Eulogy

Dear friends,

This week, and for all my weeks to come, I will mourn the death and cherish the life of my grandpa, Francis Coomes.

He grew up during the Great Depression, reminding me often how bad things could be. He taught me to appreciate the finest things in life: a spouse, a home, a family.

In World War II, he served in the Navy, and then, feeling he had not done enough to help the United States defeat the Axis, he joined the marines. He taught me the meaning of duty.

With my grandmother, he raised 6 kids, and a few of his dozen grandkids. I mowed his lawn every weekend for ten years and used the money to pay for guitar lessons.

After 25 years with the post office, he had taken one (1) day off. And that was to have surgery. He taught me what it means to take responsibility.

Last year, his beloved Giants finally won the World Series.

My grandpa died on Sunday, January 23, sitting in his big, comfy chair, watching football on his giant TV, in his own house at the age of 90.

A wonderful life, and a peaceful death. What more could one ask for?

His parenting, though sometimes harsh, helped prepare me for the world as it really is. The one thing he could never prepare me for is life without him.

Thanks for all of your kind words and thoughts.

Yours,

Bryan