Renaissance Man

My dad and brother Matt circa 1968

A Renaissance Man to the end, my dear Dad passed away 12 years ago this week. I can still hear his laugh, see him bust out his moves, and sense his overwhelming generosity. He was giving and kind and funny and such a character. My dad inspired my own curiosity as he was always up on the latest trends, ideas, gadgets, cars (see above with his swanky Corvette), and people and places of note. David Crandall grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and was a self-made business man, working his way up from his first job as a 12 year-old ride operator at Six Flags, to establishing his own import business with Hong Kong merchants back in the 70s, a pioneer in the industry.

He was somehow a wide-eyed old soul- an uncommon combination. Travel was his jam, part of his dna. My dad showed me the world, quite literally and made sure that travel was a major part of my makeup, so that my eyes were opened beyond the comforts and familiarity of my hometown. We went everywhere- from long and winding road trips through America’s National Parks to the grandeur of Venice’s Grand Canal. I credit my dad for my career. He took us to NYC every year as kids, where we took in countless shows and sights. It’s because of all of that theater, that I was inspired myself to become a Broadway performer, a dream which he championed every step of the way.

As kids, my parents regularly took us out of school to travel and felt strongly that seeing the world was as important an education as the one we were getting at our school desks. I thank them both for that. Dad was thrilled when I chose to study abroad in Italy my junior year of college, and for my graduation gave me an around-the-world ticket. Cue an incessant case of Wanderlust.

My Dad had a deep rooted love for the tradition and beauty of the American West as well as a hankering for spontaneous travel. I remember one morning in August of 1992 when he excitedly announced that we should promptly pack our bags as we would be leaving shortly for the airport to fly to Barcelona. We went to the Olympics on a moment’s notice with zero plans. Seriously, I live for that stuff. He managed to find us a place to stay in an impossibly booked city and tickets to the biggest events- loving every minute of the challenge. He was always so adventurous and filled with life, humor and curiosity. Dad was just as excited to stay at the Hassler in Rome as he was to bunk in a Route 66 roadside motel. The apple doesn’t far fall from the tree.

I am eternally grateful for everything my father gave me in terms of life experience but more than that, he was a man of such style and grace, smarts and wit, a true original. A trailblazer to the end, with a knack for no-nonsense advice, I miss that advice and sound judgment more than anything. He was my rock at the end of the day. I always went to my dad with the big stuff and he always knew just what to say. He was a problem solver, a loving father and a curious spirit and force in the world. He didn’t much care what people thought of him, outside of the ones he loved, and I always admired him for that. I try to channel a bit of my dad’s no-nonsense and enthusiastic approach to life every day.

David seized the day. He is forever my hero and my heart hangs heavier without him here. Miss you dad, miss you every day.

Related posts: