In Memory of Edward Kennedy

May 12, 1918 – August 18, 2008
90 years old and married for 62 years!

My Grandfather, Shaun’s Great Grandfather, and my Dad’s Father passed away last night. I am grateful that Shaun & I got to see him one last time 2 weeks ago even though I didn’t know it would be the last time, but always knew it was a possibility.

It has been several years, maybe already 6, since he had an infection/stroke or something and hasn’t been my same Grandpa since. I will always treasure the memories before that time. Some of them include trips to Wild Waves, cross country and down hill skiing (he was my teacher when I was in high school, so that means he was in his upper 70s and still skiing!), and going to downtown Seattle at Christmas time to see the sites which included the Ballet and the train censored to move when you put your hand on the glass. Also, we spent lots of weekends over the years at Grandma & Grandpa’s house.

My Grandpa loved the out of doors and climbing mountains. He was a pro at Mt. Rainier. He was a member of the Tenth Mountain division in WWII. There is a plaque on Mt. Rainier dedicated to the division. My parents saw it just last month when they were there on vacation. He also was one of the founding 5 members of REI. Whenever I would buy something there, I would say, “I’m going to use my Grandpa’s #, which is 5.” They would say “what?” or wait for me to give the next 6 or so digits. I would again say “5”, and then they would put it in and/or say, “really, let me just look it up by his name”. I loved seeing their reactions. My dad did the same thing once, quite a few years ago, and the cashier said something to the effect of, “I thought all of those old guys were gone.”

I love you Grandpa!!! Now my 2 Grandpas can see each other again without their ailing bodies to hinder them.
Suzanne