It is with a heavy heart that I must report that my grandfather, Harvey Smith aged 92, has passed away. He had struggled these last few years with small strokes, falls which resulted in back problems, and some skin cancer.The last few weeks had been particularly bad and his quality of life was terrible. He passed away in his sleep Tuesday morning April 1. The photo to the left was taken two years ago as he was reading to my son.
For the last day I have been thinking about all of the things he saw in his full life...the first automobiles (he was born in 1916!) and a man on the moon, two world wars and the birth of some nations, the first calculator, the first computer, and the Internet. What an amazing life and all the things he saw come to pass!
He served in the Army from 1942-1945 as a cartographer, sometimes going behind enemy lines in the South Pacific to map out areas so our guys could figure out their way around. He was one of the first men to land in Korea and take it from the Japanese in 1945. I just found out today that his service, this Saturday in St Louis, will be a military service with a 21 gun salute, as he is one of the last WWI vets in the area. I am looking forward to being there to honor this great man.
The pride that I have in him is something that cannot be put into words. I will miss him very much but I am happy that he had a full life and was there for me well into my adulthood. Rest In Peace, Poppo, my heart will be always be with you and I know that you went home with more integrity that anyone I know.
7 comments:
Damn sorry to hear this bro. Glad I got to meet him.
rip
i'm sorry for your loss mark. i think we feel sad missing the company of those we treasure, rather than the good soul which will find eternal peace and whom we will see again. as a believer in the afterlife i think nothing we do doesn't return to us, in this life and the next. I'm sure he (was &) is as proud of you as you are of him.
i once heard someone (wise) say that when you die, you only take 3 things with you, or only 3 things will benefit you (your soul) and it's not your money or possessions. Your acts, what you did for others, your knowledge, how you used it to help others or spread it, and your virtuous offspring :) who are a gift (sometimes trial! but call it investment..) in this life and lighten the load for you in the next through their prayers and acts, when you can't be by their side -- jt
My condolences, Mark. It sounds like he had a long and rich life.
Thank you all for the kind comments. They give me great support!
Sorry to hear this, Mark. Your grandfather sounds like a good man.
-- Sarah
P.S. You called him Poppo? I called my grandfather Poppy.
My condolences to you & your family; we'll light a candle for you.
Harvey was such an independent spirit, fruit doesn't fall far from the tree Mark. When he and Shirley would be having 'discussions' he just let it roll right off him and he would go in the back yard and smoke his pipe. Keep the memories alive!
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