Pop was born on Mother’s Day in 1918
He graduated in 1940 from the Johns Hopkins University Business School, first in his class. He enlisted in the Navy in 1941 and was a Communications Officer. I once interviewed him for a high school project and he told me a story about how his ship was saved from bombing by a few degrees of a turn he’d helped make on the ship’s path earlier that day.
Pop was in charge of carrying the champagne to the USS Missouri, where the treaty was signed.
In 1946 he was home on leave and went to pick up my grandmother’s friend’s older sister on a date, she took too long to get ready. My Gram was over at her friend’s house and Pop and Gram started talking while he waited and they fell instantly in love. They were married just weeks later on Four Six Four Six, April 6, 1946.
Pop loved all kinds of music and could be found humming hymns or Broadway tunes. One of his favorite songs was "Alberta Bound," and he’d crank up the volume on the stereo and my cousins and I would dance around with him.
Pop loved Noxema (due to a family tie with the company!) and always smelled of it – the original flavor. My mom inherited the affinity and can’t leave her house without it, and I did too.
He loved to garden and "edging."
He could come up with limericks and puns on the spot.
He was a human calculator.
He could often be found eating Raisin Bran and drinking orange juice at the kitchen table with the paper in hand. A weekend with Pop meant brushing up on current events in advance, because you never knew what would come up in conversation.
And he loved his dogs so much. Every night he had "Cookie Time" and he’d sit in a chair and they’d gather around him and he’d feed them bites of doggie treats.
He liked his Manhattans on the rocks, extra sweet. Same as me 🙂
He loved the Orioles (and threw out a first pitch for his 90th birthday!) and was a die-hard Duke basketball fan.
He could carry a conversation with anyone (and did!) and often kept servers tableside for 15 minutes asking them about their life goals.
He had a sweatshirt for every college we grandchildren attended, including one that read "Kiehne University" (his last name)
He was so proud of us all.
His KERF sweatshirt was the latest in the collection.
And according to some of the staff in his building, "He loved to talk about that blog."
We will all miss him dearly.
Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place says
this gave me chills. I really should call my grandparents more often!
Jessica @ How Sweet says
Beautiful tribute, Kath!
Amy says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your post made my eyes water and made me miss my Grandfather who passed away quite some time ago. It’s great that you have so many wonderful memories of him, don’t ever forget them. 🙂
Stacey @ The Habit of Healthy says
Such a touching tribute.
It looks as though he lived a full and happy life.
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
this brought tears to my eyes, what a beautiful tribute to your pop. he has an amazing legacy on in you 🙂
Evan Thomas says
He sounds like a great man; I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
Jenny says
Oh my goodness, what a sweet person! This is a wonderful tribute (so genuine and heartfelt… gave me the chills too!). I’m sure you have done him and his great traits justice and, somewhere, he’s happy he got to appear on your blog! This post really makes me miss my grandparents and reminds of the great people they were too… (Pretty powerful post if it can do that.)
I don’t know your “Pop”, but somehow I definitely second your last statement: I’m sure he will be dearly missed.
Bethany @ More Fruit Please says
Awww Kath, that was really sweet. I started tearing up at the memory of my own grandfather. He seems like he was an amazing man. What a wonderful tribute to him. <3
Rachel says
tears.
KatyRuns says
One of my favorite posts of yours. Thanks for sharing some of your memories of your Pop with us.
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
That’s a beautiful post. I especially love how he met your gran – SO romantic.
RIP x
Marie says
Such a beautiful post, Kath! It nearly had me in tears. What a wonderful man and what an abundantly beautiful life he lead! I loved the story of how he met your grandma! 🙂
Kamaile says
That was very sweet. Your family is blessed to have such a legacy.
Tanya says
A glorious tribute! Am grateful that like Pop, my grandparents were so wonderful I miss them every day. I am sorry for you loss and also happy that you were blessed with such a great Pop!
Colleen says
Kath, your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man and perfect Pop. I’m so sorry for your loss. xoxo
Teri says
Such a great tribute to him!
