Noblesville's 29th annual Christmas parade will celebrate the life of Ralph Givens, a retired police officer from the Noblesville Police Department who played Santa Claus for several years.

Givens' daughter, Maria, 38, of Tempe, Ariz., will represent her father, who died in August, as co-grand marshal of the parade.

Question: All girls think their dads are special. What was it about your dad that made him special to you?

Answer: Dad was a good, kind person who cared about others and who tried to lend a helping hand when he could. My father loved to learn new things and believed that everyone had something to teach us. He always had time to listen and provided unconditional love and support. Dad believed that you were never too old to watch "Scooby-Doo" or to enjoy a trip to the zoo. I cherish the fact that dad always had a small part of him that refused to grow up.

Q: It seems that your dad really enjoyed giving of himself to the community. Why do you think he wanted to play Santa Claus year after year?

A: My dad played Santa for as long as I can remember. He saw his role as Santa as a small way to remain a part of the community and to give back to the people of the community. Dad loved children, and playing Santa gave him the opportunity to make the kids smile and laugh. Dad wanted to spread the joy of the holiday season and always hoped that by playing Santa he could make things a little brighter for the people he met. Dad loved playing Santa and received as much from it as he gave.

Q: The theme of this year's Christmas parade is "It's a Wonderful Life" in honor of your dad. Why do you think he had a wonderful life? What do you think he would think of having this honor in his name?

A: Dad thoroughly enjoyed life. He refused to let life's hardships or difficulties limit who he was or what he did. Dad loved to meet new people and to try new experiences. He believed that the world was a wonderful place that needed to be explored and that strangers were just friends not yet made.

Dad would be deeply touched by this honor. I also think he might be a little baffled that what he saw as a simple labor of love would be worthy of such an honor.

Q: What is the one good lesson that your dad taught you?

A: My dad taught me so many things it is hard to select just one. He taught me to treat everyone with respect and that the little courtesies matter. He shared with me his love of learning and of trying new experiences. Perhaps most importantly he taught me that each of us could make the world a little better by being kind to others and by sharing something as simple as a smile.