| Author | Message | ||
     Wolfridgerider |
This was my Grandfather There are many like him But this one was mine  When he was 16, he was cutting trees down out west in C.C.C. camps... He told us grandkids about how they would get a day off if they could catch a porcupine... can you imagine that?? Can you imagine wrapping your feet in newspaper to stay warm... a trick he learned there and one I saw him use on many hunting trips... He then joined the Sea Bee's and then the Navy. He told me stories of the invasion of Okinawa and how he volunteered to go ashore with the Marines. I remember when I was in bootcamp in Marine Corps history class thinking I had heard that story before... a first hand account. He had a 8Th grade education but was smarter than a lot of people with college degrees. He would give you the shirt off his back... give you a ride... feed you.. take you into his home and ask for nothing in return. I could go on and on.... but I think you get the idea. We have life so easy compared to the people of just a few years ago... If I can only be half the man he was... He passed away this past Saturday... He has to be in a much better place now. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
Nice memories. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
He would give you the shirt off his back... give you a ride... feed you.. take you into his home and ask for nothing in return. Sounds like you and your father both took much from him. My grandfather went into the hospital three days ago, yesterday they told us he has between three days and three weeks left. | ||
| Ourdee |
Mark, you were blessed. Strive to be the man he was. There is greatness in your lineage. My heart goes out to you. | ||
| No_rice |
sorry to hear that mark. sounds like you have lots of good memories to keep you company though! | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
My grandpa has always been my hero, and it sounds like yours was cut from the same cloth. I understand what you mean, if I could be half the man my grandfather was, I would be twice the man as most. Sorry to hear about his passing. I'm certian he earned his way into a better place! | ||
| Ducxl |
Heaven,to me is the memories of the departed kept alive by succesive generations.I have fond memories of some. Sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing. You speak of fond memories.Warming | ||
| Whistler |
Wolf, perhaps this verse applies: Proverbs 17:6 - Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. You look like your grand dad you know. I imagine you are a lot like him in many ways. . | ||
| Roadcouch98 |
God Bless you Mark. May he rest in peace, and may you never stop telling that story. As you described him, he was a Great Man. May you always follow in his footsteps. Much Love from the BadWebbers. | ||
| Fran_dog |
Mark, thanks for sharing a few of your and your Grandfather's stories. I'm sorry for your loss. | ||
| Xdigitalx |
I'm sorry for your loss. He must have lived a healthy life. My grandfather past away a long time ago but I still remember him at least 3x a week. (he was Navy as as well) Nice photo. | ||
| Littlebuggles |
Very sorry for your loss, sounds like he was a great man, and an excellent example for his family and the rest of us. Thanks for sharing this here. | ||
| Daves |
Mark Sorry to hear the bad news. Just keeping thinking about the good/great things he did and how he lived. We should all strive to be "good men" All my grandparents are gone but I think of them often. | ||
| F_skinner |
Mark, I am so sorry to hear that news. I do not know you that well but from our brief conversations I am positive you have a lot of the same traits. He was truly from the "Greatest Generation". Fair Winds and Following Seas. Frank | ||
| Budgolf |
Sounds like a great guy. | ||
| Doughnut |
The lost generation isn't mine, it is the generation of his that we have failed. | ||
| Midnightrider |
Mark Thanks for sharing that with us. I lost my Dad eight years ago and I miss him very much. He was a lot like your Dad I think and also a WWII Navy vet. I really didn't appreciate him much when I was young - that didn't happen until I was older and never really saw his wisdom, strength and grace until I had kids of my own. When I got out of the active duty military almost twenty years ago my wife and I chose to move back home so our kids would know their grandparents. Never regretted it and stayed there until he passed. My sympathies to you and your family for their loss. It's something we all go through but that doesn't really make it any easier. Take care Don | ||
| Court |
Mark: Having met you and your Father I feel both your loss and total confidence that your Grandfather was one heck of a guy. My thoughts are with you and your family. Court P.S. - I love that picture of him ! | ||
| Slowride |
Mark, As others have said, he was a part of the Greatest Generation. I salute you for carrying on his traditions, values and ideals. From one Marine to another, you'll understand when I say "They don't make em like that anymore" My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. | ||
| Blk_uly |
My condolences for your loss. Your great memories of him will strengthen your spirit forever. I lost both granddads when I was 17. Then in my mid twenties, both my parents. Their memories, and the fact I know I'll see them again some day are the only thing that keeps me going some days. My prayers are with you and yours, Jeff. | ||
| Prior |
Mark, Thanks for sharing and sorry to hear about your loss. Keep those memories alive, truly the greatest generation. My thoughts and prayers are with you. | ||
| Gunut75 |
Thoughts and prayers Brother. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Mark, Thanks for sharing another story of our Greatest Generation. Very sincere condolences to you and your family. I lost my Grandpa when I was about 20 or so. I really wish I could have known him better. Sounds like you got that chance that many of us never do. You were/are blessed. Brad | ||
| 86129squids |
Mark- My condolences... You've been blessed with a great role-model, and proven your bloodline. Do what you can for your folks as they deal with the loss, and Godspeed to your own peace. | ||
| Blasterd |
Your Grandfather was a great American, sorry for your loss. | ||
| Bcordb3 |
What a legacy to live up to. Sounds like a great man. May he RIP | ||
| Ridenusa4l |
Wolf, My grandfather has been in some rough times as far as health is concerned, he just had another stint put in his heart a few days ago, and i honestly dont know how much longer he has....my grandfather was in the 2nd tank battalion in the marines during WWII and he fought in Okinawa also, so there may be a likelyhood that our grandfathers may have known each other. My grandfather did the entire pacific tour and turned 18 on the beaches of sipan (i believe)... Im sorry for your loss, and i fear i may be having a similar lost in the years coming. Send my/our condolences to you and your family Jake | ||
| Kenm123t |
Sorry for your loss Mark. My dad may have known him We are from South Charleston Wv Dad was in the Seabees in the Phillipines mostly. Ill see dad wed for lunch I ll as him | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Thanks for all the kind words. My wife and I spent part of the evening looking at old pictures. I found one of my Grandparents from their wedding day... in 1939. They were married for over 68 years.... I have one more story I would like to share and it may help explain some of the stupid things I do for a laugh.... When I was growing up, my cousin and I spent a good bit of our summers at Grandma's and Grandpa's place. Hunting, fishing... catching poison ivy... shooting guns.... GUNS... my Grandfather had a 1941 8MM Mauser that my cousin and I thought was equal to a shoulder fired howitzer. One very dark night Grandpa told us he would fire it so we could see what a cannon it was. We ran into the house and got the gun and the ammo and gave it to Grandpa. This is a very important part of his little plan. He was seated in a old metal "rocking" chair. I think it sprang more than it rocked. He settled down into the chair and acted like he was holding on to it for all his worth.... He then pulled the trigger and FLAMES must have flown to the top of the hill... and he went flying back into that old metal rocking springy chair like he had just been kicked by a mule...... Our eyes were big as saucers!! Every time I think about that I smile.... He liked playing with us... and on occasion.... he would pull our leg a little. Thanks again... | ||
| Etennuly |
I knew the day I met you at March Badness several years ago that you came from good stock. Sorry for your family's loss Mark. You were lucky to have him all of these years. He did well at passing on his goodness. |
