Tribute to Grandpa Archie

April 9, 1920 - May 26, 2007

Adelyn enjoying breakfast with her Great Grandpa

Grandpa was a very special and unique person. I have countless memories of visiting him in Henning, where he lived for several years. Special memories growing up include him taking us strawberry picking, going fishing and gopher trapping, planting flowers in the spring and riding around in his truck at dusk looking for deer (not to shoot--just to see how many we could find). You could count on the freezer being stocked with strawberry and maple nut ice cream. His other indulgences included Mt. Dew, chocolate stars, and cheese puffs. He would show us his old coin collection, giving Stacy and me each a 50 cent piece to take home each visit. He also loved to show us his old pocket watch and little blue radio--cranking up the volume as high as it would go. No matter how many times we'd seen them before, we loved to look again.

He came to live with us when I was in high school. I know his intention was to pay back my mom for being a naughty child growing up. He would purposefully do things to drive her crazy (not that he would admit it, but secretly Stacy and I knew it was pay back time!). He would chew tobacco on her new sofa, spray Preffered Stock on all of us and throughout the house (my mom is very sensitive to smelly stuff), require numerous trips to the gas station or grocery store (for the cheese puffs!). He proved that a father's concern does not end when your baby grows up. He continued to ask my mom when she would be home and remind her not to stay out too late. I must say it was entertaining to see them interact :) He loved to watch the Twins play baseball or listen to them on the radio. He enjoyed the old country western tv shows (sorry we made you turn the channel so many times to watch 90210 instead Grandpa! You were such a good sport, staying to watch it with us).

My grandma, Doris, passed away when I was only one, yet Grandpa still carried her picture in his wallet. He often would take it out to show us, mention how I looked like her, and talk about the good old days. It was clear he still loved her 25 years later. It is comforting to know they are together again in Heaven. Selfishly I am sad he is gone and will miss visiting with him, but I know he truely is in a better place. No more pain and the freedom to 'live' again. He had been sick for a while and was no longer able to get around well. Not the case anymore!

Grandpa, you are already missed. We love you very much. Thank you for always loving us. We look forward to seeing you again. Have fun until then!