Poppy was my beloved grandfather. He worked tirelessly over the past few months to recover from a stroke that changed his life. His strength and determination through the long hours of rehab and physical therapy were incredibly inspiring. Though his body was unable to recover from a heart attack, he fought bravely through the end. We spent the last day & night holding his hand and surrounding him with love and light.
I can never thank Poppy enough for all the things he taught me. Following his example, I strive to have a curious mind, an adventurous spirit, and a giving heart. From him I learned to pay close attention when others talk, to ask questions, to never miss a vote, and to get in a little good trouble occasionally. His love for his family and friends, and his concern for those less fortunate than us, was endless: I hope to always live up to his example.
Among other things, he loved our dogs, cars, Michigan football, and the Montreal Canadiens. He didn’t finish college but knew everything anyway. All things history and politics were his forte, along with more obscure knowledge, like the names of trees. All my life he would call me to look things up for him- from sports facts to the root origin of certain words. Eventually he got an iPad and learned to use Google, which an unlocked a whole new front of information for him in the last several years. I admire this curiosity of his immensely, and will miss constantly learning from him.
He passed peacefully, quietly, around dawn yesterday with my dad sleeping by his side and myself asleep down the hall. Outside the hospital shortly afterward, my dad and I saw the most beautiful sunrise coming up. Thank you, Poppy. We will love and miss you forever.