Friday, April 4, 2008

Birthday of a World Class Song Leader



Today is a special day... well, actually we don't know the exact date. It could be the 3rd, 4th, or the 5th of April. But Happy Birthday to a one of a kind Dad anyway. The story from Grandma Bertram (who has passed on) is that Dad was born on the 5th of April but somehow in the hospital they messed the birth certificate up and put his birth date as the 3rd. So instead of worrying about it, we just celebrate both days, including the one in between. He deserves it.


Dad is probably the one who I inherited my love of music from. Although both my parents are musical, Dad went "public" with his singing and violin abilities. As kids he and his brothers and sister were all musical and would sing together. Although we don't hear much violin playing these days, Dad can pick up the violin's relative, the banjo, and make you want to dance. His singing styles range from the Frank Sinatra crooner, Elvis Presley's "humma humma" spunk, and a good rich baritone distinctly all his own. However, he was and is (in my opinion) the greatest song leader this world has ever seen or heard. From his motel to near death stories told over the platform at the Rock Church, he has encouraged and ignited people's love for God in unique ways. He is passing down a great gift to his kids. Now, all three of his kids sing and two play the piano.


Dad, you are the funnest, funniest, most daring and riskiest, money makin', musical Dad... and I think you're the greatest!! Anyone who knows you thinks that you are simply GREAT! Thanks for all the fun through the years. I hope you have a great birthday these three days and I wish I could be there to celebrate with you. Love you love you love you soooooo much. XOXO

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your Dad is the greatest. "Happy Birthdays"..(heh heh) Bro. B.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Von de Leigh! I didn't know Bob played violin too! But you didn't mention his bass playing. He played Upright Bass in Flint church, I believe (and my bass once or twice at the Rock altar service). He really is one of the most unique men--in several fabulous ways--that I've ever known. Once I remember he was up leading songs when he whipped out his cell phone and took a call from the pulpit! We all thought he was kidding--at first. LOL!
Happy B-day Bob---

Jana Allard said...

Awwwww, your dad is a great man! He and your mom were always special friends to my parents. My dad and your dad made a lot of funny memories for us at senior youth camp. Weren't those the days?!?!? Please give him my happy birthday regards.

James Wilder said...

Happy Birthday, Bro. Bob! Love ya!

cMc said...

My mom has multiple "birthdays" as well! How funny! Only it was because Grandma Lucy said she was born and they celebrated the 18th for years, but it's actually the 19th of August! hehehe... She milks it now, of course. LOL Love reading your blog!

East Coast-er Momma said...

Awww, he will always be Poppa Bod to us and you're right, he is such a very special man. He someone you would definitely want on your side in a scuffle!!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Bro. Bob aka, Uncle Bob, Bro Bertrem, 2nd Dad. Thank you for your support over the years! Gerardo & I are very thankful to have you in our lives. I will always remember the Sunday Night motel stories! You really should write a book.

I hope you had a GREAT birthday.

Lots of Love,
Amy

Janell said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRO BOB! Man, Vonny, You've got an awesome dad! And a hilarious one, too! I'll just never forget skiing with you guys, or going out in the "boat" or getting the chance to pull your dad in an inner-tube down Sacramento River while I was on a jet ski, with a broken foot. That was hilarious! He also helped me sell cherries one time, so that I could go to Spain or something. He sold me a couple boxes of cherries at a "dirt cheap price" and gave me some tips on the finer points of cherry selling.
I wish your dad still lead worship...(no offense, James! You're the best!) Those memories are so awesome, and your dad has a great voice. It seems like when Bro Young asks him to get up once in a while and lead a chorus, the whole church goes wild and starts shouting because we like it so much! hahahaha!
Anyway, Happy Bday, Bro Bob! Hope you have the best year yet!!!