Submitted by Rock Kane

Editor's Note: Dino is Rock Kane's father. Rock and husband Pat are long time pickleballers themselves and regulars on the pickleball tournament circuit. Don't we all hope that we can emulate Dino and continue to enjoy playing pickleball at 90 years of age??!!

Dad started playing pickleball in Bellevue, Washington around 23 years ago, when it was starting to become semi-popular.   He thought it was a great sport for him.   He was 67 at that time.  He played in some tournaments then too.

Dino's Mom and Dad came over from Italy, before Dad was born, so Dad grew up in Seattle speaking only Italian until he went to grade school......then to Franklin High where he met Mom, who also is Italian.

After school he went into the Navy in WWII.  When he came back home, he worked at Borracchini's Bakery in Seattle with his younger brothers, who are now in their late 80's.  At one time I remember my Dad working two jobs to make life easier for us, but he still took us camping and hiking every weekend while we were growing up...even into our teens....so he was never at a loss for energy and living life.

He has always had fun playing with my husband Pat and Mark Friedenberg.  He still has a great shot down the line that gets them every time.  Approximately 5 years ago, I talked him into coming down for the ASO (Arizona Senior Olympics) tournament.  He won Gold!!!!

Dino had a knee replacement last year and was mad because he couldn't play for awhile...go figure!!

He still cooks Italian every day and will have several people over at a time and make them dinner.  He keeps up the house and helps my Mom, Teresa....who is a wonderful woman in her own right.  She also will be turning 90 in February.

There is so much more to the story, but it's not over yet to tell it.  We're hoping for more years of love and fun for Dad and Mom.   I believe their secret to life has always been a great sense of humor.....the ability to laugh at life thru some pretty dark times.

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