Father Gander - Boerne, TX
N 29° 47.365 W 098° 43.564
14R E 526475 N 3295482
A memorial to "Father Gander" stands on the riverwalk along the Colorado River in Boerne, TX.
Waymark Code: WMM2Y3
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 07/11/2014
Views: 9
This memorial was unveiled on September 21, 2012. Father Gander and his three goslings were sculpted in bronze by Larry Stevens, and they stand atop a boulder, with Father Gander pointing a protective wing to guide his children in a safe direction. A small egg-shaped plaque is attached to the boulder, and it says:
Father
Gander
A gander spread his great wings wide,
His babies gathered by his side.
A busy road before them lay,
No place for growing geese to play.
But far ahead, beyond the trees,
There ran a creek, cooled by the breeze.
Dodging every car and truck,
That gander led his brood with pluck.
A father's love, steadfast,
Helped bring those goslings home at last.
-Constance Keremes
This memorial, donated by the Stevens family, is placed in remembrance of Father Gander who died near this spot while attempting to protect his mate and newly-hatched goslings. July 2012
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Father Gander was a white Chinese goose who lived at the corner of River Road and Mesquite Street for a few weeks one summer as he guarded his family and nest across from the Dodging Duck restaurant. Traffic cones were put into place to alert cars as to his presence, as he regularly slept at the curb in the street, and frequently crossed the road (which is why there is a duck crossing sign near here). Unfortunately, he was ultimately struck and killed by a car.
Cindy Vogt's book, "Papa the Guardian Gander," is a short book about Father Gander and his family.
Type of Memorial: statue
Type of Animal: wild animal
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Visit Instructions:
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