Last night, surrounded by his loved ones, my grandfather passed away.
I think a lot of my love for collecting came from him. While I was growing up, his greatest passion was antique prints, but over the years he’d also collected baseball cards, books, and yes, toys. He had a number of old toy cars–pre-Hot Wheels, mostly from Britain–and a little diecast fighter plane I found fascinating as a kid, which he gave to me years ago.
Regarding the picture above–Grandpa always had a particular fondness for Master of the Universe. I remember digging out some of my He-Man stuff when I was in high school and giving it to him, and for years Castle Grayskull stood in his room. And two of my most vivid toy-related memories–receiving the Millennium Falcon, and getting Orko–happened at my grandparents’ house in Weymouth.
Grandpa lived to age 90–a long, full life. He is survived by his wife, four children, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Rest in peace, Grandpa.
Derek
Sounds like your Grandfather was a great man who gave you a lot of joy growing up. It's always sad to lose someone like that, but the world is always richer for them having been here.
Diego Zubrycky
My deepest condolences to you and all your family, Poe.
I understand very well your loss. My grandpa passed away two weeks ago. I'm still very devasted with that. I miss him every day.
Take care, my Friend. I know it won't be easy ( For me, Goodbye is still the hardest word to say ) but you need to be strong.
I'm moved to tears reading your words… As a grandson, you were blessed… Just like I was.
My heart is with you and your family.
Best wishes,
D.
Ed
Jason – I've been popping in here each day and watching these comments grow. Your piece is very touching and seeing your community add their voice to our Grandfather's memorial is amazing to behold. That pic of you and Grandpa playing Masters of the Universe in the grass is a true treasure.
I'll see you in a couple days but I'd say with our posts, we've both done him proud.
dayraven
death is always a touchy subject. some folks like a long greiving process… that's not me. i celebrate. my thoughts have always been that we celebrate the life that meant so much to us, the life that brought us happiness and taught us our place in the world. sounds like, to me, for grandpa, someone needs to pull out castel grayskull, skeletor and man at arms and have one off for grandpa. i may do the same, in tribute to the poe-pa.
Tahukanuva
I'm sorry for your loss, Poe. While I shared no collections with my Grandfather, I certainly picked up my love of collecting from him. Though, he wasn't around nearly as long as yours was. I can't imagine the loss, and you have my deepest sympathy.
Lid
My condolences.
Poe
Thank you all for your kind words. It's great to hear so many of you also had wonderful grandparents.
As you'd expect, posts on the website may be a bit sporadic for a few days, but I should be able to get back on track around mid-week next week.
David Cartoon
Glad to hear you had such a cool grandpa, and a loving family it sounds like.
3B
Sorry to hear about your grandpa, Poe. May he rest in peace.
Mario
He'll always be alive in your memories, & that's the most important thing. It's a constant reminder that he did things right, &, judging by the pic, there is no doubt in my mind that he loved every minute of doing so.
My sincerest best wishes to you & your family, Poe.
Frogster
My condolences, Poe. Seeing that pic of you and your grandpa warms my heart and reminds me of the special memories I also shared with my grandfather.
PresidentJuggernaut
Best wishes to you and your family… that short write-up was perfect, bittersweet.
T.
I remember you having mentioned him at least several times here in the past. I'm very sorry for your loss, Poe. He seems like he was great.
Ryan
My condolences and sympathy to you and your family – he sounds like an awesome person, and will live on in your happy memories.
He-Dan
Poe,
Sorry for your loss. My love of collecting and in particular, Masters of the Universe came from my pop too, who passed on a while ago. Your words are very moving. Best wishes to you and your family during this time.
Russ
Dude, send my best wishes to your family in this time.
Jake
My condolences to you and your family on your loss.