The Passing of Perc-o-Prince's (Rich's) Grandfather
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westytoploader
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Rich and Chuck, you and your loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers.
perc-o-prince
Well-known member
We are both so touched!!! Thank you all so much 
Chuck and I have been taking great comfort in reading all of your posts and receiving so many condolences by phone. You all are a great group of people that we are both privileged to know. We are both doing fine. Tired but fine!
A few of you know the situation but for those of you who don't... My grandfather, who was also my godfather, and I have lived together or next door to each other for my entire life (44 years) and even though I have parents that I adore most people mistakenly thought and referred to us( granddad and I) as father and son. We were often seen together. Being an only child of an only child meant that I was a major part of my grandparents life. When I would run away from home I didn't have to go any further than next door to my grandparents house. This was my safe haven!!
My grandmother/best friend passed away nearly 14 years ago. About 6 years ago my grandfather started to show signs of dementia and, compounded with other illnesses, no longer take care of himself any longer so I did what any family member would do...I left my job and looked after him. This is no less than he would have done for me. He was the ONLY family member who accepted my "comming out" with his only comment being "Are you the same person you were this morning?" my reply was "Yes" he asked "Are you planning on changing into another person tomorrow?" I replied "No" then he looked to my crying grandmother and said..."Then stop crying and go to bed, Mother. I have to be up early!" This is the same man who stood between me and my first partner, who was attacking me(I was 5'7.He was 6'3" and 10 years my senior) in a drunken rage. When my ex went to take a swing at me my grandfather, all 5'5" of him, picked him up and deposited him across the room on to the door of the refrigerator. Don't get me wrong. We aren't a fighting bunch of people. My grandfather was a prominent businessman in our community but his family was THE most important thing to him and NOBODY messed with his grandson. Not that he had great taste in picking men for me...though he tried!!! He loved us all unconditionally. I think he loved Chuck more than me at times. Chuck was the only person who could make my grandfather laugh over the last few weeks.
My grandfathers biggest wish was to be able to pass away in the house that he, my grandmother and uncle built all by hand from the ground up. This was a hobby and labor of love that he took great pride in. My wish was that his home would be the last thing that he saw and I and my families voices would be the last voices that he heard. We both got our wish.
A few hours before he passed I bathed him. When I finished he thanked me several times (something that he never did before and meant a great deal to me) then, less than a hour before passing, assured me, when I enquired, that he was comfortable. He then passed silently, quickly and painlessly with his eyes still opened looking at the wall where a picture of my great-grandmother hangs in his bedroom! It gets no more peaceful than this.
He knew that his family loved him and that it was OK for him to leave us. I told him several time that it was OK to go if he was tired and that I would fight for him if he wanted to stay but I assured him that my grandmother and his 9 departed siblings were waiting to greet him. The first time I told him this he gave me a look that said "they can just f******g wait!!" They didn't have to wait much longer and now they are all together once more.
He was my grandfather, godfather, friend, advisor, hero and, for the past 6 years, one of my reasons for living. We will miss him but know that he is no longer suffering and one day we will be together again
Thanks for listening to me prattle on. It's therapy
We will post a link to the obituary, tomorrow, for anyone who is interested.
Warmest regards,
Rich and Chuck
Chuck and I have been taking great comfort in reading all of your posts and receiving so many condolences by phone. You all are a great group of people that we are both privileged to know. We are both doing fine. Tired but fine!
A few of you know the situation but for those of you who don't... My grandfather, who was also my godfather, and I have lived together or next door to each other for my entire life (44 years) and even though I have parents that I adore most people mistakenly thought and referred to us( granddad and I) as father and son. We were often seen together. Being an only child of an only child meant that I was a major part of my grandparents life. When I would run away from home I didn't have to go any further than next door to my grandparents house. This was my safe haven!!
My grandmother/best friend passed away nearly 14 years ago. About 6 years ago my grandfather started to show signs of dementia and, compounded with other illnesses, no longer take care of himself any longer so I did what any family member would do...I left my job and looked after him. This is no less than he would have done for me. He was the ONLY family member who accepted my "comming out" with his only comment being "Are you the same person you were this morning?" my reply was "Yes" he asked "Are you planning on changing into another person tomorrow?" I replied "No" then he looked to my crying grandmother and said..."Then stop crying and go to bed, Mother. I have to be up early!" This is the same man who stood between me and my first partner, who was attacking me(I was 5'7.He was 6'3" and 10 years my senior) in a drunken rage. When my ex went to take a swing at me my grandfather, all 5'5" of him, picked him up and deposited him across the room on to the door of the refrigerator. Don't get me wrong. We aren't a fighting bunch of people. My grandfather was a prominent businessman in our community but his family was THE most important thing to him and NOBODY messed with his grandson. Not that he had great taste in picking men for me...though he tried!!! He loved us all unconditionally. I think he loved Chuck more than me at times. Chuck was the only person who could make my grandfather laugh over the last few weeks.
