Tati’s Father

In 2019, I visited with my creative partner, Tetiana, in Ukraine. I wanted to experience what everyday life was like for her there, and was lucky enough to stay for a period of about three months. I had known Tetiana for years by that point but not her family, who still welcomed me—a complete stranger—into their lives with open arms. They really were so very generous and accepting, treating me like I’d always belonged there. I’ll always be grateful for that.

I loved spending time with Tetiana’s family so much that I vowed to myself that I’d return one day. However, there will be one less person to greet me when that day finally comes. Sadly, her Father has just passed away. As you can imagine, Tetiana, and her Mother and Brother, are gutted—so am I, to be honest. Her Father and I often bonded over our shared love of heavy metal. We’d do devil horns as a greeting, and he’d comb through YouTube clips to introduce me to many of his favourite, classic bands.

While I was there, Tetiana and I cobbled together some personalised mugs as a gift to her family—a thank you for allowing me to stay with them. Along with loving all things metal, her Father was also a huge Beatles fan, so I’m sure you can tell what famous photo our own image was aping. The man on the far right there is Tetiana’s Father. He was so fucking cool, and I hope my drawing captures something of his indomitable, adventurous spirit.

Truly, he was a beautiful man, and the world is poorer without him. I miss him greatly.

by TONY SINGLE
© All rights reserved 2025

20 thoughts on “Tati’s Father”

  3. So sorry to hear of his passing. Loss is hard any time of year but especially rough around the holidays. I send hugs and positive vibes to both you and Tatiana and her family at this difficult time. 🫂☮️

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  5. So sorry to learn of Tatiana’s father passing. We never get too old to love the parents that loved and guided us through our early life and became our lighthouse in the dark moments of our freedom from adult supervision. Blessed be this great man whose example lives on.

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  7. Tony, I am saddened to read this, and during the holidays, too. *Sighs* My sincerest condolences to Tati, her family, and to you, too. May her father’s spirit live on in each of you, from this day and forevermore. Big hugs to you both from across the miles. 🩵🙏🏾

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