Carolyn @ lovinlosing says
Wonderful tribute! Sorry for your loss.
stacey says
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Pop sounds like a remarkable man who was truly loved. This post was a beautiful tribute to him.
angierunner says
Looks like he was such a sweet old man! I am sorry for your loss
Mastering Public Health (@MasPublicHealth) says
This was a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived. He was clearly very proud of you. My grandfather did the same with talking to restaurant staff — they jokingly called him “the professor” (even though he wasn’t) at the diners he frequented. 🙂
Camille says
I think this is my favorite post you have ever done. He sounds like he was an incredible man.
Dorry says
Oh Kath – how incredibly sweet is this tribute? Thanks for sharing – I know a family loss is always a tough time but he clearly had a full, blessed life. I LOVE that he had a KERF sweatshirt and talked to people about your blog – precious.
mal says
What an absolutely beautiful post, Kath. I am sorry for your loss but I’m sure you will remember him for eternity. <3
Juliene says
Beautiful tribute to a man who I’m sure was an excellent man, father, grandfather, uncle and much more!
Sarah @ SeaEatsArt says
Kath, that was such a great post. I am at work right now with tears in my eyes. I hope no one looks over here 🙂 What great memories of your Pops.
Allison says
Wow! What an accomplished man with a fantastic work ethic. Your family is so, for lack of a better word, “fancy”. I’ll bet less than 5% of the population was able to graduate from college in the 1940s, much less from Johns Hopkins. Fancy, fancy.
H-woman says
I’m so sorry that you’ve lost such a wonderful member of your family.
Judy says
Oh Kath,
That was a wonderful tribute. I’m teary eyed for all of you….God Bless and my prayers are wil you.
Judy
Kelly says
Aww so sweet. Thanks for sharing about your pop, he sounds like an amazing person.
I have a similar anniversary… Four Six Eight – April 6, 2008 🙂
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write says
This brought tears to my eyes. My grandfather is way up in his 80s. I so rarely get to fly back home to Indiana, and every single time, I fear it will be the last time I get to hug him or talk to him.
I love that he wore your KERF sweatshirt. Peace be with your family. 🙂
LaShaune says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences.
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Kath, what a beautiful tribute to your grandfather. I’m sorry for loss, but thank you for sharing this with us.
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
What a beautiful tribute!
Samantha @ Bikini Birthday says
Beautiful Tribute Kath!
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
This is such a touching tribute to an obviously wonderful person. It’s very inspiring to see what a full and rich life he led.
Jessica says
I’m sorry for your loss. He seemed like a great person. Thanks for sharing.
Carrie @ TV and Dinners says
Beautiful, touching tribute. You made me feel like I knew him.
I’m so sorry for your loss, but I’m so happy for you that you got to have Pop in your life.
Mandy A says
Kath, this was a beautiful tribute! I’m tearing up here!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Oh Kath that is so sweet. He seems like a great grandpa! I am happy for you to have the memories! It is so great that he lived such a full life and you were a part of it.
lauri Watson says
Such a sweet tribute! Brought tears to my eyes! I Love the KERF shirt on pop and I’m glad you have so many fond memories of him!
Lindsey says
Such wonderful pictures and stories about your grandfather. It brought a tear to my eye because it reminded me so much of my grandfather, especially the Raisin Bran and Broadway tunes – perhaps it’s a Baltimore thing since I grew up there too. It’s always the little memories that will keep you smiling and remembering
Lauren says
wonderful homage. best wishes to you and your family during this time.
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Wow, what an amazing man! And such a lovely tribute to him too – absolutely beautiful, Kath!
Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
This is such a thoughtful and endearing tribute, I genuinely enjoyed reading it. It sounds like your grandfather lived a full, rewarding life–we really can’t ask for much more. 🙂 May he rest in peace. All the best to you and yours, Kath.
Hugs,
Jenn
TorontoGirloutWest says
Beautiful. What a blessing to have had such a wonderful man in your life.
lisasfoods says
This brought tears to my eyes. You captured his life so well, and you and your family must have been really proud to have him in your life.
missy says
Beautiful tribute, Kath.
