ATS memorial slideshow

Slide 1: 

A.T. “Mike” Shankle July 31, 1930 – October 4, 2008 It’s not possible to condense 78 years of Dad’s active & growth oriented life into a short slide show. Here’s my shot at it, from my shoes.

Slide 2: 

Dad always introduced me as “the Baby”. Following are some of my most vivid memories of growing up with the guy they gave this card to when I was born. He taught me to think ahead, to look around to see what needs doing, to leave things as I find them, and to take care of what I own. I hope I have 78 years as vibrant and full. With love, To Dad, from Becky.

Slide 3: 

Ok, I wasn’t there for this one. Dad was a pilot in the army, and maintained a pilot’s license until the early 1980’s. All I remember is that his definition of “smooth as glass” was very different from mine. I threw up a lot in those planes he loved.

Slide 4: 

Dad and me at the NCSU Faculty Club in Raleigh.

Slide 5: 

Dad got his PhD in Electrical Engineering at NCSU in Raleigh. He was a busy guy. I tagged along with him on Saturdays to pick up the punch cards from his computer programs that ran the night before.

Slide 6: 

In his cap & gown from finishing his PhD.

Slide 7: 

Our basset hound Lurch gets a bath from Dad.

Slide 8: 

Forever clowning for the camera. Hopefully that’s a pinecone, not a rock.

Slide 9: 

Big girls & Little girls. From left, Judy, me, Laurie, Leslie.

Slide 10: 

I couldn’t resist this one, Leslie. That is you behind those Foster Grants?

Slide 11: 

Dad was an Aqua Velva man. He always smelled good after he shaved.

Slide 12: 

One hot summer night, my sisters and I piled onto our sleeper sofa. They woke me up in time to see a fuzzy image in black & white on TV of guys in big bulky white suits, bouncing along. The first moon landing.

Slide 13: 

We always gave him something to figure out.

Slide 14: 

Dad and I built our first color TV. It took weeks, but I’ll never forget sorting resistors by color, and the smell of solder.

Slide 15: 

Mom & Dad. The beard was probably for a show at Raleigh Little Theatre.

Slide 16: 

Dad made us the best chocolate malted milkshakes ever. Unbeatable in the blender with 2 scoops of vanilla. Those, Gin & Tonics, Manhattans, and Scotch and waters stand out as favorite libations. And Schlitz beer.

Slide 17: 

We went to Disney World in the ‘70’s. This is the excited - have room key, let’s check in - walk.

Slide 18: 

Nothing to say about this except it always accompanied the Aqua Velva.

Slide 19: 

Judy and me, fighting about something stupid on a ferry somewhere on the Outer Banks of NC. Mom waited in the car so the gulls wouldn’t poop on her.

Slide 20: 

Shankles & spouses. From left, Warren & Joy, June & Rex flanking Mom & Dad.

Slide 21: 

June and Dad. Both born on July 31.

Slide 22: 

Dad warmed up cold mornings by making us one of these for breakfast.

Slide 23: 

One of many roles, this one probably from a Shakespeare production. He taught himself to play that thing, called a Lutar.

Slide 24: 

Mom & Dad, & Mom & Laurie, about 6 months after moving to Greenville SC from Raleigh NC. Mom recovered from brain surgery several months prior, and lived another full 20 years.

Slide 25: 

Laughing at me cracking jokes as we put the cover on the pool for winter.

Slide 26: 

Ever the keeper of the castle grounds.

Slide 27: 

The trusty shoe polish brand. I have his shoe polishing kit, and use it regularly. With Kiwi, of course.

Slide 28: 

Mom & Dad at Ron and Laurie’s wedding in 1983. I think.

Slide 29: 

Happy Dad at Judy & George’s wedding in 1985.

Slide 30: 

1991: Mom & Dad and I flew out to San Francisco for a long weekend. It was my first trip to California, & I fell in love with it all immediately: people, weather, scenery, creativity. The trip remains one of my fondest memories of being friends with my own parents as an adult.

Slide 31: 

A favorite photo of mine from Mom & Dad’s & my trip to San Francisco.

Slide 32: 

The nuts don’t fall far from the tree. Mom and me being silly in the backyard.

Slide 33: 

Best baby calm-down person in the world. Dad with Becky (Reno) and Mandy.

Slide 34: 

Reunited at Mom & Dad’s 40th wedding anniversary in 1994. From left, Leslie, Laurie, Judy, me.

Slide 35: 

Laurie & Dad sharing a laugh at the 40th anniversary bash.

Slide 36: 

This will always be my favorite photo of Mom & Dad. I hope they found each other again out there.

Slide 37: 

Lifelong learner, walking the talk.

Slide 38: 

June & DIL Becky.

Slide 39: 

Dad & good friend Ellen, dressed to the nines for a night at the symphony.

Slide 40: 

Dad & Ellen at the holidays.

Slide 41: 

For you, Dad – love, and peace. Always.