Stoic Grandpa and The Mystery of Never Smile…That sounds like it could be a fun kids book title.
Today on #FBF I am reminded of my Grandfather.
His name was Floyd, but he always went by his middle name. He was born in 1912 , and lived in Michigan his whole life. He worked for Buick for his entire career and was a faithful member of his Lutheran church congregation.
Things I remember
He loved to travel and take pictures. He loved the park and going for walks with my grandmother. They had a tandem bike and I remember he would take me for rides on it. He loved to play cribbage. When we would come up for a visit , grandpa and my dad would sit at the table for hours and play game after game after game. He was a good player, very shrewd. I was never able to beat him.
He had a hobby that he loved. In his basement he set up a little man cave woodworking/carving shop . He made several pictures and figurines and things for grandma. I am blessed to have several of his items in my house on display.
He taught himself to play the organ. I played the piano, and I remember going to their house and loving to practice on it. After my grandmother passed, I took the organ and taught myself how to use it and the basic fundamentals of how the organ actually works. I was able to then use those skills and play as the organist for our church congregation.
I remember he had a full head of hair his entire life, right until the end and he lost it to the chemo. He always made sure it was brushed and every strand was in place. I never saw him rumpled.
He always dressed nice. It didn’t matter if he was going to the grocery store, or just working out in the backyard. He had a closet full of button up shirts and cardigan sweaters. I never once saw him in a T shirt. His shoes were always shined, his clothes were never wrinkled. He always made sure he was put together.
Why so serious??
Every picture I have ever had of him looks like this. I don’t know why he didn’t like to smile for photos. This photo is about as close as I have ever seen him come to cracking a smile for a picture. I remember him laughing and smiling in person, but never in photos.
He passed away when I was 13 years old, and I remember just how sad my grandmother was. I remember thinking what an awful thing it was for her to have to plan all the details of his funeral.
He was the love of her life for 55+ years. She was never quite the same afterwards.
I sure do miss my grandpa.
flashback friday challenge
As always I am posting a challenge to share an ancestor photo on social media and a few things you remember about them. remember to tag it #preserveyourtree
Happy Hunting.
