He was 97 years old.
It was a few years ago that I started considering every visit a gift. I really got to know my Grandpa as an adult - we didn’t see a lot of them growing up, as we lived so far away. But when I went to university just a few hours away, I started making the trip and getting to know he and Gramma better.
He was a dreamer. A man with wild ideas and a person who tried on many different identities. He was a farmer, a vaccum-cleaner salesman, a builder, and always really wanted to be an architect. When he was in his late 80s, with a Grade 8 education, he decided to become a writer, learned how to use a computer, and published a book. He was a true romantic - he thought that every man in his family was a hero and every woman a kind and beautiful soul. He was a man deeply rooted in his faith, but impatient with others of other beliefs. A Polish patriot who had never lived there, he read all he could about his roots. He had great hair, and wore dapper hats. He was kind and open. My best memory of him was when I was going off to live in Germany, and would be meeting and be hosted by old men he had fought a war against. I asked him how he felt about this, and he simply said with a smile that was why they fought a war in the first place - so their children could live in peace in each others’ home. He called my children treasures, and truly loved and was in love with his wife even as the many many years went by. He could harmonize to any tune, and was prouder of few things than the music he had played. His best legacy is his children and his grandchildren, who are all good people.
That’s a short summation of a very full and very long life.
We’re off to his funeral in a day so I’m signing out for a week or so…
November 26th, 2009 at 7:27 am
I’m so sorry Nicky. You chose amazing words to describe an even more amazing man. I hope you find your peace in saying good bye.
Barb
November 26th, 2009 at 7:32 am
So sorry to read of your loss.
I am glad you had the chance to get to know him better as an adult.
So happy he had the chance to meet your girls.
All the best in the week to come.
Shannon
November 26th, 2009 at 8:10 am
We’re so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Lore, John and Xavier
November 26th, 2009 at 8:17 am
What a great tribute to your Grandpa. He sounds like a wonderful man. Such wonderful memories to carry with you! Praying for you and your family during this sad time.
Steph
November 26th, 2009 at 8:22 am
I am sorry for your loss [Nicky]. My thoughts are with you at this time.
November 26th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Wow Nicky,
Your grandpa sounds like such a wonderful man. So sorry for your loss. I’m glad he lived to see your girls though. I am very much hoping that my two grandmas will both live to see our baby.
Have a safe trip!
Alysia
November 26th, 2009 at 8:44 am
I’m so sorry to read this Nicky. May you find solace in your happy memories and in the fact that S and S and your grandpa were able to know each other, if only just a little while.
Take care,
Michelle
November 26th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Very beautifully written!
Safe travels..
November 26th, 2009 at 9:04 am
So sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have many fond memories that you will be able to share with the girls for years to come.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Oh no! I am so sorry for your loss.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:25 am
What beautiful memories of your grandfather….. and how blessed he was to have a family that knew him and honoured him so well. AND, how blessed you are to have known him and be loved by him.
Safe travels…..
November 26th, 2009 at 9:35 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a lovely man. I like his advice about meeting Germans…so great!
And the hair-very handsome indeed!
Hugs to you,
Claire
November 26th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Sorry about your grandfather’s passing. Your post is a lovely tribute to him.
Karen
November 26th, 2009 at 10:05 am
I’m sorry for your loss. It sounds like he had a very fulfilled life!
November 26th, 2009 at 10:25 am
What a beautiful life! Thank you for sharing this with us. How grateful you must be to have had so much time with him!
Blessings,
Jenn
November 26th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
So sorry for your loss, Nicky. It is clear that you life was blessed immeasurably by your grandpa.
November 26th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I’m sorry for your families loss of what sounds like a great man.
November 26th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Sorry to hear this Nicky. Those are great memories and I am sure there will be many more in the next few days.
November 26th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Sorry for your loss, Nicky my thoughts are with you and your family. Travel safe.
shirley
xo
November 26th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
My sympathies to you and your family. Your grandpa sounds like a wonderful wise man having lived a full life. He would be very proud to read this post and dedication to him, it’s absolutely wonderful. The picture of your grandpa is so touching and beautiful.
In my thoughts and prayers, Natalie
November 26th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Brenda
November 26th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Sorry for your loss! What a beautiful tribute! Wow!
November 26th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
He sounds like an amazing man who has left lovely memories behind. Sending hugs during this time.
Gina
November 27th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Sorry to hear about your Grandpa Nicky… It sounds like he was a wonderful man who led a full and happpy life. I love the picture of him and your grandma. They look so happy, natural and in love. Keep your memories close…
Take care,
Heidi
November 27th, 2009 at 11:10 am
My condolences to you and your family, Nicky. I’m glad you had such a wonderful relationship with your Grandpa.
November 30th, 2009 at 4:15 am
Sending all my sympathies for your loss. What a wonderful eulogy to your Grandpa.
November 30th, 2009 at 9:34 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. (((hugs)))
k
November 30th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
I am so sorry for your loss but it sure sounds like a life well lived. You wrote about him in such a beautiful and personal way and it sounds like the memories will be a treasure.
December 1st, 2009 at 7:25 pm
What a beautiful tribute! he will be an angel for you, now, as it sounds like he always was xo
December 1st, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I’m so sorry. Your love and admiration for your Grandpa shines in your tribute to him.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 pm
So sorry to hear about your Grandpa. My Poppa passed away this past summer, there really is a missing piece to our family puzzle, and I notice more and more as the Christmas season comes upon us. Wishing you comfort, and smiles for the good/happy times the two of you shared!
December 4th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
We are all truly sorry for your loss and ours. He was a wonderful Uncle to me and my family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. With love, Rita
December 4th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Thanks to Rita and to everyone else who has posted their condolences. The whole family appreciates it - as most of us all read/write this blog!!
We were just so happy to have as much time with him as we did.
Cheers
‘Nicky’