A Hero Lost

When Jim was born, he had a Mom and a Dad. Parents who loved him and cared for him and provided for him the necessities of life. Jim loved his young parents in return, but there was another man who had a prominent place in Jim's heart as well. Howard Baker Fitzpatrick. Jim's maternal grandfather became one of the people most beloved by this cherubic red-head. They were buddies, pals....and were practically inseparable. Where ever Grandpa went....the golf course, fishing, the store, the bank, the back yard....there was little Jimmy. As Jim grew their relationship grew. Howard became Jim's mentor in all things financial. Howard was a banker (among other things...as most men of his generation are) and he would talk to Jim about saving his money, investing it wisely and preparing for retirement. Since Jim was, shall we say....an old soul....he took careful mental notes.
But his Grandpa (along with Blanche, Howard's beautiful wife) taught him more than just money. They taught him of family and of unconditional love. I have never heard Jim say anything negative about his Grandpa (or his Grandma for that matter). He just has very fond memories of time spent with him.
Jim's Mom and Dad did a great job of using trips to bond their little family together. Often those trips would include a visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Jim loved to visit his Grandpa at their place in Mackay, ID. They would fish together and just enjoy each others company. As Jim got older, Grandpa became a fixture in the lives of his own children. Grandpa would even let them flip him with his own suspenders. They loved to see this man....the man who would share his stale (because that's the way he liked them) fig newtons, his prunes (why my kids thought this was a huge treat, I'll never know) and his love.
Unfortunately, as happens to all great men, Howard passed away yesterday. He was living in Arizona, not far from Jim's parents. He died as he lived.....on his own terms. We will all miss this wonderful man. His is a great example of a life well lived. We should all be so lucky.