and so it ends...

[rocket]

Sometimes I sit and think, life is to short for everything we all want to do, so we make the best of the time we have here, and try to live it to the fullest. Those of you that know me just know the Joe of the last few years, but I have come to develop some very good friendships with allot of you, and always look forward to the next time we meet. Like extended family.

I remember all the times I used to spend with my Grandpa, fishing, camping, boating. All the weekends we would spend with him when he worked maint. at a camp for inner city kids. He was always a simple man, he never really wanted more than he had, and was happy with a hard day of work, and a good story. I remember when I was younger we would hop in the truck and drive around the camp for 15 min. then decide it was time for a coffee break and donuts:) I thought that was the coolest job going. He could fix anything, and never really slowed down, even after he was diagnosed with the parkinsons. I'm glad for all the memories that I have of him, they help make me the man I am today.

He passed on today...much sooner than I had expected, this is kind of my way of mourning with my extended family, just sharing a story and some thoughts, like I will do with those that are close to me.

Love ya Gramps...I'll see you later.

[devilmaster]

A traditional Naval Wish:

May He Experience Fair Winds and a Following Sea.....

To the rest of the gang, my pint glass is raised....

Sorry to hear, Joe.

Steve

[RaceChic]

I'm sorry, Joe.
You are very dear to me.
Sometimes it is just better this way. Better for him. :(

[Dirty Sanchez]

Great post rocket. :thumbup:

Sorry for your loss.

[RTKar]

Sorry to hear that Joe. All of my grandparents have passed on but everytime I think of them I smile. I'm sure you will too thinking of all the great memories.

[mello]

So sorry to hear that Joe. I still remember the day my Gampie passed. It has been about 10 years now but it was so hard to realize that this man that let me curl his hair and take me fishing and let me use his best new fishing pole and used to put bee moths in his mouth to make me screamn was gone. Thanks though for making me this day think of all that again.
Hugs for you dear.

[nz_climber]

Sorry for you loss Rocket..

That post was really moving, thanks for sharing, brings us all closer together

[TRDfan]

My thoughts are with you rocket....

Cherish those memories, they are invaluable.

[rocket]

Originally posted by devilmaster
A traditional Naval Wish:

May He Experience Fair Winds and a Following Sea.....

To the rest of the gang, my pint glass is raised....

Sorry to hear, Joe.

Steve

Strange you should say that Steve, since he was in the SeaBees.

Thanks all.

[Railbird]

Sorry for your loss Rocket, but I'm glad you shared your celebration of Grampa's life.

Peace

[JT265]

Sorry for your loss Rocket, and Godspeed Grampa. :(

[devilmaster]

Originally posted by rocket
Strange you should say that Steve, since he was in the SeaBees.


10 years Canadian Navy myself. You mentioned sailing.

FIDDLER'S GREEN
(John Connolly)

As I roved by the dockside on evening so rare
To view the still waters and take the salt air
I heard an old fisherman singing this song
O take me away boys my time is not long

[chorus]
Dress me up in me oilskin and jumper
No more on the docks I'll be seen
Just tell me old shipmates
I'm taking a trip, mates
And I'll see them someday in Fiddler's Green

Now Fiddler's Green is a place I've heard tell
Where fishermen go when they don't go to Hell
Where the weather is fair and the dolphins do play
And the cold coast of Greenland is far, far away

The sky's always clear and there's never a gale
And the fish jump on board with a flip of their tail
You can lie at your leisure, there's no work to do
And the skipper's below making tea for the crew

And when you're in dock and the long trip is thru
There's pubs and there's clubs, and there's lassies there too
Now the girls are all pretty and the beer is all free
And there's bottles of rum hanging from every tree

I don't want a harp or a halo, not me
Just give me a breeze and a good rolling sea
And I'll play me old squeeze box as we sail along
When the wind's in the rigging to sing me this song


Steve

[Cam]

Joe.' It makes everything else pale into insignificance. One of my Grandfathers passed about 4 weeks ago.. They are in a better place.

I understand. Hang in there buddy!

Cam.

[chop456]

Sorry Joe.

I know you've been dealing with his illness for a while.

Godspeed, indeed.

[IlliniRacer]

Sorry about your Grandpa. My Grandpa was my best friend when I was growing up. I dreaded my last birthday because it meant that he was now gone more years than I had spent with him. However, I now realize that, with time, my memories only grow stronger.

[RaceGrrl]

Joe,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Having just recently lost my own Grandpa, I understand how you're feeling. My thoughts are with you... and as long as you keep good memories of him, so is your Grandfather.

Missy

[Kiwifan]

Our thoughts are with you friend. Take care.

Rusty.

[rabbit]

They say it's better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. I never knew either of my grandfathers. They both died when I was very young.

You have my deepest sympathy.
And envy.

[Lizzerd]

My grandpas have been gone since before my puberty, but I cherish the memories of going fishing with the one I remember the most. God Speed, Grandpa, and condolences to you, Joe.

[DjDrOmusic]

Rocket my thoughts and prayers are with you. You have some very precious memories that nobody can ever take from you. :(

[Napoleon]

Sorry to hear of your loss Joe.

[jons]

What a nice eulogy Joe. Thank you for sharing your feelings and I am sad that your loss. Take care, John