My Grandfather, Francis Holsclaw, Just Passed Away

My grandpa Holsclaw just passed away.  It happened a few days ago and I've spent the past few days wrestling with what, of anything, to blog on the subject.

He was pretty much the first larger than life hero I ever met.  He flew bombers in World War II and until I got my eyeglass prescription in the 6th grade, I wanted to fly airplanes in the Air Force, just like he did.

His life accomplishments were impressive.  However, that's not what stands out most prominently about him in my memory.  It was simply the demeanor he presented to the world.

He was calm, commonsense, reasonable.  He was basically the kind of man I wanted to grow up to be.

The Holsclaws are my stepmom's family.  However, he and my grandma Holsclaw never made me feel as though I was anything other than a complete and full member of their family.

I remember once when I was in my early teens, my grandmother saw me slouching and said, "Walk with your shoulders back and stand tall.  You're a (awkward pause)... well... you're a part Holsclaw."  It was a funny exchange where she didn't think to realize until halfway through the sentence that I wasn't actually Holsclaw at all, genetically.  But family extends beyond bloodlines.

The Holsclaws used to pay my airfare, in the era of exceptionally expensive, regulated air travel, for me to come spend time with them in the Summers about every other year.

I loved California.  My time at their house was some of the fondest memories of my childhood.  They had a motorcycle that they let me ride all over their property.  They had a swimming pool.  The climate was heavenly, and when I was 14, that is where I first kissed a girl. 

Grandpa was a greatest generation guy.  He really fit that description to a tee.  Tall, handsome, patriotic.  Probably the closest thing I ever met to a real life John Wayne. 

My grandparents loomed large in my childhood since my parents weren't really involved in my upbringing.  Primarily, of course, it was my Strebler grandparents who raised me.  However, the Holsclaws were also a huge part of my life and of me becoming who I am. 

Grandma Holsclaw passed away recently.  Grandpa just the other day.  Grandpa Strebler passed away years ago, when I was still in college. 

Grandma is still around, and I'm thankful for that. 

I know this is the natural order of things.  That older generations pass and younger generations rise up to take their place.  I'm here straddling the middle. 

If viewed in that light, then it's every generation's obligation to pass the torch responsibly to the next generation. 

I can only hope my generation is as successful as his was.  I can only hope that I'll leave as positive imprint on the world as he did.

I'll miss you, Grandpa.