A Gentle Man
This morning my Grandfather passed away, his two living sons and their wives tending to him as his spirit was set free.
My memories of my grandfather growing up involve a silly, funny and gentle man. He was an incredibly hard worker both in the corporate world and at home. He kept in excellent shape, skiing well into his senior years.
He was the yin to my Grandmother’s yang. As opposite as they seemed to be, they always complimented each other so well. She was the housekeeper extraordinaire, keeping things on schedule and in order. He was the jolly, gentle, jokester. He kept things light and silly.
My Grandfather inspired the love of the Pun in all of us. A few lucky family members inherited this natural ability: his sons, of course. And also my Teegan who has been a Punster since he could speak. Even as recently as this summer, despite progressing Alzheimer’s, my Grandpa was still spinning the puns. The much needed laughter he added in life will forever be a part of his legacy - something I will see living on through my own child who was born with the gift of his Grandfather’s gentle and jolly soul.
My Grandfather lived a long, full and healthy life well into his 90’s. Although his last few years were tormented by decreasing mental functions, his beautiful and gentle soul inspired love all around him. After my Grandmother’s passing a few years ago, he managed to find himself a girlfriend in his assisted living center. And when, a few years ago, he was moved to a care center up in Michigan by family, he developed a whole new fan base among the workers there who, during his last days, took personal time to make him comfortable and reciprocate the love he had gifted the world along the way.
My Grandfather will be missed in body but his soul will live on. I know for a fact that we will all hear his laughter as the wind whistles through the trees and we will feel his presence while we ski our way down beautiful snow-blanketed mountains. I love you Grandpa.
January 10th, 2008 at 11:39 am
I am so sorry to hear about your Grandfather. I am glad though that you have so many fond memories of him, to remember him.
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January 10th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I am so sad! I am sitting here bawling
That was a great tribute to him and I am glad he left ya’ll with so many loving memories. May he rest in peace.
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January 10th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather, but you are right, his soul will live on.
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January 10th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I am sorry for your loss.
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January 10th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. All the best during this difficult time.
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January 10th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
What a lovely tribute ~ {{HUGS}}
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January 10th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
He sounds like the perfect Grandfather - what a blessing you had him for so many years. I’m sorry for your loss, I know you will miss him.
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January 10th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
so sorry for your loss:( what an eloquent tribute!
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January 10th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. What a great tribute though!
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January 10th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
so sorry nicki. the pictuers of him dancing are wondering. you can see he was full of spirit.
thinking of you.
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January 10th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
What a loving tribute to an obviously wonderful man. Hugs to you.
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January 10th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Very sorry for your loss. What wonderful memories you have.
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January 10th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I’m so very sorry for you loss. What wonderful words you have written about your Grandfather.
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January 10th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
(((hugs))) Incredibly sorry about your loss! Your tribute toyour grandfather is touching.
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January 10th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
So sorry for your loss.
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January 10th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
What a beautiful post! I am so sorry for your loss, but it sounds like you were blessed with a wonderful man in your life for many years who has left you lots of fond memories and life lessons to pass on for many generations to come. I’m sending you virtual hugs!!!
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January 10th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Sorry to hear about your grandfather. I will be thinking about you guys.
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January 10th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I’m very sorry for you loss. He sounds like a wonderful man who left you with a lifetime of memories.
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January 11th, 2008 at 6:14 am
What a lovely memorial Nicki. Wishing peace to you and your family.
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January 11th, 2008 at 7:59 am
He sounds like a wonderful man. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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January 11th, 2008 at 10:56 am
That was such a sincere and lovely tribute to your grandpa. I’m so sorry for your loss. Much love to you and your family.
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January 11th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I’m really sorry to read about the passing of your grandpa. I think I would have liked him had we had the opportunity to meet. Your post was beautiful, and I bet he would have blushed a little at all the wonderful things you said about him. I also bet he loved you with all his heart. Sending up prayers for you and your family.
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January 11th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I’m so sorry about your grandfather. How lucky you are to have such wonderful memories of him though!
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January 11th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Oh Nicki- so sorry he is no longer a part of your life on earth- what a special man he sounds like
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January 11th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Oh Nicki, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Grandfather sounds like a wonderful, special man. Prayers going up for your family.
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January 11th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man. I am sorry for your loss.
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January 14th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Came over via MDC Blogroll. Sorry on the loss of your grandfather. I lost my grandmother on the 11th.
This was a beautiful tribute to him. I hope you and your family find peace in his passing, and always remember the good things.
((hugs))
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January 15th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Thanks for sharing a bit of him with us. It is a lovely tribute.
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