Not happening,” said Carlton House of Oak Bay resident John Cossom.
The independent seniors living home didn’t allow family members its residents to attend their annual barbecue due to COVID-19. However visits in the courtyard were still allowed, and other families found other ways to share some time with dad.
“Later this evening I’m going to have one of my daughters out and the rest of us are going to communicate with Zoom,” said resident Hugh Mogensen.
“I only have the one daughter who lives here, the rest live elsewhere so it was nice to have her come,” Mogensen’s fellow resident Mcalary said.
It was a different celebration this year for many. Willows Beach in Oak Bay was where new father Jay Loucks spent his first father’s day with his nine-month-old baby Harper. It may be the midst of a pandemic, but it was all smiles for the happy family.
“It feels great, we got a beautiful day and we get to enjoy it, we’re lucky,” Loucks said.
Families made it work to celebrate their fathers in a time when life still feels far from normal
Ben Nesbit
