Crossword Genius

Father left as a friend (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

'a friend' is the definition.
(pal can mean a friend)

'father left' is the wordplay.
'father' becomes 'pa' (pa can mean dad or father).
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'pa'+'l'='PAL'

'as' is the link.

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "China" , "Buddy, chum" , "Bud" , "Mate, informal friend" , "Crony" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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