Tuesday, January 16, 2024
On Friday I lost one of my heroes and Pine Glen lost one its oldest residents. Don't worry he is kicking up gold dust on the Streets of Glory. To me and many others he was “Grampie B”. He was also known as “Uncle Lewy” to many. Grampie B was tough as nails, strong as an ox, never backed down from anyone or anything. Don’t let his mild manner fool you. He couldn’t be pushed around or fooled with. He was a man’s man, a giant and a legend; but most of all he was my grandfather. There was nothing he couldn’t do.You couldn’t out-work him, out-shoot him, out-hunt him or out-fish him. You couldn’t lose him in the woods either and the man never owned a GPS or used a compass! He was a true outdoorsman and an avid hunter.
Grampie B did not have much formal eduction but he was one of the smartest and wisest people I knew. His knowledge was vast, ranging from farming to construction, and his ability to strategize made him impossible to beat at darts, dominoes, checkers or mental math. During our last visit together Grampie’s great grandchildren, Levi and Maggie, got to hear him pass along stories of days gone by, impart wisdom and encouragement.
I was blessed at age 23 to build my first house with Grampie B’s help (he was 61) and later, a garage. Over the years he helped me with many renovations along with building a shop. Even the house I live in today, Grampie helped to build back in ‘84. He also helped build our first crates in 2003; crates that we have sent to six continents and over 100 countries. I have been blessed in many ways over my lifetime and I owe, more than words can say, to Grampie B.
We are very grateful for our last visit with Grampie B on Christmas Eve. He was sharp and alert. Hearing stories from the consummate storyteller, listening to him sing, yodel and even moose-call warmed our hearts. As I look at my family, I see some of his traits in our children and in myself. We rejoice that he is in Heaven today and all his pain and trials are gone. Grampie B, we love you, see you at the House over in Beulah Land!
Robert,Pamela,Levi & Maggie