Pop sounds like a wonderful man, who was well loved and by many. I love that the characterics used to describe him, “eternally optimistic, generous, intellectually curious and unflappable” fit you so well also. Hugs to you and your family.
Tracey says
Wonderful tribute to a wonderful man!
Tina says
Him in the KERF sweatshirt is too cute. He sounds like an amazing man.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
What a rockin’ grampa! Especially since he loves those Blue Devils 🙂
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
Kath this post brought tears to my eyes! What a sweet man with a wonderful life!
Jill E. says
i am so sorry for your loss kath. what a beautiful tribute.
laine @ beets, butter and mountaintops says
Beautiful tribute! I love the story of how he met his wife!
Joanne says
So sorry for your loss. It is a beautiful tribute to a very lovely man. God Bless.
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats says
I got kind of choked up reading this! What a sweet, unique and fireball of a Grandpa you had. It sounds like he was well loved and will be dearly missed. Glad you can be with your whole family right now.
Sassy Molassy says
Aw, pop is so cute. Sorry for your family’s loss. He sounds amazing!
Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! says
What a lovely tribute to your Grandfather, who sounds like a truly lovely person! I wish you and your family comfort and strength as you remember him for the special man that he was.
Colleen says
A beautiful tribute! I got tears in the eyes reading your pop’s story and remembering mine own grandfather’s life and passing (almost 3 yrs ago).
Stepf says
Kath,
What a touching and beautiful tribute to your grandfather. Such a life he lived! Thanks for sharing, and I’ll keep your family in my thoughts.
Stepf
RhodeyGirl Tests says
What a beautiful tribute Kath. Thank you for sharing that with us.
Once again, I am so sorry for your loss, but so happy for you that you have such wonderful memories with your Pop.
xo,
S
Eileen says
Wonderful tribute! I see the seeds and roots of a fantastic family. (((HUGS)))
Ruby says
Kath,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you so much for sharing your Pop with us through this post. It made me tear up. My grandmother died last summer and it was hard to say goodbye. I can tell that he loved you and knew that you loved him, too. And that is what life is all about.
Sincerely,
Ruby
Nicole - yuppie yogini says
Wonderful tribute. Your Pop looks so sweet in the KERF sweatshirt!
AmyJoGo says
I never knew my Grandfather. Yours sounds like an amazing one.
Beth @ Will Run for Books says
I am sitting like a fool eating lunch at my desk and crying reading this post.
My thoughts go out to your family.
Rachael @ Mrs-Adventure says
Wow girl you pop sounds like an amazing person, you were so lucky to know him. Hugs and kisses from this part of Texas to you.
Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman says
What a beautiful life. Brought tears to my eyes.
I love that he used Noxema too!
Liz says
Kath, it’s amazing how much you, your mother and grandmother look alike. So sorry for the loss of your grandfather.
Amanda says
Your Pop sounds like he was one of a kind. How wonderful that you got to know him so well – I am sure that most of us do not know so much about our grandparents!! Your tribute was beautiful, and I’m thinking of you and your family today.
Kathryn says
Such a lovely eulogy. Thanks for sharing. I’m so sorry for your loss.
R @ Learning As I Chop says
So sorry for your loss
Anne says
Ohh Kath, what a sweet tribute to your beloved Pop! I am so sorry to hear of his passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brittney says
You did it to me again Kath- I totally teared up reading this. Your love and appreciation for your pop really shines through. Awesome tribute 🙂
Christa @ O, Cake! says
Kath, this was a lovely post. Thank you for taking the time to share with your readers the great man that your grandfather was. My great-grandmother passed away 4 years ago (at 98!) and it was a comfort to all of us to know that she had lived a long, full life.
Best wishes to you & yours today.
Ilana says
This is so lovely! Pop sounds like a remarkable man, and much like my grandpa (WW II, self-made success story, friendliness to servers). I hope that writing this tribute is therapeutic for you. It made me feel as if I knew him. 🙂 All best to you and the KERF fam.
Lauren @ laurenINlawrence says
He seems extraordinary – so great to have had so many years of your life with him to learn and laugh.
