I have been missing for a few days, here is why:

On Friday evening (February 29th), my grandfather passed away from cancer, about two weeks shy of his 89th birthday. Yes, it was a long, full, life, but his death is one of those where it is still a shame.

You see, up until one month before his death, Paw (as we called him) was still quite active. If you wanted to see him, you'd better come to visit early in the morning, or prepare to wait until after supper time. Otherwise, you could forget it - he was out and about each and every day.

A member of our "greatest generation", (Chief) Clarence Oliver Davis served in the Navy during World War II... a subject he never discussed.

He joined the fire department of Bessemer, Alabama, and became chief just six years later. When he took over, the city had one old, dilapidated fire house. During his tenure as chief (around twelve years, from what I can tell), he oversaw construction of four new fire stations - which he personally designed (though he had no formal training as an architect). He was also responsible for the city getting their first paramedic unit.

He retired early, by his own choice, and spent almost thrity-two years doing whatever he felt like doing. I remember him giving me an excellent piece of advice right after my twenty-first birthday. "Boy," he told me, "you're old enough now to be just smart enough to realize how dumb you really are." He was right.

I wish I'd known him better... he just wasn't the kind of guy to sit down and share his feelings. Still, he was a good man, and left more of a legacy than I'd ever imagined (I didn't know about the fire department items until after his death... he never talked about the past at all). We did spend some good time together visiting in the past couple of weeks; he opened up like he had never done before, held my hand, talked. He did not want to die, but was accepting of it.

The fire department sent an honor guard to the viewing, and they stood at attention, two by the casket, one at the entrance of the chapel, for the entire three hours. On the morning of the funeral, six firefighters in dress blues served as pallbearers; close to twenty firemen attended, bringing three trucks and the fire car. From the top of the ladder truck, they flew a huge American flag in his honor, and the US government provided a flag for his coffin (due to his WWII veteran status). After the preacher spoke, the fire chief talked about firemen, their bond, their duty, and then, they rang a silver bell to signify the end of his life's duties. It was a somber moment, one that still brings tears to my eyes.

I was touched that firemen that were not even born when he served came to his funeral, and was moved by the seriousness that they treated the affair with.

I wish I had something eloquent to say here, but I don't. I just wanted to share a bit of the experience with you.

I can completely relate. Though my grandfather is still alive, he was the chief locally here, and is still involved with fireman funerals. They truly are awe-inspiring moments.

Like you said, there's not much to say. Good to have you back.

It sounds as though he was a truly exceptional person.

"I wish I had something eloquent to say here, but I don't."

What you said was perfect Olan. Thanks for sharing your grandfather with us

The passing of a beloved elder is always hard on us. Our heritage, our shared past, our roots are in their memories, and once they are gone, we only have our own wisdom to guide us.

I was lucky to have known all of my grandparents, and my grandmother is still with us. We count ourselves fortunate to have her watching over a fourth generation of babies.

Celebrate your grandfather's life, and accept a virtual hug from the Briants.

PS> I was just re-reading your post and your comment about not knowing about your grandfather's acheivements reminded me how much I didn't know about my own grandparents. That generation lived through some horrendous times, made great personal sacrifices for family and country, and very rarely spoke about it, just quietly getting it done. Contrast that to today where the minutae of life is endlessly blogged.... wow.

... we must all take, one day.

To misquote Shakespeare: "To die, to sleep, perchance to dream. For in such sleep of death, what dreams may come?"

We must never mourn those who go before us; it sounds that your grandfather lived a rich and good life. It was his, as we have ours. We must look back upon our memories of them not as something we now miss, but as something that remains with us forever.

I am so sorry for your loss, Olan.

Like your, my Grandfather was a memver of the Navy in WWII. He was a cryptographer stationed in the South Pacific. His was a richly colored life that I knew little of until after his passing.

My heart goes out to you and your family.

From Dragon Mistress and Brianna.

We send you our condolences on the loss of your father. My mother is in that same generation as your father. She is still alive but I know that we will lose her too. I have kept asking her about the ealier life so that I know more about her.

My father has been gone many years now, but he was such a man as your grandfather. He did not share much of his life with others expecially not the rougher parts--he did share the good times. When he was not at work he was fishing, or bowling, or hunting or creating something. Our father went to join up like his sisters and brothers during WWII, 6 of the family of 7 did. but he was 4F, so he went to work at Douglas Aircraft and helped that way.

You are so fortunate that he opened up during his final days and you were there with him to share that.

Sincereyly
The Twins

Man, I'm sorry.


May he rest in peace. Sounds like a truly great man.

I can rarely say anything meaningful, but at least I am going to say something.

Your grandfather sounds like the kind of guy we all would be proud of having as our own granddad. I am sorry for your loss and hope you are feeling better.

It seems that Heaven can not accept less than two great men in these last few days.

I cant really add much more than what others have already said... he sounds like a man anyone would be proud to know... glad you got to talk to him so much during his last few days... sounds like he just wanted to say what he hadnt said all those years.

My condolensces!

Not much I can add to what has already been said, I lost my last Grandmother 12-13-07, and my grandfather was at Normandy beach in WW2. I too did not find this out till after he was gone. Grandpa did not talk of the past and neither did my Grandmother. You take care and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you live long and prosper. Ginger

I'm bad at condolences, because i feel that whatever i say could never be worth much in such a time. When my grandfather and my dad died, i appreciated it when a friend would just be a friend. Since i live half a world away, I'll have to settle for giving you a virtual *hug*. Take care, Olan.

Thank you all for your kind words.

Olan,
I'm very sorry to hear that. I just recently lost my grandfather as well. My heart goes out to you in your time of grief.

Best Regards,
Elen