Grandpa Pete

Grandpa and Daxton

I lost my sweet Grandpa Pete on May 13th.  He passed away peacefully surrounded by all of his kids.  I came home from Florida just in time to be able to visit him one last time with Kirk, Olivia and Daxton. (We didn't know it would be the last time).  The reunion must have been sweet on the other side as he is now with my Grandma Fern that passed away over 18 years ago, and my stepgrandma, Bev, that passed away 3 years ago.

Grandpa Pete was truly one of the most Christ-like people I know.  He was such a great example, always striving to put the Lord first.  Always.

Some of my favorite memories include:

*Pete's Pharmacy: working there, eating the huge assortment of candy and ice cream (Grandpa had a HUGE sweetooth) and the endless nickles he supplied that powered his mechanical horse.

*Coats: Grandpa always asked where your coat was, even if it was warm enough to go without one.  And if you didn't have/bring one, he was quick to lend you one of his.

*Hats: Grandpa could not leave the house without one.  It wasn't just that he had a fantastic collection of them but it was the way he wore them "grandpa style",  just barely placed on top of his head. 

One Christmas my Grandma, as a joke, thought it would be funny to give his favorite hat away as a White Elephant gift.  She finally had to unwrap the gift because they were late and Grandpa wouldn't leave the house without it.  He didn't think it was too funny.

*Annual Bearlake trips in the summer and Snowmobiling trips in the winter.  These hold some of my favorite family memories

*Living with Grandpa for almost two years.  A huge example of his generosity.  It was great to listen to the childhood memories he would share with us during dinner.  He could not make it through a full story without getting choked up; he was so humble, and very aware of how blessed he was. 

My favorite part of living with Grandpa was his interaction with Olivia.  Grandpa and Olivia had a special bond.  She would do things for Grandpa that should wouldn't do for anyone else (i.e waving).  Grandpa laughed a lot when Liv was around, so much so, that sometimes I had to take Olivia out of the room to discipline her because Grandpa had a hard time controlling his giggles after Olivia had been "naughty".  He called her "south paw" (because she used her left hand so much) and "bright-eyes", and he loved when she would snuggle up on his lap to watch "Thomas the Train" or read a book. 

There will always be a special place in Liv's heart for Grandpa.  Even though she was little, she could still sense his sweet spirit and his love for her.  One night after Grandpa had been gone a couple of months, we were reading about Lazurus in the New Testament when Livvy got really serious and thoughtful.  After a minute she asked me if Jesus could bring Grandpa back too.  She really misses him!

The Grandkids

I miss him too!

Love you Grandpa!

Till we meet again!