Kori says
I love hearing all about different people’s life stories. Everyone is so unique, and I always feel that they have so much wisdom to offer. I know I certainly felt that way about my grandparents. Your grandfather seemed to have led such an incredible life, and I am so glad that it seems as though he was able to pass down so many wonderful traits, etc. to you and the rest of your family. You and your family are definitely in my thoughts. I am so sorry for your loss.
Anne says
I hardly comment, but this was so sweet.
Jessica says
Kath, I’m sorry for your loss. He sounds like an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Abigail says
Have been reading for awhile but first time commenting. So sorry about your Pops. He seemed like a great man.
Tiffany says
What a beautiful tribute. This post definitely brought on watery eyes and made me miss my grandmother so much.
I am so sorry for your loss, but he lived such a full, wonderful life and his legacy definitely lives on in you.
Kathy W. says
Your Pop was obviously surrounded by love, and I’m sure he felt it every day. Lovely tribute!
Jessica says
I too am sitting at my desk, eating my lunch and crying like a fool. I think you’ve honored Pop’s memory in a beautiful way. Cheers to a life well-lived.
Lindsay in Indy says
I’m so sorry for your loss! But it’s evident by your writing he was a wonderful man who was blessed with a wonderful family! All the best!
Michelle says
Great tribute Kath. Thanks for sharing Pop with us. I miss my grandparents too. Grandparents are special people.
Kaci Higgins says
That was such a beautiful post. I loved learning about him. It sounds like he was most definitely a hard worker and loving person. The last line about your blog choked me up a little. I’m so sorry for your loss Kath.
Mellissa says
This made me cry and think about my grandparents and how little I knew about their lives!
victoria says
A lovely tribute…thank you for sharing…
courtney says
Aww, Kath, this brought tears to my eyes. Your grandfather sounds like an amazing man with an amazing life. Thank you for sharing with us, I am so sorry for your loss.
Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
What a great man who lead a great life. Just keep thinking of all those great memories.
Katie @ peacebeme says
I love family history and old photographs. 🙂 Glad you were close.
Maissa says
This made me tear up, and you should know I REALLY don’t cry easily. He sounds like a wonderful man, and he was so lucky to be surrounded by you and your family. I love how proud he seemed of your blog. That’s wonderful!
Really, really beautiful tribute.
Alison says
That was a beautiful tribute.
Esse says
Ahh, what a beautiful tribute and such nice memories. Take care, Kath.
Madeline - Greens and Jeans says
Such a beautiful tribute! I’m picking up my phone to call my Grandpa as soon as I hit “submit!”
Ella says
Thanks for this Kath. I too have lost my grandfather and grandmother in the last year, and remembering them as you did with this post is the best way to keep them alive in your heart.
Sonja says
This was really beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. It’s obvious that he was a wonderful man and was loved by many. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family!
Lauren says
This was so beautiful, Kath. He reminds me a lot of my grandfather. I hope you and your family feel love and comfort during your grieving.
Sarah says
sounds like he was a wonderful grandpa! i am so sorry for you loss and hope you are doing ok!
Julianne says
You grandfather sounds like a wonderful man and I love this tribute. This post reminded me of my grandfather, who served in the navy on the USS Missouri.
anne says
Beautiful tribute Kath. I love all of the pictures.
Sarah says
What a beautiful post, Kath! I’m all teary-eyed. Your Pop sounds like an incredible man. I love that pic of him in his KERF gear. Lots of love from me to your family.
Jen says
Kath – this is an extremely touching and heartwarming post. It seems like your grandfather was active and happy until his passing. What a blessing. Again, my thoughts are with you now.
Sherry says
I’m sorry for your loss. You are very fortunate to have called such a seemingly remarkable man your grandfather.
Andrea says
What a great tribute Kath. You’re very lucky to have had him in your life for this long. My grandfather passed away when I was in college and he never got to meet my husband (or our wonderful children for that matter). We named our oldest son, Sam, after him.
