It seems that the Dad is always the funnier one of every two parents. Why is that? I’m not saying that Mom isn’t funny too. I know many silly and smile-provoking moms out there. But when I recall my fondest memories of my dad, grandpas, uncles, and even my husband, I see that the common denominator is the ability and willingness to get his family laughing. Note, I’m not talking about fathers here, as they are a different breed—people who have that more serious outlook whose families tiptoe around them. I’m speaking of “Dads.” These are the guys who will throw themselves on the flames of heavy conversations to save us all from being consumed by the heat.

My Dad was one of the best. (Yes, I know I shouldn’t capitalize that, but hey—it’s my blog.) As I think back to all the times he made us giggle at his mixed metaphors, groan at his puns, or laugh out loud at his silly antics, it makes my heart smile as well as miss him. And I recall both my grandpas–and my uncles, my brothers— doing those same types of things designed to make the youngsters grin.

Dad would scare Mom by pretending to jump over railings at scenic overlooks, just to laugh and smile when he turned to look at us to see if he shocked us. He’d be the first to put his head through any photo op board with a picture of a huge, muscled body under his funny face—then he’d make sure he’d also pose with his head in the bikini clad female form too. He loved to don all kinds of hats and pose. My sister took a series of pics of him wearing each of his multitude of hats he’d collected, making faces with each, as we went through the collection to pack it when they moved out of their house.

One Christmas season, as my little brother and I watched the Nutcracker on TV, he proceeded to imitate the male dancers, leaping and jumping around, scissoring his feet. He landed with a thud, put his hands on his knees and huffed out, “Now I know why they call it the Nutcracker!” We rolled off the couch in peals of laughter. Dad loved to dance. He was one of those guys who would walk through a room, doing a little polka step along the way to whatever music was playing (including rock).

His Dad as well as his Dad-in-law—my Grandpas—were also known for their comedic prowess. Although one’s humor took a more physical form in tickling us all before handing us a stick of gum, the other would entertain his grandkids by verbally sparring with Grandma and teasing her in front of us—then he’d turn to us with an exaggerated open-mouthed smile and wink. They loved to make us laugh, and they were good at it.

I’ve often wondered if my Grandpa Stevens purposely loosened his pants that day at the lake when we were trying to pound a well-head into the ground. We were gathered in a circle around the soon-to-be well pump, taking turns driving the pipe further into the ground. When Grandpa stepped forward to take his turn, he had us all watching as he lifted the heavy point-driver to drop it on the pipe. As he lifted, his pants fell around his ankles, leaving him standing in the middle in his boxers and all of us doubled over in laughter. Now that I think about it, he was never without his suspenders, but they somehow “came loose” that one time? Probably not.

My many uncles were known to entertain us too, sometimes to the detriment of their own health. My Uncle Bob once took part in a leaping contest with my cousins on a summer day. As he took his turn to jump over the blow-up pool filled with water, he slipped and fell, breaking his leg and ending his summer break early. I remember my Aunt Dorothy shaking her head and laughing as she told us about it.

Beyond keeping us entertained, they’ve always protected our hearts by providing a bit of levity during difficult times too. It may seem insensitive to some, but sometimes a well-placed quip can help us through the toughest moments. My brother told me about an uncle who greeted him at my Grandma’s funeral with a blunt, quirky statement that made him feel better than any platitude or soft-spoken condolence could have.

My husband was a master of producing giggles and laughs from our two kids, although usually at the dinner table when I wanted them to just eat and talk about their day. I’d play straight man to his silliness many evenings. All he needed to do was start sputtering and belly-laughing. He’d soon have them rolling in their seats with laughter and giggles as they’d watch me trying to keep a straight face.

Some Dads can keep their sense of humor even when disciplining their charges. My brother Jeff kept his cool when his kids would beg for something after pushing his buttons too many times that day. He’d stick to his guns, shake his head, smile and say, “The Whinery is closed!”

On social media, we see many people talk about “Dad jokes.” So, it’s not just my family! Many families know that the patriarch is usually the one who likes to entertain his troops. Whether they wear mismatched outfits or silly t-shirts, or they produce one-liners that make us grin and shake our heads, Dads provide us with laughter and memories that keep us smiling for years.

And to my son-in-law, Zach, who is now an expectant Dad, I say, “Sharpen your chops. You’re about to take the torch, so you better brush up on your puns.” I have no worries. I know he has a good sense of humor. He’ll be a great Daddy in a few months.

The silliest Dads are the ones who enjoy this day by eating burnt pancakes and reading crayoned cards and noodle-framed pictures. They relish in the sloppy kisses and kid-smeared creations full of love. The fathers are the ones who open beautifully wrapped flat boxes. But even the most serious among them finds a sense of humor in being Dad and laughs at the irony when he opens his 100th tie.

Happy Dad’s Day to all you Funny Fathers out there.