And he wrecked it that first day. He was 14, in Wisconsin and had to drive his dad's 26 T to a job they were working on. The year was 1931.
The last car he drove was my 1927 Model T coupe a couple years ago. He took it around the block and marveled at how he could still remember how to drive it.
It would take several web pages to tell you all why my Grandpa was the greatest man I ever knew.
He passed away last night leaving behind a huge family that will miss him dearly.
Especially me. He was my hero.
Danial,
I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you and your family are able to cherish and reflect on your grandfather's life and legacy as you grieve,
Rob
Sorry for your loss Danial. My maternal grandfather was very dear to me as well. He'll be with you every time you slide behind the wheel of Betsy!
Danial: Sorry for your loss, Remember him driving the '27 and how much fun he was having, it makes the rest of it easier.
97? He must have lived a full life. Carry on.
Thanks everyone.
"Carry on"? Interesting comment, Ralph.
Our sympathy to you and your family, Danial. Karen and Bob
It's probably a British term, Danial. To me it means continuing with your pursuit of happiness in spite of the adversity.
I feel for your loss with sympathy.
Ah, ok. I'm with you now. I've always had a different take on the phrase. Thanks for clarifying.
Here's a pic of him from the early 70s. He looks like a gruff, rough mountain man, but he was one of the most peaceful people I know. He was in the 101st Airborne and fought at Bastogne during the Ardennes Counteroffensive (Battle of the Bulge) but I don't think he fired a gun at any living thing after that.
Great picture Danial. It is a great achievement to live so long, you are very lucky to have had any of your grandparents for that amount of time. None of my grandfathers lived to such a ripe old age.
Danial, while I am saddened by such a loss as you have described, I am even more uplifted and happy for you that you had the time and presence of this man in your world. He obviously had quite an influence that will ripple long into the future.
I appreciate the kind words guys. Thank you.
Danial, I also am saddened by your loss. You were privileged to have had him in your life for so long. Treasure the memories until you meet him again.
Danial,Sorry for your loss. Great story!
Danial,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. But I'm sure in the future you will think of him often as you drive your T. You and the extended family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Daniel,
I am sorry for your loss. My T (TT) was the last car my grandfather owned and drove. He passed nearly 50 years ago. Even after all these years, every time I drive it I think of him and it makes me smile.
I hope you have the same experience.
Danial sorry for your loss
Danial...so sorry to hear of your neat Grandfather's passing. He sounded like a cool, fun guy. I bet he had fun with your kids too. My late father was a lover of all cars antique, in fact it was his tales of how he ram-rodded around his hometown in his Model A as a young boy, even rolling it in the streets of downtown Marion, that got the fire going in me for wanting one (or more) of these neat cars.
It's tough losing them, only time helps. We never forget 'em for sure. We just keep plugging along.
God Bless
Tim
As always, thanks guys.
Lots of good words here.
Condolences to you and your family Danial, Thank you for sharing your story with us.
So very sorry for your loss. We all miss all those wonderful people who have gone on.
Bill
Hey Danial, our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family from ours..God bless.
Danial,
I'm so sorry to hear of your grandfathers passing. Cherish and hang on to all the memories of him. I lost the one grandfather I had and also my father not long after I started grade school. I still remember them well and the influence they had on me after all the decades.
I am saddened by your loss. You have many years of memories to cherish for many years to come. It has been nearly 40 years since I lost my grandfather, and I still think of him nearly every day.
Danial,
I was told this week that some things you never get over you just get through them. My grandfather was also a fantastic man and if we grew up together we would have been best friends. Grandpa was nothing but fun all the time and we could joke back and forth--I lost him when he was 98 and sharp as a stick. He liked my T's and showed me all kinds of tricks to work on them and had the battle scar on his hand where he cut himself on a license plate cranking one. He was born in 1909 and told me that a brand new Model T was half worn out.
Today I am a grandfather for the second time. I will never be the grandfather that mine was to me but will try as hard as I can. We just don't have the hard life experiences that they did. Grandfathers are tough old men that tell you how it is if you like it or not and can laugh because they have seen it, lived it and know it will all work out--if you figure it out yourself with a little help from them.
Danial,
Im sorry for the loss of your Grandpa. I also was very close to my Grandpa I lost him in 2001 after 10 years of Alzheimer's. The first car he drove was a 22 Model T. I inherited the project in 2001 after it sat where he parked it in 1942. If there was one person I could bring back it would be him so i could take him for a ride in it. Again sorry for your loss I feel your pain.
James