Chris Appel passed away last monday at the age of 94 years. He lived a life full of love and a life worth living. I only knew him for a few years, but what I knew of him was more than amazing. The time that I remember the most was the time when he met Jameson- Jameson not being his biological grandson, but great-grandpa cared so deeply of Jameson. He cared so much for this little boy who he knew for such a short time. He knew right from the beginning that Jameson was the "tender" one of the bunch- his eyes always were bright when he received a hug from the little boy who he barely knew- Just look at his face in this photo:
Out family was blessed to have visited with Grandpa over Christmas holidays. Great-Grandpa was so happy to see his youngest GREAT grandchild once again... it was so special how much he cared for babies. I captured this last good picture of Jason with his Grandpa and with grandpa's great grand daughter- Karley. I love this photo and will cherish it forever. 
I'm releived to say that Grandpa went peacefully in his sleep and I believe in my whole heart that he is in a better place now, I know he's resting in peace. Incuded in this post is a copy of the Eulogy written by Chris' oldest grandson, my BIL, Warren. He did an amazing job!
Eulogy of Chris Appel
I have accomplished many firsts this last year. This is my first Eulogy. I am the first
grandson of Chris. My name is Warren and I am here to celebrate Chris' life with you. I loved my Grandpa It is an Honor for me to share my grandfathers memory. I remember some of my favorite memories as a child growing up were spent with my
Grandfather. We would drive around rural Saskatchewan looking for car parts in bushes of
abandoned farm yards, and at the same time picking berries, then taking them home and making fresh pies. My Grandpa showed me how to repair and rebuild cars, how to weld, cut, and solder- all of the things I use as tools in my life today to succeed. He took me to flea markets, traveling around the province. Once he gave me $100.00 at the end of summer for helping him at the flea's and around the yard. It was like he game me a million dollars. As I grew older he continued to create more memories. One I would like to share is from my cousin Baron's wedding. That night Grandpa and I shared a room. He got up to go for a pee, but passed the bathroom , walked into the hallway and locked himself out. He got lost and knocked on the wrong door. The young boys let him in and sleep in one of their beds. In the morning we couldn't find him. All of the sudden out of no where Grandpa appears in the nude, with no glasses and no teeth and on the wrong floor. What a party! Maybe the last beautiful moment I spent with my Grandpa was when I told him that I quit drinking. He looked at me, the turned to my sister, asked, "really?" She answered, "yes grandpa, it's true."He then looked back at me and started to cry. That will be a memory I will cherish. He didn't have to say a word because I knew he loved me just like he did for the last 45 years. It's sometimes difficult to put feelings into words, but I think I speak for all of his grandchildren when I say we were blessed to have him as a grandfather. He was fun to be with. He told stories, whether they were true or not, he believe they were. He was a jokester and liked to play tricks. His house was always an adventure for us to go through each room! We lost a great man, not because of this accomplishments , not because of his wealth or status, but truly for his love! Grandpa was one of a kind and would put a smile on our faces whether he meant to or not. The great tragedy of life is not that men perish but that they cease to love- Grandpa never ceased to love!
Written by Warren Appell- In memory of his Grandfather Chris Appel- January
Funerals are never easy events, but the part that seems to be enjoyable is the part where family gets together and shares in the good times. It was a great time to see Grandma and GrandpaI have accomplished many firsts this last year. This is my first Eulogy. I am the first
grandson of Chris. My name is Warren and I am here to celebrate Chris' life with you. I loved my Grandpa It is an Honor for me to share my grandfathers memory. I remember some of my favorite memories as a child growing up were spent with my
Grandfather. We would drive around rural Saskatchewan looking for car parts in bushes of
abandoned farm yards, and at the same time picking berries, then taking them home and making fresh pies. My Grandpa showed me how to repair and rebuild cars, how to weld, cut, and solder- all of the things I use as tools in my life today to succeed. He took me to flea markets, traveling around the province. Once he gave me $100.00 at the end of summer for helping him at the flea's and around the yard. It was like he game me a million dollars. As I grew older he continued to create more memories. One I would like to share is from my cousin Baron's wedding. That night Grandpa and I shared a room. He got up to go for a pee, but passed the bathroom , walked into the hallway and locked himself out. He got lost and knocked on the wrong door. The young boys let him in and sleep in one of their beds. In the morning we couldn't find him. All of the sudden out of no where Grandpa appears in the nude, with no glasses and no teeth and on the wrong floor. What a party! Maybe the last beautiful moment I spent with my Grandpa was when I told him that I quit drinking. He looked at me, the turned to my sister, asked, "really?" She answered, "yes grandpa, it's true."He then looked back at me and started to cry. That will be a memory I will cherish. He didn't have to say a word because I knew he loved me just like he did for the last 45 years. It's sometimes difficult to put feelings into words, but I think I speak for all of his grandchildren when I say we were blessed to have him as a grandfather. He was fun to be with. He told stories, whether they were true or not, he believe they were. He was a jokester and liked to play tricks. His house was always an adventure for us to go through each room! We lost a great man, not because of this accomplishments , not because of his wealth or status, but truly for his love! Grandpa was one of a kind and would put a smile on our faces whether he meant to or not. The great tragedy of life is not that men perish but that they cease to love- Grandpa never ceased to love!
Written by Warren Appell- In memory of his Grandfather Chris Appel- January
Cousin Jenna, who we had SO much fun with!
And Auntie Gaileen who the kids rarely get to see, but really enjoyed! She is a hoot and you can tell by the picture that she likes to have fun with the kids! They esp. liked her IPOD touch with games!
On another note- There is a new magazine in town and MY blog is listed in it. This magazine is available online and is some GREAT reading! Please check out my side bar -------> to the right and see this aweosme magazine!! I love it and think you'll enjoy reading it too!
1 comment:
So sorry for your loss. He looked like an amazing man. His eyes were so soft and loving and he radiated a strenght that your husband has. You are right that they are never easy, it's just easier knowing what a good life he had, and how many people TRULY loved him.
Blessings to all of you.
Post a Comment