Donna Porter says
What a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing the story of your Pop! He looks like quite the handful…full of spunk I bet 🙂 It is times like these that I miss having grandparents. I have one grandmother who lives too far away 🙁 My dad’s parents were killed long before I was born. I wish for you many wonderful memories and moments of pure beauty in his memory and honor 🙂
Brittany says
Very thoughtful and happy tribute to a what sounds to be an incredible grandfather. What a great life he had.
Madeline says
Your grandfather sounds like an amazing person. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Laura says
This was such a beautiful tribute to him…brought a little lump to my throat as i reached the end. i cherish my family so much and things like this really reinforce how special they are! xx
Tina says
What a very nice tribute! Made me think of my grandpa-he’s been gone 5 years now. He also was in the army in WWII. Its great you had so many years with him!
Allison K says
Kath, that was so beautiful.
erica says
this is so touching! i had to fight back some tears reading this…no crying (and blog reading) at work! haha.
i love how your grandparents met and got married! such a great story.
Money Funk says
That is an interesting tidbit on the four six four six. And did you know that Noxema was originally used (as I hear) for treating exema – No (e)Xema. I think its the cooling sensation. It worked on my daughter’s exema just as much as cooling a sunburn. But make sure to use the original. Nice tribute!
I especially love hearing about people that met and married after a very short time of knowing eachother and making it last forever. Only seems to be heard with the older gen.
Mom says
Money Funk,
So glad you like Noxema! It helps with a variety of skin irritiations, and you’re right about the exema! My brother had a girlfriend once who refused to allow him to use Noxema and it caused quite a stir in the family.
Anita says
I am so sorry for your lose. This was a wonderful tribute, it brought tears to my eyes. Those of us who are fortunate to have AWESOME grandparents that are involved and caring are extremely lucky. I am thankful everyday for the unconditional love and support my grandparents give me and my cousins. Your family is in my prayers.
tia says
Beautiful Post Kath, Such a lovely way to pay tribute, you have such lovely photographs to look back on. Hug.
Amber K says
That was beautiful. =)
jen says
this post is so sweet. it made me tear up and miss my grandparents who passed away years ago so very much.
Maggie(livingfoodjunkie) says
Beautiful post Kath, my favorite 🙂 Brought tears to my eyes, like most of your other readers that commented 🙂 He sounded like a wonderful person, father, grandfather and man 🙂
Liza @ Health Nutting says
This is beautiful. I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like quite a special person.
Mom says
This is Mama Kerf being bossy. Everyone call or write your grandparents in the next 24 hours! You don’t know when they will go, and grandparents love NOTHING better than hearing from grandchildren.
Paula says
That was beautiful. What full, rich life your Pop led.
sarah k @ the pajam chef says
a wonderful man…thanks for sharing
Margherita says
Kath, you are lucky and blessed to have had a Pop like yours. He seemed like a wonderful person–is it odd to say that I wish I met him?
And I love the comment from your Mom.
Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness says
This is a beautiful tribute. While I am sorry for your loss, it is wonderful that you have so many happy memories of and with your Pop. As Emily Dickinson once wrote, “Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.”
Lisa@wantbelieveachieve says
what a beautiful post about your pop. i actually started tearing up when reading it. i am so sorry for your loss.
Jean@RoastedRootsandPumpkinSpice says
It’s always so hard to lose a loved one. He sounds like a wonderful man. My condolences goes out to you and your family.
Courtney says
Kath, I’m so sorry about your grandfather. I’ve enjoyed seeing him on the blog over the years. It definitely seems like he had a great life.
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) says
I teared up while reading this. I can tell just by reading this that Pop was loved by his family and was a wonderful grandfather. I’m so sorry for your loss. Hug your family lots today.
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
What a sweet tribute. He is absolutely adorable. My thoughts are with you and your family today Kath!
Erin Jones says
This made me cry. I was super close to my grandfather who passed away three and a half years ago…he always smelled of Safeguard soap. And every time I get a whiff of it I think of him and smile.
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
Wow, what an amazing tribute to your grandfather. He was an amazing man.
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking says
This was SO sweet to read, Kath. Best wishes for your family during a hard time.
Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun says
What a sweet post, Kath. I am so sorry for your loss, he seemed like a great man. <3
Patti says
K
I am sorry about your grandfather. I am new to your blog and stumbled across this post. Your grandfather lived near us in Baltimore. MY mom died 2 years ago and she was about your grand dad’s age. I miss her very much. May he rest in peace. I can’t resist someone who loves life and the Orioles. P>S> YOur blog is a true find. I’m so glad I did.
Taysa says
That was a very sweet post about a wonderful man–what a life to celebrate!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I loved the part about keeping waiters at the table. 🙂 and that he was in charge of carrying the champagne to the USS Missouri! That’s absolutely incredible. No doubt he touched hundreds of people’s lives and continues to do so- especially through this post. 🙂
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
This was such a beautiful tribute to your grandfather. He seems like such a great man. 😀
E says
Thanks Mama Kerf. We’ll be sure to do that! I need the reminder more than you know. And just so you both know – we talked about your Pop in our meeting this morning. Everyone traded stories and laughter. Hopefully this day is filled with much family time for you all.
Mom says
E,
Thanks so much! He loved all of you. Getting ready to go over to another gathering at my brother’s.
Danielle (Runs on Green) says
This was really sweet & I hope you and your family are doing well. He seemed like a great man 🙂
Emily @ The Front Burner Blog says
Sniff. Love you, girl.
Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward says
This post was a beautiful tribute to your pop. Hope you are doing well.
Maria @ Kale and Cupcakes says
This is a beautiful post, Kath. Thanks for sharing your grandfather’s life with us – it looks like he had a wonderful one!
Laura Ann says
Beautiful post, brought me to tears. Sounds like an amazing person.
Marla says
How lucky you and your family are to be able to be together to celebrate his life.
How wonderful you had such a great relationship with your grandfather.
Grandparents are so precious and often our time is cut short with them.It is nice to read that you had lots of time with someone you treasured.
May some special part of his spirit be always on your shoulder,and may certain things make you remember him and feel his energy.
Deepest sympathy to his wife in the days and months ahead,especially when all of you have headed back home.
Sheri says
What a lovely tribute Kath. Grandparents are just so dear…I only have one left my Nana and she lives way across the country..I do miss her! I hope you enjoy much family time today.
Mac says
Beautiful tribute! Grandparents are the best.
Cammy@ClassroomConfessions says
This is such a sweet memorial of your grandfather Kath. I hope you and your family are hanging in there. *hugs*
Callie says
I teared up reading that… he sounded like a great man and lived an amazing life!
Sorry for your loss, stay strong and hang in there. ):
Becky says
What a beautiful tribute! Enjoy the time with the family and let the memories sustain his light!
Sherrie says
What a great tribute! Your family seems so close, so I’m sure it’s hard for you all.
Janet says
What a nice post! I’m sorry for your family’s loss – you were lucky to have him!
katie says
Beautiful tribute. I’m so sorry for your loss.
neen@ Broad Bean to Runner Bean says
Kath what a moving post, it must have taken alot out of you to write it, it certainly took som from me, reading it. no words can take grief away i only hope you and your family can go on remembering the wonderful things about you pop that you have described here. x
Kayte says
I do not even know the man and I already miss him! Sorry for your loss Kath.
Thanks for inspiring me to stop dieting and take control of my health.(even though I am old enough to be your MOM!)
Brittany says
I know I am late on this, but sorry for your loss Kath. This was a very sweet post!
Kris says
What a lovely, touching post.
Bless you all.
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
Oh Kath – what a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man! What an amazing life he had!
Megan (Braise The Roof) says
What a great tribute to your Pop. And I have to say- in that first picture of him as a boy, I can totally see the resemblance. You look a lot like him! 🙂
klm says
That made me tear up! I always thought he was just the cutest old man when you posted pictures of him on your blog. Sending my love + sympathy your way. Ox.
lena says
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. Sounds like he lived a very full and loved life.
sarah (the SHU box) says
i just got a little teary, kath! your grandfather sounds like a wonderful, wonderful man.
Sandy says
Absolutely heartfelt..I’m so sorry for the loss of Pop..Prayers for your family and for Gram,hard to lose her best friend..Take care!!
