Grandpa was a very well known and respected heart surgeon in Calgary, Alberta. He was raised working on a farm and later went to school to become a Doctor. He developed the Triple Bypass surgery. He passed away when I was 17 years old, of heart failure. Kind of ironic.
Grandpa was a sweet and gentle man. I never saw him get angry. He loved jam on his corn flakes and always made sure there was Ginger Ale and Haagen Dazs ice cream in the fridge. He had a great appreciation for the outdoors and always loved to take us grand-kids hiking and horse back riding.
He kept his cash crumpled up in his socks because he claimed the nurses couldn't steal it from him while in surgery if it was in his socks.. He always wore cowboy boots, with one pant leg tucked in and the other out, and sported a cowboy hat on occasion.
We would always eat at the Glenco Club in Calgary and one summer while eating hamburgers on the patio a bumblebee landed on Grandpa's burger. He immediately smashed it into his hamburger and ATE it. He just said, "Yum! More protein."
He had the softest hands ever!
When I was in 5th grade I developed a painful cyst on the palm of my hand. He personally drove me to a doctor (Dr. Remington) to remove the growth. Once the little surgery was complete Grandpa asked the Doctor how much he owed him. Dr. Remington said, "Don't worry about it. It's on the house." He was good friends with everyone. Even while vacationing at his cabin in Waterton people would come knocking on the door in need of the good Doctor. He would help them, diagnose them, and perform small procedures on them all for free.
He always looked forward to attending the Calgary Stampede and watching the covered wagon races. I loved going to the early morning, parking-lot breakfasts with him. They made the best pancakes ever!
We had Sunday dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house every Sunday afternoon and Grandpa would always invite anyone that didn't have a place to go. He had such a generous heart and made everyone feel so welcome.
He is a great man and we believe he is watching over us. I know there will be a big hug, juicy kiss and a warm welcome waiting for us when we get to the other side. We love you Grandpa!
