My granddad died Sunday morning

[melissa-dallas]

He would hve been 98 in March. It is generally not a good thing to live to be that old, so it is truly a blessing for him to be released, but still sad for me. My grandparents house has been the heart of all our family gatherings. They bought it the year before I was born.

D.B. Pearson was truly an amazing person. This article about his WWII unit, The Fighting 21st, kind of says it all. He was kind & generous and I've never met a guy who loved kids as much as he did. He was one of 13. There is now only one sister still living.

http://www.oufoundation.org/sm/fall2006/thams.asp?ID=214#thumb

 

[cheezz]

Ah...so sorry. My heartfelt sympathies Melissa

 

[mariadnoca]

((((Melissa)))) big hugs and condolences on your loss.

 

[dawn_mo]

I am so sorry to hear that Melissa. (((Melissa)))

 

[deb-in-mi]

Thinking of you Melissa.

 

[maycee]

I'm sorry for you loss Melissa.

 

[barb_b]

Your Grandpa sounds like he was an amazing person; not just for his service, but as a wonderful

grandpa. I am sorry for your loss.

 

[barbara-in-va]

((Hugs to you)) Melissa. Sorry to hear of the loss of your grandpa.

 

[marilynfl]

What an honor for your family...he's one of the Geatest Generation.

 

[michael-in-phoenix]

Melissa, my heartfelt condolences for you and your family. Your ...

...Grandfather deserves the praises and the gratitude of a free Nation.

He sounds like he was a dear, dear man.

Michael

 

[elaine]

My sincerest condolences. I am sure you will all keep his memory alive.

 

[dawnnys]

What a great article, and so nice that you could enjoy his company for so long. ((hugs))

 

[angak1]

sending a cyber hot dish to comfort you Melissa.

 

[melissa-dallas]

Thanks everyone. He was only 25 or 26 during Bougainville. People consider that a kid now.

He was really special. I know I don't want to live to be that old though.

 

[joe]

Melissa, thank you for sharing the article. I'm amazed he was still practicing at 91! I'm sorry for

your loss. It's hard to lose someone so special no matter what the circumstances.

 

[melissa-dallas]

He still looked pretty good for 91 in that picture

Just the last couple of years did he develop dementia & become very frail. He had a stroke a couple of weeks ago, but we managed to keep him at home, so he died in his own bedroom.

Truly right out of "Saving Private Ryan"? We were very proud of him. He didn't see my mom until she was three.

 

[melissa-dallas]

Fun. Now I can sit & imagine what I want it to be.

 

[heather_in_sf]

So sorry my dear, my thoughts are with you during this sad time.

 

[patbastrop]

I am so sorry Melissa. He sure sounds like a wonderful guy - you were so lucky

to grow up with him in your life.

Fascinating article! My uncle, George K Perkins was a dentist, captured by the Japanese, surviving the death march and imprisonment. Amazing and horrifying stories they had to tell.