My grandfathers biggest wish was to be able to pass away in the house that he, my grandmother and uncle built all by hand from the ground up. This was a hobby and labor of love that he took great pride in. My wish was that his home would be the last thing that he saw and I and my families voices would be the last voices that he heard. We both got our wish.
A few hours before he passed I bathed him. When I finished he thanked me several times (something that he never did before and meant a great deal to me) then, less than a hour before passing, assured me, when I enquired, that he was comfortable. He then passed silently, quickly and painlessly with his eyes still opened looking at the wall where a picture of my great-grandmother hangs in his bedroom! It gets no more peaceful than this.
He knew that his family loved him and that it was OK for him to leave us. I told him several time that it was OK to go if he was tired and that I would fight for him if he wanted to stay but I assured him that my grandmother and his 9 departed siblings were waiting to greet him. The first time I told him this he gave me a look that said "they can just f******g wait!!" They didn't have to wait much longer and now they are all together once more.
He was my grandfather, godfather, friend, advisor, hero and, for the past 6 years, one of my reasons for living. We will miss him but know that he is no longer suffering and one day we will be together again
Thanks for listening to me prattle on. It's therapy
We will post a link to the obituary, tomorrow, for anyone who is interested.
Warmest regards,
Rich and Chuck
~sudsshane
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Rich and Chuck
Thank you for sharing your memories of your Grandfather. He sounds like he was a wonderful and very giving man. Death is something that is never easy to accept,but it is something one day we all must do. Take comfort and joy in knowing your Grandfather has once again reunited with your Grandmother and he has eternal peace and love.
Your wonderful memories of him will bring you much comfort in the years to come.
~Shane
Thank you for sharing your memories of your Grandfather. He sounds like he was a wonderful and very giving man. Death is something that is never easy to accept,but it is something one day we all must do. Take comfort and joy in knowing your Grandfather has once again reunited with your Grandmother and he has eternal peace and love.
Your wonderful memories of him will bring you much comfort in the years to come.
~Shane
vintagesearch
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Condolences,
peace and prayers, Remember the positive, look to the light, and may your loved one rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Randy AKA vintagesearch
peace and prayers, Remember the positive, look to the light, and may your loved one rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Randy AKA vintagesearch
That's a very touching story, Rich. My maternal grandparents sound like they were cut from the same cloth as yours! It must give you great comfort to know that you were so instrumental in making his last days so comfortable and warm. All the best to you and your family - G
brettsomers
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thanks for telling us about him. David
mayken4now
Well-known member
Rich, what a wonderful story. Peach and love be with you always.
Steve
Steve
hoover1060
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Rich and Chuck,
Your story brings tears to my eyes, thats what family and unconditional love are all about!
Thanks for sharing that.
3 of my grandparents passed before I was born, I only knew my dad's mother, and she passed away when I was 22. I still miss her very much.
my thoughts and prayers go with you both,
Jeff
Your story brings tears to my eyes, thats what family and unconditional love are all about!
Thanks for sharing that.
3 of my grandparents passed before I was born, I only knew my dad's mother, and she passed away when I was 22. I still miss her very much.
my thoughts and prayers go with you both,
Jeff
seamusuk
Well-known member
Rich and Chuck...
Hey Guys
Obviously I dont know you, but am thinking of you all the same. Unfortunatly I only have my Gran on Mums side( dont know my dad or his family- long story) and Mums Dad passed when I was 6 weeks old so sadly I never knew him 
.
I have to be honest- im not a particually religious person, and not sure on the afterlife thing, having said that Im hoping when my Gran passes the thought that she may be reunited with Grandad after they were parted way too soon might make it a bit easier.
Anyhow take care
Seamus
Hey Guys
Obviously I dont know you, but am thinking of you all the same
. Unfortunatly I only have my Gran on Mums side( dont know my dad or his family- long story) and Mums Dad passed when I was 6 weeks old so sadly I never knew him .I have to be honest- im not a particually religious person, and not sure on the afterlife thing, having said that Im hoping when my Gran passes the thought that she may be reunited with Grandad after they were parted way too soon might make it a bit easier.
