February 24, 2018
February 24, 2018
My grandpa Lyle, who some knew as Ike, was an incredible man. He was loyal to his family, home, friends and career. He always spoke to, and of, my grandma in a complimentary way and was kind and respectful to all that he interacted with. He was caring, responsible and reliable and the kind of man who took leftover scraps out to feed the stray cats that would frequent their land after every meal.
He taught me how to golf when I was 'knee high to a grasshopper' (a phrase I often heard him use) using a club that he had cut and modified just for me. As I grew, he gave me mini lessons, explaining how to line up my body and hold my club. I understood the factors related to choosing a club because he had always taken the time to explain them to me to make sure that I understood. He often took me up in his small, two-seater airplane, the one he purchased after taking pilot lessons post-retirement. I remember the first time visiting the hangar and how exciting it was. He explained every gauge, lever and meter in that airplane and, sometimes, he let me take the controls. He was always patient in his explanations and willing to take the time needed to help others make sense of the matter being explained or discussed.
One of my favorite places to be was on Grandma and Grandpa's couch, next to Grandpa in his recliner, listening to him tell me stories about his life. He recounted the events of his time before, during and after the war with great detail and, to this day, I can visualize the places and events that he told of. His stories that reside in my memory are some of my most prized possessions.
Grandpa's voice was noteworthy. It was deep and resounding and clear. His voice was not only incredible for telling stories but also when he sang in a barbershop quartet. Even when he was merely speaking, his speech was somewhat melodic.
From my college apartment, I called him the day the twin towers came down. The sound of his voice was the closest thing to comfort that I could find.
During his final years, his primary focus was Grandma. He worried about her and the decline that they both were facing. It gives me great peace to know that they are now free of ailments and aging bodies and reunited in heaven.
He is from 'the greatest generation' and I can attest that he is one of the greatest men - correction: one of the greatest people - that I have ever known.
Thanks for everything, grandpa. So much of you lives in me and, for that, I am grateful!
Carrie Cherney Hahn
He taught me how to golf when I was 'knee high to a grasshopper' (a phrase I often heard him use) using a club that he had cut and modified just for me. As I grew, he gave me mini lessons, explaining how to line up my body and hold my club. I understood the factors related to choosing a club because he had always taken the time to explain them to me to make sure that I understood. He often took me up in his small, two-seater airplane, the one he purchased after taking pilot lessons post-retirement. I remember the first time visiting the hangar and how exciting it was. He explained every gauge, lever and meter in that airplane and, sometimes, he let me take the controls. He was always patient in his explanations and willing to take the time needed to help others make sense of the matter being explained or discussed.
One of my favorite places to be was on Grandma and Grandpa's couch, next to Grandpa in his recliner, listening to him tell me stories about his life. He recounted the events of his time before, during and after the war with great detail and, to this day, I can visualize the places and events that he told of. His stories that reside in my memory are some of my most prized possessions.
Grandpa's voice was noteworthy. It was deep and resounding and clear. His voice was not only incredible for telling stories but also when he sang in a barbershop quartet. Even when he was merely speaking, his speech was somewhat melodic.
From my college apartment, I called him the day the twin towers came down. The sound of his voice was the closest thing to comfort that I could find.
During his final years, his primary focus was Grandma. He worried about her and the decline that they both were facing. It gives me great peace to know that they are now free of ailments and aging bodies and reunited in heaven.
He is from 'the greatest generation' and I can attest that he is one of the greatest men - correction: one of the greatest people - that I have ever known.
Thanks for everything, grandpa. So much of you lives in me and, for that, I am grateful!
Carrie Cherney Hahn