THIS weekend fathers all over the Hawkesbury will be getting extra hugs, kisses and presents from their children as Father’s Day is celebrated. For one Kurrajong daughter, this Sunday is all the more special as it may be the last Father’s Day she and her dad will spend together.

Lesa Tame describes her father Leon Tame as ‘amazing’, and has every reason to believe it.

Seventy-two-year-old Leon is the ‘poster boy’ for an active seniors lifestyle, participating in karate at North Richmond, bike rides, horse rides and he is also a musician.

But 18-months ago this cheerful Grose Vale resident was facing a dark future after he was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma- aggressive bile duct cancer in February 2007.

After much deliberating, Mr Tame decided to have a ‘Whipple’s procedure’ which involved taking out the affected organs and reconstructing the digestive tract.

The operation was successful but incomplete, leaving Mr Tame with residual cancer.

But despite his procedure and the constant bouts of pain that strike him, Mr Tame still continues to lead an active lifestyle, achieving his black belt in karate at Kosdan Martial Arts a month ago.

“They surprised him with [his black belt] at one of the training nights,” Ms Tame said. “I knew it was the next step for him and he would eventually get it. I’m so proud of him. He still attends classes even though he’s battling pain and gets tired at times from the cancer.”

Ms Tame said her father has an incredible physique for his age, owed to the gymnasium he has always kept in the garage.

The youngest of four children, Mr Tame grew up in Paddington and was raised by his single mum Mary. He met his wife Janice and was married in 1957, living in a car while waiting for their first housing commission home.

Years later they made a family home in Blacktown, and after a few more moves, they retired to live comfortably on five acres in Grose Wold.

“Anyone can learn a lot about living a full and meaningful life from my father,” Ms Tame said.