Eulogy for my grandfather July 14, 2009

My grandfather Glenn died July 11th. Here are few things I’ll remember about him…

First and foremost he had a very kind heart – more about that at the end.

Second, Glenn had a soft spot for animals. Be it pets, strays, or wildlife any animal lucky enough to find its way to his doorstep got three squares and a bed.

Third, he was very intelligent. He attended Virginia Tech (at the time known as VPI), and was a research chemist at Battelle. After he retired he continued to consult for him, which demonstrates his value to the company.

Fourth, Glenn was musically talented and a life-long music lover. In fact, he played for the Battelle symphony orchestra. He also remembers fondly going to New York and attending performances at Carnegie Hall.

He was in World War II, and participated in the Battle of the Bulge.

He loved my grandmother with all his heart.

He loved to play golf.

He was generous with his money. When asked, he paid for a semester of my graduate school, and he did it happily. Also, very recently he gave me money for a new (used) car when the transmission died for a second time on my crappy old car. Again, no hesitation with the request. He also was generous on birthdays and other celebratory events, as well as dinner’s out.

But here’s the thing I’ll remember most, and the thing for which I’m profoundly grateful, not just for me, but for my dad and uncle as well – he adopted my dad and my uncle Gene.

This is basically what happened. My grandparents decided to adopt my uncle Gene and went to get him. As they were leaving my grandfather noticed a little boy upset at not being adopted. My grandfather, the softie, turns to my grandmother and says something along the lines of “oh hell, we’ll take him too!”

So, of all the things I’ll remember about my grandfather, it’s his kind and generous spirit that I’ll remember and miss most of all.

I hope he rests in peace.