Willie's Girl

As a child I was frequently given the nickname "Willie" since I looked a lot like my Dad and probably had similar mannerisms and behaviours. Willie married Irene in 1948. I am the eldest of five children that resulted from that union. Several years ago our family was contacted by Joan Mahaffy who told us that she was a daughter of our Dad from a relationship he had previous to his involvement with our Mom. This was certainly a surprise to us all!! Not long after we met with Joan at our brother Keith's home. Unfortunately, Joan did not meet Dad and Dad did not meet Joan as he had passed prior to this meeting. Until she passed in May 2007, Mom had regular contact with Joan. Some of my siblings also communicated from time to time. I liked the thought but didn't think I could manage one more “to do.” Recently my brother Glenn emailed me a copy of Joan's book Tiger Tales. I read it cover to cover and felt compelled to contact Joan. I wanted to share memories of my Dad and of my childhood. I have chosen the name Willie's Girl since I, the author, am one of his daughters and since I would like to dedicate this site to Joan Mahaffy, the daughter whom Willie never knew.