Allie Boatright Riviere
I feel as if I could write an entire book about my father’s life. He accomplished so much and meant a great deal to each one of us. I have so many fond memories of my father; he had so many quirky yet admirable traits that it would be very difficult to quantify his life and my admiration for him on one sheet of paper, but there are some things I’d like to share about my dad.
My dad was THE BEST. I always thought—like most daughters do—that my dad was the strongest, most intelligent man in the world, and in his last days, he proved that to be true. I have been a nurse for 11 years now, and I don’t know that I’ve ever witnessed someone fight the way he did. My father showed his true courage, strength and adoration for his family in the way he fought in his final days. Even on his sickest days he would make sure to show us that smile we all loved so much-it was his way of comforting us when he knew we were worried.
He loved to be outside; whether it was grilling or working on his biggest passion—his beautiful garden. He was most certainly a master gardener. He adored his wife Faith and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends (and Coors light).
He loved music. When we were growing up, he always had a guitar or harmonica with him. He would play his instruments and sing us silly songs that he’d created while we all danced around him. We were his biggest fans.
Some of my favorite childhood memories of my dad include catching fireflies on the bayou and him pushing us on the tire swing all day long; he would laugh and make silly faces at us the entire time! Years later when I was an adult I found great joy in watching him push my children on the swing the way he used to push us on the tire swing—a sweet memory we will hold onto for a lifetime.
He also had a few unconventional interests —like his love for toy cars, or his belief that every shirt should have two pockets…literally every shirt, his obsession with his hair…he did have GREAT hair, and his love affair with French fries.
He taught me how to drive, how to pray, how to give a good strong handshake, the importance of family, and so many more valuable life lessons .
My dad will certainly be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. It brings me great comfort knowing he now has the most beautiful garden and is with his savior Jesus Christ.
