Aloha Oe, Forrest Towle

I think I believed with my heart that my grandparents would be around forever, even though in my head I knew that one day he would leave this world. I just didn't realize the day would actually come so soon. The world lost an amazing gentleman, as my Mom would say. After 89 years of a wonderful life Grandpa has left us. 

My grandpa has been such a big part of my life. I learned so much from my Grandpa. He was a man of few words, but he showed his love to his family more than any person I know. He taught me to love the ocean. I feel like I am a professional beachcomber because I was taught by a master. I can remember numerous beach walks with my grandpa hunting for agates and seashells. To this day I can't walk the beach without looking for the hidden treasures that are found there.

While growing up, my grandparents took me on some amazing trips. One of my favorite memories was when we went to Hawaii and I watched as my grandparents danced. One thing I always noticed about my grandpa is how much he loved my grandma and the rest of his family. 

My Grandpa was a wood carver and loved making things. I remember when I was eight getting a wooden cradle to put my dolls in. Later on he hand crafted me a cage for my pet rat, Templeton. He also made miniature dishware that he won a ribbon for in the Western Idaho Fair.  This last Christmas he gave me a wooden pen and pencil that he had made, something that I will always treasure. 

There are so many things that I will miss. My Grandpa's homemade chili, homemade rolls, hamburgers on the patio, watching him squirt the squirrels with a water gun to keep them from the grapes, and so much more. I will miss the adventures and just being with him.

Christmas won’t be the same without him. Not only will I miss his amazing Christmas cookies and candy, I will also miss spending Christmas day with him. I can’t remember a Christmas at home without him. I am so thankful for the knowledge that families are forever and that I will see him again. Eternity without him is something I cannot comprehend. Now it is time for me to share his legacy with my nieces and nephews and someday hopefully with my own children. My Grandpa may have left this world, but some how I feel he is with us still. He will be missed by many. Until then Grandpa, Aloha Oe. Until we meet again.