Honor Thy Father

A lot of you reading, may have already heard this before, but for those of you who haven't, today's the day to share it with all of you. Written by my brother's best friend, Tommy Bushnell, this memoir is the best written explanation of the amazing man my father was:

"Only real men wear pink, Tommy." Rick Montano was one of the most kind, gentle, generous and real men that I have ever met. This may sound a bit cliched, but it's the truth. He was the consummate provider-- a hard worker, a wonderful father and a true friend. I spent many afternoons at the Casa del Ricky and am fortunate and privileged enough to have witnessed this first hand. Rick loved to talk to people because he genuinely loved people. Who else could take a snipet from a television show on the 1972 Miami Dolphins and turn it into a 45-minute dissertation on the difference between the bottle-nosed dolphin and the porpoise? Only Rick. This may seem arbitrary or obnoxious, but it never was. It was real, an opportunity to banter back and forth, laugh with each other, and, most importantly, share company with a friend... "Only real men wear pink, Tommy."

There was nothing Rick loved more than his children, my friends Jared, Joe, Marisa. Unlike his calloused hands, there was nothing insensitive about Rick, especially when it came to his kids. You could tell that his eyes lit up and his heart melted when he spoke of them. When others questioned their decisions, he stood up for them, stronger than ever, never waivering in his pride and confidence in them, always stoic, a beacon of fatherdom... "Only real men wear pink, Tommy." I have never seen anyone work harder in order to provide his children with what they needed.

Rick painted his entire house in Knollwood, including the chimney, green. He used to say, "Geniuses pick green." Yes, Rick, I know. Rick was not a genius in terms of Einstein or Freud, but yes, Rick, I now really know that you geniuses pick green because you were a genius in raising your children, in providing them with an indestructible blueprint for success-- a very simple equation- impeccable character plus hard work plus love. I am writing this while on a train to London, but my upcoming voyage is the furthest thing from my mind and heart, which remain at home. I am devastated that I cannot be with you all to celebrate the life of Rick Montano. Nonetheless, I offer my heart and prayers to Rick, Jared, Joe, Marisa, Mrs. Montano...family and friends.

If I may offer some advice in absentia-- to Jared, Joe and Marisa- to continue to follow in your father's footsteps because that can only lead to greatness and happiness. To Jared, my dearest friend and brother...I share in your father's pride and confidence in you. My prayers and love are with you. To Rick, I am going to wear my pink shirt tomorrow. "Hey, only real men wear pink, Tommy." Well, Rick, then you should have worn pink everyday.



See Joe's tribute to his dad on his personal blog.