It is with great sadness we mourn the loss of my mother’s father, Harold (Emmy). He was a wonderful man always filled with love, warmth, and kindness. Growing up I lived in Canada and my grandfather in Minnesota and unfortunately I did not have many opportunities to spend as much time with him as I’d have liked to. Of the few times I visited my grandfather in one thing I’ll always remember about him is that he taught me and anyone around him how to live. When you asked Grandpa Harold how he was doing, his face would light up with a smile, and he’d say: “If I were doing any better, the Ebershter (G-d) would be jealous. I’ve got a beautiful house on the lake, so many wonderful grandchildren, family and friends, I ate a nice breakfast… what more could a guy want.”
Grandpa Harold was always happy with what he had. He served in with the US navy during WWII. His house burned down. He lost his first wife who died of cancer leaving him with all the kids to take care of. Then later he lost another wife who died of a stroke, yet despite this Grandpa always had a smile.
Grandpa Harold loved to say “I am the world’s oldest teenager.” And he lived it. He loved photography and when things went digital he went digital. We bought him a remote control boat which he would play with, and he was always so fascinated to hear about computers, internet, and anything really. Grandpa taught us to always keep our cups half full. There is always so much more to learn, experience, and grow.
Thank you, Grandpa.
