The whole time growing up, I knew my dad was Superman. No, he didn’t wear a cape or don a shirt with an “S” on the front, but he did save a lot of people’s lives. Plus, he pretty well resembled Clark Kent with his slicked back hair and suave look. My dad was Lynn E. Humphreys. And he was always rescuing someone who had a broken-down car or needed a pick-me-up after having a bad day. He was often looking for ways to help others no matter the situation.
As a kid, I can recall seeing him dressed up in his U.S. Army Reserve uniform—ready to head out to do important business of the day. Little did I know what it all entailed. Years later, I’m told of the story of how he met 3 men from the Utah National Guard who had flown in a helicopter out of California. Sadly, their helicopter crashed and burned—trapping the men inside.
“An angel took them by the arm and led them into the flames—because that was the way out,” my Dad tells me. And then he adds, “Wendell Jenkins was burned the worst. When I stood at his door, he opened his one blue eye and said, “Sir, it is a privilege to look upon you.”
I learned Mr. Jenkins had to be tied down to his bed to keep him from thrashing around due to intense pain. Dad had many other such experiences that led him to the relief of others within the Army Reserves and the Utah National Guard.
Dad counseled several students after school in the seminary buildings of Weber High, Ogden High, Bear River High, T.H. Bell, and Utah State University. In 2007, he closed the door for the last time teaching LDS seminary and institute. And, at the same time, he hung up his military uniform. He gave it his ALL for 36 years.
I remember my Dad being greasy and grimy—his palms black with grit under his fingernails and even some behind his ears. He smelled like oil and car parts. He had an uncanny scent that always let me know he’d been working in his “shop”. He was an auto mechanic and well known at that. Every neighbor up and down the street would come calling for his business to fix their cars. When I was young I always asked my dad, “Who’s car are you working on now?” To which he’d say, “Mr. Man’s.”
Fast forward to today and my Dad has now been retired for 10 years. He’s NOT the kind of guy who sits on his duff all day and wonders what new blockbuster is coming out. He doesn’t go people watching at the park and feed the ducks. But he DOES ride a bike! He DOES get out and fish! He DOES spend time with his grandkids and kids! And the best part? He’s happy! He’s encouraging! He’s motivated and he’s My DAD!
My favorite thing right now is to go biking with him. Recently, he and I entered our first ever organized bike ride—The Ogden Canyon Sunrise Ride in May. We started just ahead of all the marathon runners. The air was a chilly 30 degrees. My fingers and toes were stinging from the biting cold. But, my heart couldn’t have been warmer. I was thrilled to join Dad on his first ride. We cruised through Ogden Canyon and killed the hills. Midway through I finally felt my fingers and toes again. And I thought to myself--what a wonderful thing it was to see my 70-year-old Dad finish to the end. 14 miles of pure joy! And I can’t wait for more. More memories with Superman.
