This steadfast courage took him far and he went on earn an English degree from Whitman college and go on to get a law degree from the University of Washington. In order to stay active he spent much time as a championship golfer!
Grandfather went on to open his own law firm in 1944 with the purpose of gaining respect from his peers, having enough extra time to enjoy his life and live a life of service. Today that law firm has nine offices worldwide and is one of the most highly respected firms with a stronghold in serving their communities.
My grandparents were blessed and raised six children, thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Outside of his career grandfather was an active individual, he always felt the journey was the best part of any fun! He spent much time being in the outdoors with the boy scouts, or climbing mountains and spending time on their weekend farm. Every time I see the mountains here in Seattle, I think of my grandparents. My grandfather had the opportunity to summit Mt. Rainier six times in his life and when asked why he did it, he simply replied "because it's there."
Friday April 17, 2015 - My dad called me say he and mom were ordering Chinese for dinner and asked if we wanted to come over so we did. I had planned to stop by to see grandfather and my mom and on the way there, and I couldn't help but take notice of the glorious day! It was 65 and sunny, the wind was blowing through the trees and on the water and Mt. Rainier was crystal clear and full of snow. On my way there I said in my head to my grandpa that it was okay to let go, it was just fine to leave us and be reunited with his wife, brothers, parents and great-grand babies. That way, he could be with us from the other side of the doorway.
As Nel dropped me off, I had butterflies in my tummy which to me meant I was walking into something different...perhaps he had already gone? As soon as I knocked on the door, I knew. My mom and aunt were in tears and he has just passed 15 minutes before at 5:20pm. We hugged and cried and at the same time felt a weight lift, a sense of relief washed over us. Pastor Greg came in and we sang songs and said prayers. I sang Amazing Grace to grandfather and could feel his spirit with us letting us know he was just fine! He was okay and with us on the other side.
His passing brings the end of an era, the end of a life well lived. I admire this man and am proud to be his granddaughter. I know how much he loved hearing me sing, how much he liked hearing about work and our adventures. You will live on in our stories grandfather, you certainly left us with some great ones! I will do my best to honor our lineage and make you proud of the legacy you left behind.
I like to think he's with his brothers now, his wife, his parents and they are climbing mountains and having so many fun adventures again!!
