A Great Man, Remembered
16May2006
Yesterday was a sad day. A great man passed away. He was a country gentleman, a veterinarian, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a man respected in his community.
He was also my Grandfather.
I remember many fine things about him, but the following facts persist:
- The fact that he bought my fishing rod from me when I was 11, even though he had no need for a fishing rod, apart from his need to help me sell it
- The fact that even though he had lost a finger as a young man, it was still a formidable weapon when it came to tickling his grandchildren
- The fact that he always tried to disappear from the table early at a restaurant to settle the bill before anyone could argue about it, returning with a boyish grin knowing he had got one over on you – again
- The fact that his love for animals was as strong as his love for people, proven by the success of his practice and illustrated by the many great stories he had to tell about the life of a country vet
- The fact that his sparkling eyes and old-school charm were so apparent that someone stole a portrait I had drawn of him for my high school exams straight from the wall in the school corridor where it was on display, and never returned it. I am convinced to this day that the A grade I received for Art had to do more with his charm than my artistic abilities
My grandfather loved to be surrounded by clocks – wall clocks, carriage clocks, cuckoo clocks and yes, even a grandfather clock, all of which he would repair himself, passing time peering over the top of his half-moon glasses, studying the intricate mechanisms and listening to their chimes.
Unfortunately, his time on this earth ran out at 5pm on Tuesday May 16th 2006.
Geoffrey Barnard, Rest in Peace.
You have my deepest sympathy. I lost my grandfather a long time ago and I miss him still. So very much.
Sorry to hear that Tom.
Condolences.
What a beautiful memory. My condolences, Tom, for your loss. I have a feeling he’s still there with you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Grandfather’s, I do believe, are the most amazing men ever created. I’ve lost both of my grandfathers, one I never met, but the other I loved very dearly. I know he still watches over me and I’m sure your grandfather is too. Wonderful men like your grandfather are forever remembered for all the love they share with everyone they meet. I’m happy that you had him in your life and I’m sending warm thoughts to you and your family.
I am sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy..
i’m so glad you had him, and he you, in each other’s lives. i hope the ache ebbs soon. i wish you peace.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I lost my grandfather not long ago, too. Time often takes great men! But I often recall the poet Donne, “Death, be not proud though some have called thee mighty– thou, aren’t not so…death, thou shalt die.”
My sympathies and empathy.
Thanks for all your kind comments – they are much appreciated.
TommyQ
I lost my Grandpa when I was 8, and at 42, I can still smell him and remember the things he did and how much he loved me like it was yesterday. Grandpas are amazing.
My sympathies and prayers to you . . . . .
I’m so very sorry. What a beautiful tribute you’ve written in your blog. He sounds like he was a wonderful man.
that was beautiful. your grandfather sounded really sweet. condolences.
My deepest sympathies on your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man who will be greatly missed.
my condolences. You have so many beautiful memories to keep, and you will always have them
What a simply beautiful way to remember somebody so very special. You’re in my prayers.
My condolences. Always sad to lose someone you love.
Paul
My condolences. You were blessed to have been able to spend time with him. I never knew my grandfather.
It’s odd. I feel so very deeply sad that I will never get to meet your grandfather. He sounds like one of those people who give you faith in all people.
I am very sorry for your loss, but it sounds like he was everybody’s loss. Maybe there is a comfort in that, maybe not.