Ashley says
i like him so much, kath! he sounds excellent. they dont make ’em like that anymore. so sorry for your loss.
Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul says
Not to be inappropriate, but when I had only read the title of your post, I thought you were referring to pop, as in soda, soft drink, etc. We call it pop where I’m from! But I was even more happy to read about your wonderful grandfather. What a special tribute.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Once again I’m so sorry about your loss. Your Pops sounds like he was an amazing man, and so supportive of his family. I love that he had a KERF sweatshirt – so adorable! I hope you & your family are doing well right now. 🙂
andrea says
how beautiful…that looks like jfk in edison…is it?
kelly says
Really touching post. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Alice says
So beautiful, my condolences for your loss. But thank you for sharing your Pop with us.
Heather says
what a sweet heartfelt post. He sounds like a wonderful man. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bev says
Such sweet memories of a man you truly adored . RIP Pop !
Angela says
Kath, your tribute brought tears to my eyes and really reflected what a wonderful man your grandfather really was. Please let your family know that they are all in my thoughts and prayers.
kelly says
It’s so awesome that you had such a great relationship with him! What a treasure!
Justy2003 says
So sorry to hear about your pops passing away. It sounds like he led a great, fulfilling life and a legacy that you all will remember. Hope you’re enjoying spending time with the family.
Jen says
I’m sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful person. How great that you were able to have his presence and influence in your life.
Wei-Wei says
What a bittersweet, beautiful tribute. Your grandfather seems like an amazing man.
Chelsea says
I’m sitting here crying like a baby. I know how close you were with Pop. Hugs.
sarita says
Beautiful! and the Beauty is everywhere!
Shannon, Tropical Eats says
Oh Kath, great tribute! I really need to call up my grandpa… our family has been having some communication issues with eachother after my grandma passed away. She was the glue of the family!
Thinking of you and your family! Stay strong
Carol Hoyt says
Kath , Your best post yet . How wonderful for your Grandfather to be remembered in such a heartfelt tribute . My prayers are with you and your entire family. Memories are the golden threads that tie us together forever ….. how lucky you are to have had him in your life .
Dee says
What a touching tribute…. I have tears in my eyes… {hug}
Kristen says
I am so sorry Kath. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Diana @ frontyardfoodie says
Aww, this is so sweet. I’m so sorry for you loss. Sounds like you had the most amazing relationship.
coco says
very beautiful and warm post! 🙂
Pam Lambert says
You are soooo lucky to have known such a wonderful man!
[email protected] says
I am sorry for your loss. I am glad you are getting to spend time with your family!
Noelle says
Hi Kath, I worked with your Pop (or Mr. Kiehne as many of us called him) at LMCM — they sent your blog post around today so that we could all read it. What a wonderful tribute. Your grandfather was a true one of a kind and had the kindest spirit I’ve ever known. I feel blessed to have known him and to have spent time with him. He did love this blog and was so proud of you — he told me about Katheats often (and I’m definitely going to start reading it!). Seometimes he would follow-up the conversation by telling me about how he was going to start his own social network for older people called “Face Lift.” He also talked about how you graduated from Davidson (I was a W&L graduate myself, and so we would talk about how the schools were similar), and told me often how beautiful (and natural!) you looked at your wedding. He was so excited for my engagement, which happened just weeks after my 30th birthday — thanks Spencer!! It sounds like you have many wonderful memories of your grandfather, and I think we’re all better off for having known him!
Kath says
Noelle,
Thank you so much for this heartfelt comment – you really captured him! Go Spencer 🙂
K
Mom says
Noelle, I’ll tell my mom! So cool that someone sent around K’s blog. Dad would be thrilled.
Barbara Kiehne Younger
*Andrea* says
very sweet tribute! he seemed like an amazing man who lived a full and meaningful life.. one that we should all aspire to <3
Hannah says
Beautiful tribute – I’m sure he’d be overwhelmed with pride to know how highly you think of him.
Rachel S says
What a wonderful tribute…I nearly teared up reading this and it seems like he lived a very fulfilling life. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Brittany @ A Healthy Slice of Life says
Just teared up reading this… what a special man.
