I saw some other people have posted memorial to loved ones who have died a while ago, so I hope it's ok that I post this here. My grandfather (Opa) died last year and I still haven't gotten used to it. He and my grandmother (Oma) were at their cottage and Opa was working in his flowerbed when he had a massive heart attack. He was dead before he hit the ground. The neighbours in the next cottage came running when they heard Oma screaming, and they tried CPR, but there was nothing they could do.

Before he died, we could see that his health was slowly declining, but NONE of us expected him to be gone so suddenly...

This is the Eulogy that I delivered at his funeral. It's a bit lengthy and includes religious content (please don't be offended).

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Our Opa came to Canada on August 30, 1954. He told everyone that he could always remember how long he had been in Canada because it was the same day as my Father’s birthday, giving Opa a reason to gleefully ask my father how old he was getting.

Opa was the oldest of 11 children, and being raised on a farm in Germany’s Black Forest, he worked hard all his life. We always heard stories about his family and the farmhouse where he grew up. But the stories didn’t stop there; Opa had a fantastic memory, and he could and would tell us stories spanning seven decades with incredible detail, right down to the day of the week on which each of those stories occurred. Opa was quick-witted with other things too; he was constantly making jokes, and he could turn pretty much any situation into something funny.

Opa joined our family when he married our Oma in 1979. As my brothers and cousins and I look forward to starting our own families, I know we will all make sure that our children know that we had two grandfathers; one who gave life to our parents, and this one, who so enriched our lives.

Opa was a role model for us of hard work, honesty, and loyalty. He was a perfectionist with everything he did, from gardening to the stitching on the clothes he tailored. He taught us to have pride in our German heritage. He was always there for his friends, and he was a wonderful grandfather. We could see how much he loved us through his generosity and hard work. Opa constructed a beach at the cottage for us kids to enjoy, and took us out in the motorboat to help us learn to fish. He patiently taught us his favourite card game, helping us along during the first round, but we all quickly learned not to expect any mercy once we knew the rules. And I can still see Opa sitting at the water’s edge in his Adirondack chair, watching his grandchildren swim and play.

Despite his distaste for turkey, Opa looked forward to the holidays when we would all be together. He sat patiently and proudly through every ridiculous puppet show and silly skit that his grandchildren performed, and as we grew up, he celebrated in our successes and encouraged us through difficult times.

I’m sure every young adult is nervous when introducing a boyfriend or girlfriend to their family, but with Opa, there was no need to fear. Opa was so welcoming to our new loved ones, taking the time to talk to them, offer them a drink, and make them feel right at home. Opa instantly acknowledged each new person as a member of the family, quite literally accepting them with open arms.

We could see Opa’s frustration in the last few years, but he kept up his spirits and his sense of humour. Despite poor hearing and eyesight, and becoming more and more easily exhausted by physical work, Opa kept up with all the activities he could. He took charge directing the cottage setup, went for walks every day, and kept winning at cards.

The last few months, I think Opa knew something we didn’t. He began to give away his possessions, and the last time I saw him only three weeks ago, he was making jokes about that last vacation where no return ticket was necessary. Opa also missed his sister, who passed away in January.

Opa always felt better at the cottage, where he could garden and enjoy the fresh air. It was his own little piece of the Black Forest, right here in Canada. It’s fitting that he left us in the place he loved so much, where we all share our best memories together.

Having this wonderful man there for us for so long, it’s hard to grasp that he’s not with us anymore. But we know where he is, and we know that we will see him again.

Opa was a strong Christian man, who trusted in God. And he who trusts in Jesus Christ will have everlasting life.

Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We will see our Opa again, and when we do, there will be no more death or mourning or pain. Our Lord will wipe every tear from our eyes, and we will all be reunited in the loving arms of Jesus.

Until then, we know we will miss our Opa. But we can rejoice in celebrating what he has meant in our lives, and honour his memory by continuing the love, kindness, and integrity that he shared so generously with us.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sister Awake,

a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. it sounds like he left the world a better place with his laughter and love and you a much richer family in spirit for having him in your lives. thank you for sharing, sister awake.

Sister Awake, this is a beautiful eulogy for your Opa . It is such a blessing that he came into your lives when he did, and was able to make such a postitive impact on your lives.

Your Oma made a wise choice in adding this man to your family. It sounds as if he left this world in a way that many of us wish for, but are not so blessed to have.

I am sorry for your loss, but you are right to count the blessings for having known him.

With great respects, Bobcat