Sadly my Grandpa Humphrey died this past week. He was a soft spoken kind man who in his 88 years was married for 59 years, fought in WWII, had two wonderful daughters, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren (with 2 more on the way right now!).
We were so happy to have been able to introduce Colin to his Great Grandpa earlier this year. We got some great pictures while we visited.
We took a four generation photo:
We went to the funeral this past weekend. It was a wonderful service, it was clear he had a lot of people who will miss him.
We were blessed to have my brother Dave fly in from Tunisia. It had been a long time since most of us had since many of us had seen him. Suzanne, David and I figured out that we hadn’t all been together since 1997! Here’s a picture of the three of us to commemorate the event.
Will and Joe dressed in their finest:
And Colin was as cute as ever:
Saturday | December 16, 2006 at 10:19 am
Thank you for the beautiful pictures and tribute to my dad. He loved his grand and great grand children so much. Isn’t it amazing how the quiet and simple people (simple in their ways, not in their minds) have such an impact?
May we all enjoy as my dad did the good meals, the comfy chairs, plaid shirts, leaving the top button of your pants open if they’re too tight, the security of having 1 or 2 or 6 or so extra bottles of windshield washer fluid sitting around. I could go on and on, but these are the kinds of things my dad thought were important. For the last 24 years of his working life he was a school custodian, dust bunnies wouldn’t have stood a chance when he was around. The only subject he really gave advice, both solicited and un-solicited on, was the care of a car.
I didn’t intend to go on and on!
Saturday | December 16, 2006 at 12:30 pm
Loss of a parent is never a happy event. Ed was a great guy and he will be missed by his immediated family and his extended family. I am glad that my three kids were able to gather together and celebrate his life and passing into the next one. I am sure he is watching down on all of us with love and care. My condolenses to Onnolee, Mary Ann and Carol. I know the pain of the loss, but remember he is now in a better place.
Carl
Sunday | December 17, 2006 at 12:27 am
Deb, I am so sorry to hear aout your grandfathers passing… I have been without all of my grandparents for more than 6 years, and I really wish they would have been around to see Jack. It is such a blessing that your grandfather got to meet Colin & I know he will be watching over all of you to make sure you are happy and healthy. My condolenses again…
Jill Feldman
Sunday | December 17, 2006 at 2:49 am
Debra, count youself lucky on several fronts. You had a wonderful grandpa, you were able to know him, and your first born was seen by him. I never met either of my grandpas and only one grandma. Cherish your memories of Grandpa Humphrey.
Friday | December 22, 2006 at 12:56 pm
Ed’s granddaughter, Amy Stewart, wrote a poem that was read at the funeral. In a weekend full of wonderful memories and shared experiences, this poem was among the most moving.
For Grandpa Ed
It just wasn’t fair
Watching you take that last gasp of air.
But as tears rolled down by face,
I knew you were in a better place.
We were there for you, holding your hand
As you were headed to the Promised Land.
I’ll never forget all the times we shared
Or how much you always cared.
You could always bring a smile to my face when times were bad,
With you around no one could be sad.
Without you here, times will be rough
But don’t worry, you made us tough.
As we leave today
There is just one last thing to say;
Goodbye and I’ll love you forever.