Eulogy By Victoria
Good afternoon. For those of you who may not know I am Victoria also known as my Grandpa would say Tinkerbell. We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of Hank, my beloved Grandpa, who left us at the age of 87. Just before his 88th birthday on the 12th of this month. Grandpa was many things to many people – a devoted husband, a passionate car enthusiast, a loving grandfather, and as I always said the unofficial mayor of Linville Falls. Today, I'd like to share with you the Hank I knew and loved, a man whose outgoing nature, stubbornness, and headstrong attitude shaped not only his life but the lives of all those around him. First and foremost, Grandpa as a husband. For 68 years, he stood beside his wife, my grandmother, in a marriage that was a testament to love, commitment, and perhaps a healthy dose of that famous stubbornness we all knew so well. Their marriage was an inspiration to all of us, showing us what it means to grow together, to weather life's storms, and to find joy in the simple moments of everyday life. Grandpa's passion for cars was legendary. His eyes would light up at the mere mention of a classic car, and his hands were never happier than when they were tinkering under a hood. I remember countless weekends and summers spent in his garage, watching him restore his old cars to their former glory. He didn't just repair them; he breathed new life into them, much like he did with the people around him. His enthusiasm was infectious, and he loved nothing more than sharing his knowledge at car shows, his voice filled with pride as he explained the details of a particular model. But Grandpa wasn't just about cars. He loved planting a garden. The past few years he planted a garden he put it out in front of the garage and called it his “junk yard garden”. But even being in the “Junk yard” with his green thumb it grew beautifully. He had a creative side that many might not have expected from such a headstrong man. He put much of his energy into building beautiful birdhouses and crafting picture frames. These creations were more than just hobbies; they were expressions of love, often given as gifts to family and friends, or just to put pictures of loved ones in at the house. I have a birdhouse he made for my birthday, and it still hangs at my house, a constant reminder of his caring nature. As a grandfather, Grandpa was simply incredible. He had this unique ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world when you were with him. I'll never forget the day he took me and my then-boyfriend, now husband, on a trip to Elizabethton. We were going to have a falcon part re-chromed – a typical errand for me and Grandpa. What wasn't typical was his decision to use the turning lane as a passing lane when he got impatient with the driver in front of us. When I pointed out that it was a turning lane, not a passing lane, he simply replied, "Well, worked like one." But that was Grandpa – unapologetically himself. But what truly set Grandpa apart was his role in our community. As I mentioned earlier, I always said he was the unofficial mayor of Linville Falls. His shop wasn't just a place he worked in; it was a community hub. People would drop by just to say hello, to ask for advice, or to hear one of his famous stories. Grandpa had this incredible gift of making everyone feel welcome, of turning strangers into friends with just a few words with that trademark smile of his. His impact on the community was immeasurable. He was always there to lend a helping hand, offer advice (whether you asked for it or not), or simply provide a listening ear. As for doing work around the house he was always doing something crazy on his mowers, his neighbors can attest to it. I Remember one time when he told me about being sore after his mower quit on him at the top of the hill behind the house. When I asked how he got down the hill after his mower quit, he casually replied, "Crawled some, rolled some." That was Grandpa – always finding a way, always pushing through, and always downplaying his own discomfort if it meant getting the job done. As we say goodbye to Grandpa today, I know that each of us will miss something different about him. For me, it's the easy conversations we used to have, gossiping about the goings-on in town. It's the smell of his cigarette smoke that, despite my protests, became a comforting reminder of his presence. And it's the way his face would light up with that special smile whenever he saw my children coming. Grandpa's life was a testament to the power of being unapologetically yourself. He showed us that stubbornness, when paired with kindness and a zest for life, can move mountains. He taught us the value of community, and the joy of pursuing your passions, To honor Grandpa's memory, I encourage all of you to embrace life with the same enthusiasm he did. Tinker with something you love, make a new friend in an unexpected place, and don't be afraid to use the turning lane as a passing lane every once in a while. Grandpa, I’ll miss you more than words can express. But we find comfort in knowing that you are in heaven with loved ones that went before you. Rest in peace,Grandpa. You will forever be the unofficial mayor of our hearts, and I’ll always be your Tinkerbell.
