j1b Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 Let me just say, before I get too far into this, that I'm not entirely devastated by this unlike some of the other "last shot fired" posts I've put up. While I'm sad, I'd say I'm more just proud. My grandfather passed away last week. I've waited to post in last shot fired because the times I've done it have been very grief stricken and sad. Again, I'm sad, but I can deal with this one a little easier. So he passed last week, on Tuesday night. My wife and I got back on Sunday from the funeral which was really quite amazing. So here's the story. Grandpa was born and raised in Colorado. At 21 years old he met my grandmother and they were soon married. When he passed, they'd been married 66 years - amazing. Almost as soon as they got married Grandpa joined the Navy. They got pregnant with my dad, and my grandfather was shipped off to WWII. He spent 4 years overseas - my father was a little over 4 when they first met. He stayed in the Naval reserves for 32 years. He achieved the rank of Master Chief, the highest rank he could get as a non-commissioned soldier. In addition, he also ran a commisary, which as I understand it was very rare for a "civilian" employee. He was a tremendous worker - he worked hard all the time. My family and I were up in Alaska and once a year he'd come up and go fishing with us. He was dedicated to his family, his children, and his grandchildren. There is no doubt we were loved. Tom Brokaw labeled his generation as The Greatest Generation and I can say my grandpa was an outstanding example of that generation. He knew the challenges and he bore right through them. His values were ingrained and simply true to him. Last week he passed, at 87 years old. His ceremony was awesome (I had to read the bio - which was tough). He received full military honors, including a 21 gun solute and the playing of taps. My grandmother received his flag. His life was a life well lived. His life was a life well worth celebrating. While I'm sad he's gone, I am so much more blessed to have known, loved, and learned from him. Still better, his blood flows through my veins. I couldn't ask for a better gift than that. My grandfather's life was a spectacular one. J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Orr Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 A full and productive life is what we all should strive for. Sorry for your loss...Sounds like he was a Man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentlemanJim Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 Sorry for your loss. Your grandfather and men like him...are the ONLY reason we live as free men today! My thanks..my respect...and my prayers Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betterment Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 Sorry for your loss and it sounds like you have alot to be proud of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catfish Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 A good man indeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn jones Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 god speed jack! sorry for your loss lynn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSEMARTIN Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 He spent 4 years overseas - my father was a little over 4 when they first met. My best friend had a similar experience. He married right before heading to Iraq, and he has always wanted to have children. Shortly after he left, he learned that his wife was pregnant. She miscarried a few months later. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to be overseas and know that you have a son or daughter that you watch grow up in pictures. Meeting a son after four years...that's sacrifice! I am sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XRe Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 Jack, I'm very sorry for your loss. Sounds like your grandfather was a great role model, and a good man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j1b Posted July 19, 2007 Author Share Posted July 19, 2007 (edited) Thanks to all. I'm simply more proud than sad. That is all there is to it. There is a saying - the enemy of great is good. My grandfather never succomed to the enemy. Great is a word that he emmulated. To give you an idea of his dedication - my family had to put him in a VA home in March. So there for a while he was a way from home. His constant thought and concern was his wife of 66 years. Even to his last day he wanted to make sure "mommy" (his reference to my grandma) was ok. That he wanted her to know he was so thankful of their years together. I don't know how you find that in the media or press today. I do know how powerful it is. To love with all that you are - not figuratively, but literally. That is amazing. Again, pride is the only word I've got. Not even sad. Just proud. Another funny story. A couple of weeks ago I guess he got into it with a colonel. The point isn't that they got into it. I Love the fact that to his last day, and their last day for that matter, they knew and they OWNED what they believed in. Piss and vinegar to the end. I Love it. J Edited July 19, 2007 by j1b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ima45dv8 Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 Jack, that's a truly inspriational story. I feel lucky to have known him through you. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gameplayer Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 (edited) Fair winds and following seas, Master Chief. Edited July 19, 2007 by GamePlayer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokshwn Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 That is an excellent story, while it is always tough to lose a loved one, you have got to be smiling remembering all the stories this incredible man left you with. I for one say congratulations to you for being able to so readily recognize and admire what seems to be a very great man. Best Regards, Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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