Grandfather
1920 - 2007
My grandfather was a simple man. The things that were really important to him were the people in his life and working with his hands. Something that really set him apart was his attitude of service. I would always be hearing that he was helping out a neighbor with their yard, walking their dog, or you name it. He didn't do it for a reward, but rather because he just loved to help people.
Papa wasn't a church goer, but I have no doubt that he was believer. He wasn't interested in all the Christian theological mumbo jumbo. He had that simple child like faith. You know what is funny? So many people these days are so concerned about the act of "being a believer" and going to church I think we lose the heart of the matter. With my grandfather, it was more about doing what was in his heart. In the long run, that is was really mattered. I think the word that best described him was "genuine." He was very optimistic about life. I remember all of the funny WW2 stories he would tell my sister and I. Even though there was a ton of bad stuff that happened, that wasn't important to him. He remembered the good things and left out the bad.
As I get older, I realize that I've started to take after my grandfather to some degree. I guess you start to realize what is really important in life and not care as much about the other junk. The important thing is the relationships in my life. It's not about grades, money, success, or power. I guess it's apart of living that simple life... Man, I'm going to really miss him and our conversations... See you soon papa!

I've attached a picture of the Army representative getting prepared to present the flag that was on Papa's casket to my dad and his sister. Below is also a very special poem that they read at my grandpa's funeral... I thought it really summed things up quite well.