There will not be another like him...

This is my first post here and it is a sad one for me personally.

My Grandfather, John Petrie, aged 92, has passed on.

I got the call tonight from my Mom about 7:45 EST, which for him would have been just past midnight in Montrose, Scotland.

The last time I saw him was about four years ago when I traveled for my Grandmother's funeral. I remember seeing him cry quietly when she was cremated and how he looked incomplete. At this time, he even was in poor health, not able to get around on his own, but by wheelchair and family members. I also recall the visit when I looked in on him at his room in the nursing home. He and I sat across from one another, and he smiled at me... seeing his grandson from America, maybe proud of me in some way... I do not know.

I remember the little things, like when my family made the trip back to Scotland for the holidays in 1976, he and I, along with my father, walking down the streets of Montrose, me excitedly anticipating the toy store that we were soon to pounce upon for my love of Matchbox cars (and the real ones, the heavy metal Lesney ones that you can't get anymore). He bought several for me... and while they are now long gone, some thirty-two years later... I remember them well. The Fandango, a Dodge Challenger, and the City Commuter... I remember them like they were yesterday.

Grandad was a man of few words, but when he spoke them, they were memorable... like when my grandparents visited the US for the first time in 1985. It was the fall and what I remember of one Sunday afternoon, watching the Atlanta Falcons getting creamed by the 49ers, was his comment on this American "football" and the players with this... "They look like knights in shining armour!"

No. He had it wrong. He was the Knight in shining armour.

That is how I will remember him.

I did not get to spend much of my life with him... the Atlantic prevented that. But when I did get to see him, I was touched by the sincerity he radiated and the spirit of a man who was passionately humble. He did not seek the spotlight. He did not want adoration.

But in this time, right now... he has both.

Bon voyage, Grandad...

And second star to the right, and straight on to morning.

Your Grandson,

Christopher