Tribute to a Very Special Utah Father

Published June 14, 1984. Because of the columns I have been writing the past few weeks, I have received many letters from women telling me about their husbands and the fathers of their children. The letters have been impressive. And none was more so than the one I received from Kathleen Ritzman of Salt Lake City telling me about her husband, Lee.

Since Father’s Day is next Sunday, I would like to pay a tribute to her husband, Lee Ritzman, who may – and then again, may not – be typical of other husbands and fathers in our area. Kathleen wrote:

From the moment we started dating, Lee has always put me and my happiness first. For over 12 years now, that extraordinary man has done everything in his power to see that I am content, fulfilled, smiling – in short, happy.

Let me share with you a few examples. When we were married I still had a year of schooling before I could receive my teaching certificate. He saw to it that I completed it and in the process finished his own three years of study to get his masters degree in engineering.

In addition, I have always enjoyed entertaining people and, through some delightful circumstances, became involved in storytelling and puppetry. Not only does he make all of my puppets for me (which are carved and painted beautifully), but he also edits my scripts as we tape them, builds my scenery, and performs with me – even when it means taking vacation time from work. He has supported me in everything I do from gardening to quilting, to church callings. Mother’s Day, my birthday, our anniversaries have all been ‘events’ around here because of his sensitivity and willingness to give of himself. He enjoys my family – and has often commented that my father is one of his best friends.

But what’s best of all is the tremendous example he is setting for our children. I don’t ‘mother’ them and he doesn’t ‘father’ them, we ‘parent’ them together. I have never known a man with more innate integrity than my husband. He would die before he told a lie or gave anyone less than his best. He has a sense of humor that includes a quick wit, which makes even the most serious problem seem surmountable.

He loves me with all his heart, and the children (and the neighbors) know it! He has never let a day go by without giving me a bear hug, a tender kiss and told me a dozen times over that he loves me. (As if I needed to be reminded, with all the things he constantly does for me.)

There are few things he doesn’t know how to do or repair, and he willingly takes the time to teach all of our five children to do the same, which increases their self-confidence as they learn his skills.

I wish I could tell you all of the remarkable things that he does as a husband and father to keep our happiness his main purpose in life. He is following as closely in the steps of the Savior as on man possibly can.

Jesus once said, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends’ (John 15:13). It is harder to live a life for others than to die for them. My husband has given his life for us and I am eternally grateful that we are his friends.

On this Father’s Day we pay tribute to Lee Ritzman and all other husbands whose wives and children are among their closest friends.

God bless you all.