Daniel HannersJuly 11, 1921 - July 27, 2007
I am sorry for being a bad blogger. My grandfather went into the hospital on Monday and passed away Friday morning peacefully in his sleep. There won't be any knitting content, but I thought I would say a few words about a man who has meant so much to me.
He was a great man who did so many wonderful things in his life. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor. After WWII he married the blond bombshell that was to be my grandmother. He went to school at UC Davis and got his degree in 3 years instead of 4. He moved back here to Hood River and helped found the first bank of Hood River. It was later bought out by US Bank and he was the manager there for many years. He helped found the Westside Fire Department and helped train the first recruits with the skills he had learned in the Navy. He started running the orchard that belonged to my grandmother's parent's. He slowly bought up more land as it became available and slowly turned it into a pear orchard instead of apples. He discovered in the late 70s how to grow the largest apple in the world, weighing in at 3.5 lbs and it tastes good too. Above all of these accomplishments he managed to be a good father to 3 children and a wonderful grandfather to 8 grandkids.
He was always there to promote us in whatever we wanted to do. He helped me pay for my college education and was always proud of everything I did. He always was interested in what I was doing and listened to what I was up to. He cherished the things I made for him. Like the felted clogs that I made for him for Christmas. They were a bit too small so he made my grandmother track down a special pair of stretchers to try and stretch them out to fit his feet. It didn't end up working, so my dad has ended up with them and loves them. I will really miss my grandfather. So, please, for his sake and mine go and hug your loved ones today or give them a call and tell them how much you love them and how proud you are of them. I knew that my grandfather felt those things for me and it has made all the difference in my life.
14 comments:
Sounds like a wonderful man and an amazing grandfather!
Thank goodness for memories so they can forever be with us!
Hey Vonnie,
I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing legacy to leave behind. Not only his life accomplishments.. But a family who cherish the memories they had with him, and the love he shared with all of you.. Call if you need anything..
I'm sorry for your loss...
May his memory be a blessing and you and your family find comfort.
{hugs}
[you know how to find me.]
I'm so sorry, I know how close you two were.
It sounds like your grandfather was a wonderful man who will be missed not only by his family, but by the community.
I hope your memories of him will sustain you through this sad time.
Tina
What a beautiful tribute to your grandfather.
Sending warm hugs your way.
i'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather. you and your family are in my thoughts.
Cherish your memories of what sounds like an amazing man. My Grandpa died 14 years ago and I think of him often...including just yesterday. My best to you and your family. Hugs all around!
My deepest sympathies for your loss. He sounds a lot like my grandfather, who I still miss after 16 years.
I'm sorry...
He sounds like a great grandfather. :)
Dear Yvonne;
I am sorry for your loss. It is diffcult to deal with the passing of a loved one even if you expect it and think you are prepared. I want to share a poem with you that has helped me after I recently lost someone very close. I hope it helps you too.
"I am standing upon the sea shore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the
morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length she hangs
like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says;
“There, she is gone!”
“Gone where?”
Gone from my sight.
That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at that moment when someone at my side says, “There, she is gone! ”
There are other eyes watching her and other voices ready to take up the glad shout,
“Here she comes!”
What a wonderful man! You wrote a glowing tribute to him, and I can tell you greatly loved him and will miss him a lot.
My parents watched Pearl Harbor being bombed from the hill where they lived. Interesting to see how our lives connect. I'm glad your grandpa survived that terrible day.
Such a lovely tribute to your grandfather. My grandpas died before I knew them so I envy you a bit. He sounds like a remarkable man. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing a short bio with us.
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