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The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors reflect on fatherhood and lessons from Dad

In advance of Father's Day, Daily Herald editors are using today's Soapbox to offer some brief thoughts on their dads and fatherhood.

My dad taught me a lot, but two things stand out. First, when you love someone, you should never be afraid to tell them. Second, oil is the lifeblood of your car's engine, so change it regularly. Still trying to do both, Dad. - Bob Smith, DuPage and Fox Valley Editor

Dad has always been a high achiever who cast a long shadow. He taught me that life is DIY, so you'd better set some goals - whatever they may be - and achieve them. He expected that much, and that in itself inspired his kids. He also gave me the travel bug, something for which I'm eternally grateful - Jim Baumann, Managing Editor

Be open to change, learn from it and enjoy what life offers you. Dad follows these "simple" ideals. He didn't lecture us about them; rather, he displays them in his passion for art. When he had a one-man art show at the Elmhurst Art Museum, he called it "The Evolving Art of Angelo Campagnolo," with his abstract acrylics, to soft watercolors. He incorporated lessons he'd learn from marketing departments, from watercolor teachers, from old masters, to today's trendy styles. Life, like his art, is about change. And it's beautiful. Thanks Dad! - Pam Baert, News Editor/Neighbor

My dad was my best friend. He's the reason I'm a Cubs fan. He's the reason I'm a sports writer. He passed away in 2004. I miss him every day. I think of him every day. He's the reason I am who am. I love you, Dad. - John Radtke

High School Sports Editor

"Locks are for honest people" ... "There's no such thing as an atheist; everybody worships something" ... "Read the Bible and listen in church, then pray and think for yourself" ... "Hope for the best, expect the worst, and take what comes" ... "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" ... A dad's lessons live forever. It's been a tough year, Dad, but we're so happy you're back on your feet and passing along your wisdom every day. - Jim Slusher, Deputy Managing Editor For Opinion

Now a retired attorney, Don Brandon always advocated for the "little guy" and stressed the importance of fair play. He raised me right - that is, to be a fellow St. Louis Cardinals fan. However, he also raised a Chicago Cubs fan in my younger brother, which dropped his average to .500. But he's still a hall of famer in my book. - Michelle Holdway, News Editor

I remember once my father telling me, a new driver, to get out of the left lane and into the right lane. A basic driving tip, but one that has stayed with me. Dad and Mom raised seven children and, save for one departed brother, the youngest of us all, we have remained close. Thinking of you, Dad, and thanks for keeping us moving in the right lane. - Don Friske, Sports Night Editor

Living with integrity, having a strong work ethic and fighting for the underdog. Those are just a few of the things I learned from my dad before he passed away from complications of lupus when I was 17. Gone too soon, as the cliché goes. But his early death also taught me to live with purpose and to always tell people that I love them. Thank you for watching over me, Dad. - Caroline Linden, Assistant Entertainment Editor

I've always tried to measure myself as a father with my dad as the role model. He was kind, happy and positive, devoted to his family and unfailingly proud of his children and grandchildren. That description provides a good foundation for a life well lived and for me to emulate. We miss him a lot. - Pete Nenni, Deputy Managing Editor

My dad would have been 81 years old today. He's been gone three years, but he's never left our hearts and our memories. He supported and revered our mother, and taught his four children to be honest, fair, disciplined and to help those less fortunate. He worked into his 70s, had friends, took fun vacations and was a great provider. Sometimes the good do die young. - Mike Smith, Sports Editor

One thing my dad instilled in me is my love for baseball - Chicago Cubs baseball, to be exact. And I'm grateful for it. He always had games on at home, on every TV in every room, usually muted with the radio announcers chatting in the background. When I was a kid, he took me to many games all over the country - but mostly Cubs games at Wrigley. He taught me the complex rules of the game, what he loved about baseball and how to watch any game simply because it's good baseball. Now, as a parent, I find myself doing the same with my kids. Every time I turn on a game, I think of my dad, who passed away almost 10 years ago. He would love to be here teaching his grandkids all about the Cubs. Thank you, Dad, and don't worry ... your passion for the game is alive and well in our house. - Kelly Vold, Digital Editor For Engagement

Pops, you've been gone for 15 years now. I can't believe it; it's like yesterday. At the same time, there's so much to tell you and show you and talk to you about. I've even been revisiting the trail where you introduced me to the joy of cycling. I wish I could have helped you more. This Father's Day like every day, you remain in my life. - Neil Holdway, Assistant Managing Editor/Copy Desk

My dad loved to read. A child of the Depression, he put a lot of stock into understanding history, and how the world worked. He was a single dad for much of my childhood, and as I grew, our conversations increasingly required me to read books and newspapers in order to hold up my end. (And I desperately wanted to hold up my end). I realize now his greatest legacy to me was his curiosity. - Renee Trappe, Downstate Group Editor

Dad sent me out to the ball diamond with these words leather burned onto my glove "Hustle, Stay alert, Think ahead." Good advice for playing baseball and good advice for making your way in the world ... Hard to believe he's been gone for almost eight years. Miss you, Pa; happy Father's Day. - John Lampinen, Editor

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