In his later years, my Grandpa was fondly referred to as GG (Great Grandpa). He even signed most of his emails as GG. This past weekend we traveled to Los Angeles to bury and honor his life. During his funeral services I was again reminded of what a hard working, inspiring man he was. He had a way of driving straight to the point and definitely wasn't afraid to tell you like it was, but he was also really funny and incredibly proud of his family. My fondest memories of my Grandpa are fishing with him up in the Adirondacks even though I know we drove him crazy, because we didn't have a clue what we were doing. I also loved his foodie nature. Having spent his career in the grocery industry, he had quite the sophisticated palate. We always loved going out to eat with him, because we knew it was going to be really good food. He loved to watch you try new things. I always enjoyed watching him order the food and his deliberate instructions to every waiter he ever came across. You didn't mess with Don and his food.
This was his obituary in the LA Times:
 |
| My dad and his sister Sherry |
|
|
 |
| It's fitting that the bushes along the wall are gardenias. They were Grammy's favorite and it's the smell that reminds me the most of her. |
 |
| Cousin Brian and his son |
 |
| Grandpa's parents are buried right next to them |
I don't think there is a more beautiful setting for a cemetery being nestled up in the Hollywood Hills.
My Grandpa was a war veteran and extremely patriotic, so it seems fitting that he be buried right above the Washington monument and just below the American freedoms mural.
It seems odd to think Don (also lovingly known as Captain Elwood) isn't around anymore. He's the last of my grandparents to pass away, so I've lost an entire generation for the time being. Even though I was sad to see him go, I also know it was for the best. He was 92, in a lot of pain, and extremely lonely. Grammy passed away 20 years ago, so he's been on his own for a while now. In this case it was more of a celebration of his life rather than a mourning for his passing. He's in a much better place now without his physical ailments. It was also wonderful to be together with family. We love you, GG!