Thinking of you and your family…
Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness) says
I’ll admit I’m a little teary. Grandparents are such a beautiful gift that some people never have. Pop sounds like he was an incredible man, and I love the story of how your grandparents met. <3 He was clearly very proud of you, how sweet that his neighbors knew about KERF. Beautiful tribute, Kath.
Lauren @ 40Apples says
This is a lovely tribute, Kath. Wishing you and your family the best.
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
What a BEAUTIFUL tribute.
Emily says
Whew… you brought tears to my eyes… Pop sounds like an amazing person to have been blessed with in your life. My grandfather passed away in June and it was heart wrenching as he was without question the backbone of my family. My heart goes out to you during your time of loss. The only thing that got me through it was knowing that he finally got his wish… to be with his bride 🙂 My grandmother passed away about 6 years ago and every single day since, she’s the only thing that’s been on his mind.
Jac says
I’m in the office (don’t tell anyone) while reading this and i had a tear in my eye. If i was at home, it’d be worse. Once again, i’m really sorry for your loss. Your grandpa was a great man, just by reading this.
Liz says
So sorry for your loss. Great tribute to your obviously beloved grandfather!
elaine! says
My condolences to you and your family. You were incredibly lucky to have that relationship with him. Also, I love the story of him and your grandma… my grandma proposed to my grandma on their first date. 🙂 She said no, naturally, but that didn’t stop him, lol.
Sarah @ Sarah's Shaping Up says
He seems like he was a wonderful man. Your family is in my thoughts!
Michelle says
Kath, such a wonderful tribute to your Pop! You all were very blessed to have a man like that in your lives, and I’m so sorry for your loss.
Kelli says
this was precious.
Kim says
What a beautiful tribute to your pop…. He looked like a wonderful, loving man!! He must’ve been sooooo proud of you!! My thoughts are with you and your family….
KATIE says
wow – so beautiful! I have tears in my eyes sitting at my desk.
tiffany says
I am so sorry for your loss. Your post today was such a moving tribute to him.
Erica says
Simply beautiful…’nuff said 🙂
Elmer Bley says
What great pictures and great memories.
My memories of “Ernie Causy’s Kienough For You and Me” go back to the early days of Divinity and the private bus line that ran downtown.
Your Dad and I had a labor of love on the Divinity of Church Council. He was always elequent with those minutes.
Then there were the many conversations as we traveling to and from work on the bus. Always lively indeed. He would often say to my friend Frank Weiss, “you be Frank and I’ll be Earnest”.
Mostly I remember him as a man of treat integrity – plus a lot of wit and humor – and eternal optomism.
Blessings to you all at this time.
Elmer
Mom says
Mr. Bley!!!!
So cool to hear from you. The funeral at Divinity was lovely.
Anne@ Food Loving Polar Bear says
This was a beautiful post.
I’ve been thinking about my German Opa a lot lately and have just recently started exchanging letters with him (we live in different countries) and I treasure all the letters he sends, which he writes with his 40 years old writing machine 🙂 He’s over 80, so I know our years together will come to an end someday (too soon!) so I love being in contact with him like this, when the distance makes seeing each other face to face a bit challenging.
Mom says
Oh Anne! How lovely.
Niki (Running in Pink) says
Beautiful tribute! It sounds like he was a wonderful man and lived a full, happy life. I love the pictures of him in the KERF sweatshirt! 🙂
Aisha says
He sounds like a lovely man. This is a beautiful tribute. I am sorry for your loss.
Laura says
Just re-read this post as you linked it with your latest one. You captured your “Pop’s” essence with such sweet and endearing words. Brought a tear to my eye thinking about how special our grandparents are and how lucky those of us are to have had their beautiful influence marked in our lives. Blessings to Gram, and the rest of your family! : ) XO
Kate says
I know it’s been a few years, but I’m sorry for your loss. I actually learned about your blog from your grandfather; in high school, I worked in the building he lived in and he talked highly of it. He seemed like a really nice man.
KathEats says
Aww, thanks for stopping by. So cool you knew him!