Eulogy for my Grandfather - A Life Full of Pride, Joy and Happiness
by Christian
(WI)
For those of you who don’t know me, I am Christian, and Richard was my grandpa.
He lived a life that was full of pride, joy, and happiness. He took pride in his career as a letter carrier for 39 years serving the United States Postal Service. It all started in 1961 when he bravely entered the US Army. While in the Army he met my Grandma, Barb, through being pen pals while he was stationed in Italy. He often spoke favorably about his time spent in Italy.
After returning from Italy, he married my Grandma on September 11, 1965. One year later they were blessed with a baby daughter, Joanne. After many difficulties Joanne passed gracefully on January 30th, 1970. On September 14th, 1967 they gave birth to a son, Tim. A few years after Tim was born, Annette was born on January 15th, 1970. A year later, Anne was born on June 7th, 1971. Lastly, on May 26th, 1974 their youngest daughter, Michelle, was born. His 4 grown children are living proof of his willingness to put others before himself.
My grandpa’s generosity, work ethic, humility and selflessness are all qualities that I admire him for, and qualities I myself aspire to.
There are many memories Grandpa and I have together. One of my favorite memories was after his retirement in 2003 when he began his sharpening business. I was fortunate to spend lots of time with Grandpa while he went to flea markets and farmers markets doing his sharpening. I enjoyed as he called it “spending the profits” at the various vendors.
Another memory was the periodic visits to Mocha Moment, where in the winter we’d have a cup of hot apple cider, and in the summer, we’d have strawberry banana smoothies. These are memories I will always cherish, and hold close.
Anyone who knew my grandpa knows of his generosity, work ethic, humility and selflessness. He demonstrated these traits again and again through both his career with the United States Postal Service, and his part time turned full time job at Ace Hardware.
Whatever Grandpa was involved in, he made sure that it was done the right way. He never cut corners, and always made sure others were happy. He continued this even as he lay in bed in ICU. He made sure that I went and bought cookies from Rollin’ Pin Bakery for all of the nurses and doctors.
In middle school when I just had to be to school early every day, and didn’t want to wait for my siblings; grandpa made the drive over to our house to come pick me up, and take me to school. I never once heard him complain. He never wanted to disappoint anyone, or let them down. There wasn’t ever a time anyone, including me, ever had to hear the word no to anything we asked of him. He would find a way to make it work or happen.
The support I have received from Grandpa throughout my 17 years has been truly amazing. I can’t recall a function, or sporting event of mine in which he wasn’t there. He was always there to support and cheer me on.
One of the most recent was the grand opening for the school credit union which I have worked on all summer. Grandpa saw all of the work and dedication that I and all the others involved had put into this. Sure enough, on the night of the grand opening, Grandpa was there to support me. I didn’t even have to ask him to be there, he just knew it was something that was important to me and he was sure to be there.
In conclusion, Grandpa will be missed dearly. I hope to someday become half the man he was. People like my Grandpa are one in a million. Anyone who was around Grandpa knew of his generosity, work ethic, humility, and selflessness.
Albert Einstein once said, “Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.”
So let us celebrate Grandpa’s life and continue his legacy. Thank you Grandpa. I love you, and will miss you.
