Foo - The greatest man I ever knew....

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View Full Version : The greatest man I ever knew....


bmclaughlin807
09-16-08, 10:39 PM
Passed away today. :(

My grandfather, the kindest, most generous man I ever knew passed away this evening.

I don't even have the words to express how I feel.

He and my grandmother drove across the country to pick me, and my younger brother and sister up in Florida, and raised us from the day I turned 4 years old. They raised their family and still cared enough to raise us, too. We never had a lot, but we always had plenty, and they worked hard to make sure we always did.

He taught me so much... and I never had the words to thank him for that.

He was the type of person that would put the last $10 he had into his gas tank so he could deliver for Meals on Wheels... And he did so, just a week ago.

The world is truly a little darker and poorer for the loss.

:cry:

I only hope that I can be even half the man he was.


TeddyKGB
09-16-08, 10:40 PM
I'm really sorry to hear that man. My condolences to you and your family.

UnsafeAlpine
09-16-08, 10:40 PM
My condolences. He sounds like he was a truly amazing man.


Siu Blue Wind
09-16-08, 10:49 PM
My condolences to you and your family, Bmc. He sounds like a loving giving generous man. You are very lucky to have had a man like that in your life.

celticfrost
09-16-08, 11:12 PM
Sorry to hear about that Bill. Grandfathers are truly a great thing.

artifice
09-16-08, 11:46 PM
BMC, very sorry to hear that. The first thought that came to mind is how lucky you are to have known him- he sounds like a truly amazing guy, and no doubt you have gained from knowing him.

Sixty Fiver
09-17-08, 12:01 AM
I am so sorry to hear this... losing my grandfather was like losing my dad and I think that for you it must feel much the same way.

The world is indeed... a poorer place today.

Lamplight
09-17-08, 04:54 AM
So very sorry to hear this. :( Unfortunately, there aren't many people like the man you have described to us, but thank God there are at least some!

erraticrider
09-17-08, 06:34 AM
Have you heard the music -- in the concert hall just after the musicians have cut off the last note -- as you become aware of the silence before the musicians play the next note, or the applause begins, you can still hear the music. That moment of silence when the music is not gone, even though it is not fully there, is the most beautiful moment. It is the most inspiring, the most uplifting, the most poignant, and the most heart-wrenching when played well.

Your grandfather played well. And, his music is not gone -- it will continue as long as you still hear it, even in this moment of silence.

wolfpack
09-17-08, 06:46 AM
i'm sorry to hear of your loss. :hug:

Air
09-17-08, 07:24 AM
So sorry :( :(

((hugs))

jsharr
09-17-08, 07:26 AM
Please accept my condolences on your loss. Take solace that you got to know such a great man and have such a wonderful mentor to pattern your life after. Many don't.

crtreedude
09-17-08, 07:33 AM
Please accept my condolences on your loss. Take solace that you got to know such a great man and have such a wonderful mentor to pattern your life after. Many don't.

I second this.

pgoat
09-17-08, 08:05 AM
My Condolences.

If it's any comfort, I once lost a great guy like this - he was a surrogate dad to me for only a few years but he had tremendous impact on me. It was unbearably painful losing him, but as the years went by and the pain slowly faded what remains in full force is all the goodness and joy he brought to me and so many others. So in a sense he's not really gone at all. Erraticrider is right on; such special individuals can never really die.

Judging from your lovely tribute, I sense you too will find a similar peace.

Ka_Jun
09-17-08, 08:11 AM
Condolences to you and your house.

AllenG
09-17-08, 08:16 AM
My condolences to you and yours, BMc.

thomson
09-17-08, 08:23 AM
I am sorry for your loss.
The thing he most treasured in life is for you to develop into the person you have. You have given him the greatest gift of all.

geranimo57
09-17-08, 08:39 AM
I am sorry for your loss. Sounds like truly a great man. A moment of silence here for all of your family.

KingTermite
09-17-08, 09:02 AM
I had the exact same experience 1/1/07 when my grandfather died. He was the greatest man *I* ever knew....so I can relate to how you feel. Take the lessons he taught you and be the best man you can.

If you grandmother is still alive, comfort her and be with her to the best of your ability.

Indy_Rider
09-17-08, 09:44 AM
Sorry for your loss.

I just vaguely remember my Grandfathers and wife never meet hers, so you should consider yourself lucky that you got the chance to know yours.

skinnyone
09-17-08, 10:14 AM
sorry about that man. :(

snowy
09-17-08, 10:37 AM
Passed away today. :(

My grandfather, the kindest, most generous man I ever knew passed away this evening.

I don't even have the words to express how I feel.

He and my grandmother drove across the country to pick me, and my younger brother and sister up in Florida, and raised us from the day I turned 4 years old. They raised their family and still cared enough to raise us, too. We never had a lot, but we always had plenty, and they worked hard to make sure we always did.

He taught me so much... and I never had the words to thank him for that.

He was the type of person that would put the last $10 he had into his gas tank so he could deliver for Meals on Wheels... And he did so, just a week ago.

The world is truly a little darker and poorer for the loss.

:cry:

I only hope that I can be even half the man he was.

I'm sorry to hear this sad news! I'm sure you will carry on his great cause! Take Care and let me know if you need anything.

Snowy :)

MrCrassic
09-17-08, 11:27 AM
My condolences go out to him. There are a few in this world that have that kindness. At least he's in a better place now.

BlastRadius
09-17-08, 11:57 AM
I'm sorry for your loss. Take your Grandfather's life lessons and make him proud.

USAZorro
09-17-08, 12:05 PM
My condolences also. May you take his example even more to heart. :)

KingTermite
09-19-08, 01:22 PM
How's everybody holding up, bmclaughlin807?

bmclaughlin807
09-25-08, 10:57 PM
Been swamped here in Arizona taking care of things. Grandma can't afford to keep the house so we've been revamping the trailer they owned... it's been a rental unit for almost 20 years so not in the best shape. We've gotten SO much work done on it.. I re-did the electrical, installed electric for her stove, took out a wall to make room for her bigger refrigerator... We've painted, completely re-did the bathroom, cleaned all the carpets, etc.

We're hoping to get her in by this coming weekend, and my cousin is going to help with going through the house and getting rid of things in preparation for selling it. They owe a lot less than what it's worth, and they're not looking to get top dollar for it... so they shouldn't have any problem at all selling it... Got a couple buyers interested already.

So, all in all things are going as well as can be expected. Next week is going to be tough on Grandma, though... when we all have to go back home. My aunt lives here in town, and my sister, so they're going to be doing a lot of stuff with her... hopefully it won't be too hard.

pgoat
09-26-08, 05:30 AM
sounds like you'll be busy...hopefully that will help. Try to be there for her as best you can. Wish I could say something more helpful.