Tom Celebrates 80 Years with a Surprise Party, Video
November 4th, 2012 by Steve · 7 Comments ·
I thought that on my dad’s 80th birthday it would be appropriate to talk about the greatest dad in the world.
Then I thought, “No I should write about the best public relations guy in Sacramento.”
I thought briefly that I’d spend some time discussing one of the shrewdest businessmen I know.
But then I decided it’s my dad’s birthday, and I’d better just talk about him instead, and show a video (below).
You see, my dad probably isn’t the greatest dad in the world. But he is good. He may not be the best PR guy in Sacramento. But he is good. And he certainly isn’t the shrewdest businessman around. But he is GOOD.
In fact, he is good at a lot of things. As a writer, a philanthropist, a golfer, a leader, an organizer, a ukulele player… He’s good. But did you know he is a boxer? A photographer? A basketball player? Did he ever play in the NBA? No. Did his photos ever grace the covers of TIME magazine? No. Did he ever see his fighting weight again after 1950? NO. But at all these things, he is good. In fact my dad is a man who is good at so many things and when you meet him you immediately see the well-rounded man that we all know and love.
We present here a video to help us celebrate 80 years of this man’s life. As we put together this video we noticed certain themes emerging.
Cross dressing, drug use and softcore porn were not among them, but if you think you won’t see a drink, a ukulele or, god forbid, a cigar in his hand, you’ve got another thing coming.
I thought this video might be a bit long, until my wife, Lisa told me last night, “He’s given us 80 years, maybe he deserves a 10-minute video.” He does, but I only gave him nine and a half.
So let’s watch now as we celebrate the life of a GOOD man.
Filed Under: Emily · Family · Lisa · Newsboy Reporting · Patrick · Steve · Video
7 Comment so far ↓
1 Tom McClelland on Nov 6, 2012 at 2:13 pm
I loved my video. I would, since I am the star.
2 Larry Lee on Nov 23, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Mac, I wondered if I would ever come across your presence on the web. From a time before digital images turned silver images obsolete, to the present, as cyberword form threatens newsprint into obsolescence, I still remember you teaching that Media class at SCC. You introduced me and the class to McLuhan’s phrase/philosophy about the medium being the message . How true that is today!
It’s good to see you, however virtual, and know that you haven’t lost your sense of humor.
Happy Birthday, and Holiday Greetings!
-Larry Lee – SCC Prospector 1973 – photo staff
3 Larry Lee on Nov 24, 2012 at 10:27 pm
gads…too many years have gone by and my memory failed me…instead of SCC Prospector, I meant SCC Pony Express!!! – Larry
4 Jim Meskan on Oct 22, 2013 at 8:49 pm
You have had a very interesting life. We had many good times at the Rocklin Kiwanis events. I will miss you not writing the KNEWS. Keep having fun and enjoying life with your Family. jim
5 Tom McClelland on Jan 19, 2014 at 12:55 pm
Good to hear from Larry Lee and Jim Meskan through this modern medium.
Larry, we have gathered some of the SCC staff for small gatherings on occasion.
Contact me by email: macnewsboy@comcast.net
6 Patty Purvis-Thielman on Apr 24, 2015 at 9:22 am
Mac – Just watched your video…
So many wonderful moments! Maybe you didn’t make the cover of Time but, tell your son you did make an appearance in Marvel Comics. This is probably a better milestone anyway. Look for a politically astute email sent to you at the above address.
Patty – “Managing Editor”
Award Winning Pony Express ’71
P.S. I still make a great pot of stew!
7 Tom McClelland on Jun 21, 2015 at 12:26 pm
Just now saw comments from Patty. I was laid up for five months with broken femur. It is amazing how old friends and students find me through internet.
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