Grandpa

My grandpa passed away this last week.  He was 94.

Here he is at his 90th birthday party.  He's holding up a collection of memoirs, letters, and pictures from all the people he has touched and inspired throughout the years.



When he retired in 1980, I was 8 years old - the perfect age to be a grand kid of a full-time grandpa.

Here are my memories of him and contribution to his 90th birthday book

Grandpa’s in the basement
Sharing all his lessons
I’m with my cousins
Thinking about what he meant.
He’s been around the world
Blue pants, white shirt
Listen to what he learned
He retired just to go to work

You better duck and watch your head
Don't try to change the wind,
Come about, adjust your sail
Don’t hit the wrong nail
He’s got a dotted map
That marks his life’s trail

Going down to Antigo
Corn fields and county roads
Crop duster flying low
Across a dry prehistoric lake
Stopped to smell a skunk stank
Last lesson before we ate
Country Kitchen pancakes

Don’t forget McHenry, smell of coffee
His neighbor gave us candy
Garden rocks the size of me
Got a green glass stone
Dropped it on my big toe
The Bozo and Cookie show
Bathroom books by Jacques Cousteau

Spring break, Beech Street
Unbirthday party
Swiss Family jungle tree
Get burnt, get wet
Waffles and a sunset
Oscars and the Final Four
Easter bunny grocery bag

Sound of Music, Music Man
Crazy Eights, Fan Tan
Wonder Wheel and ATC
Homemade ice cream brain freeze
Graham crackers in the morning
10 o’clock Little Debbies
Can't wait to water ski, take it out easy
Bass Lake's smooth as glass in the evening