It is truly impossible to capture the essence of a great man like Joe Condo on paper. He was manly but gentle, brilliant but humble, accomplished but never assuming. He loved an adventure. Trials were just a normal part of life that you overcame. Big trucks, boats and all terrain vehicles were to be enjoyed by all no matter your age. Respect was expected and he was swift to correct any of us for forgetting that. He was generous with what he had, however we were taught to never waste a penny. He loved an element of danger in solving an issue. Pranks and jokes were a normal part of his day. He loved a good laugh. He could laugh at himself too.

Dad was always confident in his own identity. His moral compass was trustworthy and we could count on him to be consistent. To be our rock. He placed a very high value on his relationship with Jesus Christ and modeled friendship with God. That was his number one value.

Joe was the most available father and grandfather I have ever known. Never once in my memory did he ever say he was too busy, or uninterested in my request. I did not ever wonder about my importance in his heart.

To say I miss him now is an immense understatement. Almost daily, I see something that reminds me of him. Almost daily, I hear him teaching me some great truth in that unassuming way of his. I remind myself the bible assures me that I will see him again. That same word also tells me about the cloud of witnesses that is watching and rooting for me. I have no doubt my daddy is the loudest cheerleader. Probably giving alternate ways of accomplishing the goals I’m attempting with his engineering mind. I know he’s proud of me regardless, just because he always told me so.

This is but a brief synopsis of a man that lived for a while on the earth, now he lives in heaven, and he lives on in me, his daughter. Nothing can truly capture the great man he is, but to me he’s my daddy.