Our leader bee

The above photo is of Jeff, his sister Alison and their dad, Rick. It was taken at an Ale Trail at the Woolwich Arms in Guelph a couple of years ago.

Rick died suddenly in April.

While a loss is never easy, this one was particularly difficult because no one saw it coming, and we're still not really sure what happened.

This year is Jeff's first Father's Day as a dad himself, but it will be a bitter sweet day given he won't get to celebrate with his own dad.

Rick loved the Ale Trail, in part because I think it gave him a way to connect with his son. He and I also tended to get quite drunk at these events, which was also fun.

We'll be thinking of our Leader Bee today.

We hope when you have a beer today, you'll have some fond memories of your own father to reflect on. And if you could, say a little cheers to Rick.

Happy Father's Day, and happy start to Ontario Craft Brewing Week.