A Tribute to my Grandpa
I was honored to speak at my Grandpa Eugene’s wake on behalf of my cousins.
My name is Hannah and I’m Eugene’s eldest granddaughter. My grandpa was such a special guy to so many. He was silly, patient, faithful and hard-working.
Most of all, he loved his family in a way that was hard to describe. He wasn’t overly affectionate with his words, but he didn’t need to be. It was the way his eyes lit up, almost twinkled, when you walked into the room. His big, warm smile as he said your name while embracing you into his arms for a squeeze. How he lovingly held us as kiddos, rocking in his chair and singing whatever song came to mind. How he cheered us all on in our various activities and life aspirations.
My grandma and grandpa created a beautifully large family tree, full of chaos but triple the amount of love. My grandpa set a wonderful example of taking care of those you love that has been passed down through many generations. We have shared so many special memories with my grandpa, most of which I remember taking place on the farm where we spent many nights.
You’d always know when Grandpa was up, loudly clearing his throat. And if you didn’t sneak out of your room quick enough for a fast bathroom break you’d be climbing the stairs to the 2nd bathroom as he’d always take forever. As we’d walk down the hall, he’d greet us quietly in the kitchen as he drank his coffee. He loved to cook us pancakes and bacon. Often joking he was going to put flaxseed or prunes into something and even once dashing some cinnamon into our scrambled eggs. We’d never eat a meal without a prayer as he led us faithfully from his seat at the head of the table. And not far from him was a bottle of tabasco sauce available for each of his meals.
From four wheeler and golf cart rides across the yard to snowmobiling through the treeline, he always made sure we were having fun outside. We picked potatoes and peas from the garden, getting far too dirty and rinsing off with the spigot hose, making sure to not keep the water on too long. He set up our pool every summer even though it ruined his grass and found a way to get a bonfire going, singing Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash, on those wonderful summer evenings. He and my grandma watched from their chairs as we had water balloon fights and played soccer with an exercise ball. Even when we drove through the fields or broke a piece of equipment, he never lost his temper although I have to imagine my grandma heard about it later.
While inside, he didn’t seem to let the noise bother him. And wow would it get loud with our entire crew. Often looking over dramatically, with his signature smile, when the noise erupted to turn his hearing aids down. In that same chair I brought him many desserts and cups of coffee. Every time he’d say it was far too big of a slice, yet somehow he’d always manage to get it down. I’d often have to remind him that please and thank you are accepted and he’d wink, enjoying the fact that it was always okay to poke a little fun at him.
When a card game got exciting, he’d peek over your shoulder and encourage you to bid far too many tricks. I usually didn’t listen and boy did he enjoy the satisfaction when he made the right call.
Of all my memories, it was his love for music that I’ll never forget. I can still hear his beautiful voice singing from the pews at church or back here during his time in the choir. I can envision him sitting at the piano at the farm, us grandkids surrounding him singing along to Christmas tunes. Him playing the accordion with child-like joy and silliness in the evenings outside. And most recently, during our last visit where he gave an overwhelming amount of strength to share his talents on the harmonica.
He was a blessing to everyone he encountered and I will miss him like crazy. Everytime I hear the ‘tunder and the lighting’, I’ll think of him, knowing just how much fun he’s having up in heaven with Jesus.
And as he entered, I know with certainty, because of the man he was, Jesus greeted him with this: Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness.
