Goodbye, Grandpa

The world lost a very wonderful person today, one who I was blessed to have known my entire life... There was something about my Grandpa that I'm not sure words can describe. He was simply one of the neatest people I've ever known. Instantly likable and charismatic, he loved people who had a sense of humor and always had a good joke or two to tell. He was a very active person who loved to bicycle, ski, and hike. He always had a new hiking adventure for my sister and I when we would visit him during our summer vacations. He loved music and enjoyed playing his favorite Big Band and Jazz songs on his saxophone for adoring fans up until only a few weeks ago.

I like to think my Grandpa and I are alike in many ways, including putting the needs of others before our own. We both appreciated a good pair of black Reeboks. We also shared an aversion for dogs and spicy food. He said dogs could sense that in people which explains why we're always the one they run to in a group. As for spicy food... why wouldn't you want to taste what you're eating? I only wish I had a little of my Grandpa's endearing charm and personality.

I spent the weekend before the Christmas holiday with him, just the two of us. We watched the Sonics and Seahawks lose but the final score wasn't important. It reminded me of the games he took me to while I was in college. That's when I learned the reason you brought binoculars was so you could check out the cheerleaders :)

The following video clip is from a television program that used to air in the Seattle area called Jack Eddy's Ski-In. This episode followed a group of skiers from Port Angeles to the Big Mountain ski area in Montana. The clip is an interview with the trip organizers and my Grandpa.

The following is a picture of him with my sister and I at Thanksgiving in 2006.

Goodbye, Grandpa. I love you and I miss you.