Best Father in Middle-earth

[Child of the 7th Age]

Kalimac -- You took the words out of my mouth. When I posted the thread, I was thinking of two individuals, one of whom was Bilbo. I have an adopted daughter myself, so I definitely think adoptive father qualifies. I think he did a great job educating Frodo to the wider world outside the Shire. And Frodo was unusually polite - some of those manner must have come from Bilbo.

My second choice was J.R.R. Tolkien. He was always berating himself for not being a good father, but everyone who knew him said that was not so. He spent a lot of time worrying about how to provide for his family, but still found time to tell them amazing stories and write the Father Christmas letters.

I figure he's an Elf-friend so he qualifies as being an honorary Middle-earth resident.