Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: jonnyb on May 18, 2004, 09:06:03 PM

Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: jonnyb on May 18, 2004, 09:06:03 PM
Yesterday I lost my grandfather.  He served in WWII as a member of a 40mm Bofors AA crew.  I just thought I'd share what I wrote as a Eulogy for him.  He lived a full and complete life, and passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loved ones.

Frank was the kind of man that can be best described as a role model. He always went out of his way to help you when you were down. He spoke confidently and told you exactly how things were, without any kind of sugar coating or deception. He gave of himeself in every way, loving without exception. He was genuine, in the truest sense of the word. He was a gentleman.

He was a graduate with honors from The Old School. A man was judged not only by how he presented himself, but also by his actions. There was much to be said for a clean shave, a close-cropped haircut and a nice pair of shoes. A man had to know how to enjoy a Manhattan, and how to make one, too. Never curse, for it is vulgar and uneducated.

It is no wonder, then, that as he lay in his bed, making his peace with the world, that he demanded a clean shave. Even as his body failed him, he remained the gentleman, apologizing for his unkempt appearance.

My fondest memories of him are of the stories he told. He quipped about his assignment to a 40mm anti-aircraft gun crew in World War II where he rigorously defended the Panama Canal from the Japanese hordes. Granted, the "hordes" were radio controlled U.S. aircraft used as target practice for the crews. He spoke of his travels to Africa and Europe. He commented on how a 3 month long business trip was the norm, and not the exception. He told of his loves, and was not afraid to weep when he mentioned his "Muzzy."

Frank, you were a very rare find in species Homo sapiens. You were loved and respected by all who were lucky enough to know you. You earned and were deserving of the title "Papa" that was given to you.

Semper Fidelis, Sir. You will be missed.
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: GtoRA2 on May 18, 2004, 09:12:16 PM

Man, sorry for your loss.
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: FUNKED1 on May 18, 2004, 09:12:45 PM
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: RedTop on May 18, 2004, 09:13:42 PM
Condolences JohnnyB   to you and your family.
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: Maverick on May 18, 2004, 09:17:52 PM
Johnyb, Sorry for your loss. You were truly blessed to have had the oportunity to spend time with such a man. Frankly I consider you lucky.

to your grandfather and to you for cherishing him while he was alive to appreciate it.
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: Nash on May 18, 2004, 09:19:22 PM
Nice eulogy. I particularly liked "He was a graduate with honors from The Old School." Yeah, very nice.

My condolences to you johnnyb.
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: beet1e on May 19, 2004, 05:44:51 AM
,
Beet1e    <--- who has had a beard since 1974.
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: Curval on May 19, 2004, 06:08:40 AM
Sorry for your loss.:(
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: strk on May 19, 2004, 07:35:33 AM
Frank

condolences to your family
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: jigsaw on May 20, 2004, 12:10:28 AM
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: RedDg on May 20, 2004, 12:13:28 AM
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: txmx on May 20, 2004, 02:55:12 AM
Very sorry for your lose .
I have no words to comfort you.
But time will.
to what sounds very much like my grandfather.

They trully are a dying breed true gentlemen in every sense of the word.
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: 101ABN on May 20, 2004, 03:49:07 AM
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: Pei on May 20, 2004, 06:08:23 AM
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: AKIron on May 20, 2004, 10:58:35 AM
to your grandfather johnnyb.
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: AcId on May 20, 2004, 11:12:38 AM
your family is in my prayers
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: Rafe35 on May 20, 2004, 12:09:19 PM
Frank
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: Saurdaukar on May 20, 2004, 12:23:20 PM
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: slimm50 on May 20, 2004, 02:01:49 PM
Johnny, thank you for sharing that with us. May you grandfather's example cause us all to strive to be better men.
Title: Yet another one lost
Post by: Nilsen on May 20, 2004, 02:41:13 PM