One month ago today my Grandpa Bud passed away. His doctors knew he had cancer due to the presence of a particular enzyme in his system, but they never actually found where it was localized.
However, at 84 years old, he was ready to go. His priest actually said that he enjoyed reading Grandpa his last rites because he was so upbeat.
His entire career was spent writing for newspapers in San Diego and Denver and he was always involved in youth sports.
And then there was Notre Dame football. Grandpa was obsessed with the school’s football legacy and was one of the top authorities on the subject when he died.
His prayer card for the funeral was a poem he wrote and was genius.
He was an author and an all-around sports fanatic.
A father to six, grandfather to 11 and great-grand to three.
I’ll remember him as the tall skinny man who was always tinkering around the house and spouting off sports stats. Who “discovered” ranch dressing at age 80 and wondered if they sold it in San Diego.
He and grandma took weeks long road trips across the US and took full advantage of $0.25 coffee at McDonald’s for seniors. He always wore tall socks and polo shirts from the 70’s.
In WWII he served with the Navy, but rarely talked about his experience (but did share some stories with me for an 8th grade project). He loved frozen hash browns and KFC, but never regained a taste for rice following the war.
If he caught you sitting down, he’d talk your ear off for hours. I used to love getting his typewriter composed letters and always looked forward to what baseball hat he’d be wearing when I next visited.
Grandpa, you will be missed.
I’m laughing. I’m crying. I love it.
This is a very touching homage, and how special that you used old photos… looking forward to reading more, and good luck with the trip to Russia!