Anyhow take care
Seamus
vinvac
Well-known member
Rich and Chuck
Your family will be in my prayers.
I loved the stories you share of your grandfather. It brought back some wonderful memories of my grandmother.
Loosing someone is never easy but you and Chuck will be surprised how your grandfathers love will show up when you least expect it... something our God has a way of sharing through his spirit. It may not be obvious to any one but the two of you but someday someone will say or do something that you will know comes from the love of your grandfather...
You both take care and know that our prayers are with you both.
Morgan
Your family will be in my prayers.
I loved the stories you share of your grandfather. It brought back some wonderful memories of my grandmother.
Loosing someone is never easy but you and Chuck will be surprised how your grandfathers love will show up when you least expect it... something our God has a way of sharing through his spirit. It may not be obvious to any one but the two of you but someday someone will say or do something that you will know comes from the love of your grandfather...
You both take care and know that our prayers are with you both.
Morgan
perc-o-prince
Well-known member
Here's the link for the obit as mentioned earlier. Thank you all so much, Chuck
andyelectrolux
Well-known member
What an amazing person
Rich, I enjoyed reading your story about your grandfather. Thank you for posting it. You have a candle on my altar lit tonight, and you, Chuck, and your grandfather will be in my evening prayers.
Rich, I enjoyed reading your story about your grandfather. Thank you for posting it. You have a candle on my altar lit tonight, and you, Chuck, and your grandfather will be in my evening prayers.
JerseyMike
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What a wonderful tribute ...
Thanks, Rich, for sharing a little bit of your grandfather with us. He sounds like a truly remarkable man.
You and Chuck are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike
Thanks, Rich, for sharing a little bit of your grandfather with us. He sounds like a truly remarkable man.
You and Chuck are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike
Rich and Chuck, my depest condolences. I was moved by your account of your beloved god father and grandfather. All will be remembered by me at Mass this Saturday evening. Bob
My sincere condolences, Rich and Chuck. I wish you strength and peace.
perc-o-prince
Well-known member
I want to thank everyone...
who sent their support and best wishes during this difficult time!
We(Chuck and I) are warmly overwhelmed by the wonderful friendships that we have developed here. Several of you were able to come to the wake/funeral and extend your condolences in person. Many wrote to us as well as phoned to offer support. All of this deeply touched my entire family. After my mother "held court" in the kitchen with "the boys" she commented about what a great bunch of friends we had. Thank you to all of you. We're proud to know such a caring bunch of people and this has been a great comfort to both of us during the difficult moments. THANK YOU!!!
YES the snow storm did hit us. It began just hours before the wake and when we returned home we had a good 5" of snow in the driveway. The person who offered to plow out our 100+ foot driveway never showed up. I was able to catch my cousin who was able to clear us out by 11:30pm. When we got up the next morning we were again snowed/iced in with a limo due to pick us up in an hour and a half. Once again my cousin had to come to our rescue since the other person, again, didn't show up to make good on his word. We all managed to make it on time and the rest of the day went off with out a hitch! My grandfather was a practical joker, in life, so we all suspect that this was his one last HOORAH!
Our lives are getting back to "normal" and I look forward to participating more on this forum
Again....a heart felt thanks!!!
Rich and Chuck
who sent their support and best wishes during this difficult time!
We(Chuck and I) are warmly overwhelmed by the wonderful friendships that we have developed here. Several of you were able to come to the wake/funeral and extend your condolences in person. Many wrote to us as well as phoned to offer support. All of this deeply touched my entire family. After my mother "held court" in the kitchen with "the boys" she commented about what a great bunch of friends we had. Thank you to all of you. We're proud to know such a caring bunch of people and this has been a great comfort to both of us during the difficult moments. THANK YOU!!!
YES the snow storm did hit us. It began just hours before the wake and when we returned home we had a good 5" of snow in the driveway. The person who offered to plow out our 100+ foot driveway never showed up. I was able to catch my cousin who was able to clear us out by 11:30pm. When we got up the next morning we were again snowed/iced in with a limo due to pick us up in an hour and a half. Once again my cousin had to come to our rescue since the other person, again, didn't show up to make good on his word. We all managed to make it on time and the rest of the day went off with out a hitch! My grandfather was a practical joker, in life, so we all suspect that this was his one last HOORAH!
Our lives are getting back to "normal" and I look forward to participating more on this forum
Again....a heart felt thanks!!!
Rich and Chuck
