Sad day ... Grandpa passed today

[Rookie]

I lot who know me know I got my start into pocketknives at an early age. My Grandpa, Bob Siple, was sales manager at Queen Cutlery in the 70's and 80's before I was born. He left around 1985, but stayed interested in knives. He even made an attempt at his own line of knives, called Siple Cutlery. He took me around to a lot of the big knife shows in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee when I was young. He taught me to be respectful to adults, to stand up and look them in the eye and shake their hand. To be honest in dealing with folks. What to look for when buying or selling or trading a knife.

By the time I was about 15 my interest in knives fell away and I spent more time with friends and other hobbies, and went off to college. But after I got married and bought a house, I started to rekindle my knife interest, and my relationship with Grandpa took on new life. The 2 of us went to shows again, and bonded over our shared hobby. Nobody else in the family had interest in pocketknives, but the 2 of us did.

I enjoyed that we had something special that nobody else could understand. As he got older his health started to fail, and this past summer he expressed to me that his biggest desire in life was to go to a knife show again with me. We luckily had the opportunity in early August to go to a show in Titusville, PA that is only a 1/2 hour drive from home. We set up a table for all day Friday and Saturday, and he was so happy to be there and see folks. I'm glad we got to do that one last time.

My mom told me grandpa was not doing well, and yesterday I stopped by to talk with him. He was only able to stay awake for about 10 seconds, but he smiled when he saw me and I held his hand. Today he passed away at age 85, surrounded by loving family. He passed peacefully and without pain. I suppose there is no better way to go.

Here is a photo of us together from our last knife show together last month. I won't forget our many adventures together. Life lessons, aspirations, opinions, and funny stories. Days hunting together, dressing out game, and cooking it. And always talking about knives. I miss my grandpa.

[FRJ]

God bless your family, Carl.
You've got good memories with that fine man.

[glennbad]

Sorry about your Grandpa, he seemed like a great man and mentor!

[woodwalker]

Enjoy your memories. Sounds like you have many great ones. I'm sorry for your loss.

[danno50]

Sorry for your loss, Carl. Great that you got one last knife show with your Granpa.

[gordonjohn]

I know God will take care of your Grandfather , sorry for your loss , keep the memories alive in your heart.

[treefarmer]

That's a great picture!
We can see the pleasure on your Grandpa's face!
You're been blessed to have time with him.
God bless you as you as you over this loss.
Treefarmer

[chickenman62]

I am sorry to hear about your Grandpa. He was a nice guy. It was a nice thing that you took him to that last show. He seemed happy at it. One more of the old-timers with real knowledge gone.

[Mumbleypeg]

Sorry to learn of your grandfather’s passing. He will always be there in your memories, until someday you’ll see him again. May God bless you both.

Ken

[Madmarco]

My sincere condolences regarding the passing of your Grandpa, Carl, he sounds like the kind of guy who you could talk to one-on-one and not as grandpa/grandson which can be awkward due to the age difference.
I hope you think of him with fond memories often until you meet again at the "Grand Cutlery Show in the Sky"!

[doglegg]

Wonderful memories.

[toomanyknives]

Very sorry for your loss, Carl. Thank goodness you have some fantastic memories and he will always be with you in that way.
He will also be with you in the knowledge that was passed on. May he RIP.

Kerry

[peanut740]

Sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

[Reverand]

My condolences on his passing. I am glad that you both shared this common interest. You will never regret spending the time with him. May you have as much positive influence in a new generation some day, as he had upon you!

[jerryd6818]

I am truly sorry for your loss.

[1967redrider]

Sorry to read this, Carl. Condolences to you and your family.

[rarreola]

Sorry for your loss Carl

[royal0014]

Sorry for your loss. Thankful you had one last memory with him.

[eveled]

Sounds like a life well lived. God bless you both.

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Saddened to read this Carl. Grateful that he passed on his passion about knives to you. His virtues and knowledge live on through you and that’s one way he will always be with you.

[bestgear]

Carl - thank you for sharing your memories of your grandpa with us - I hope those memories serve to strengthen you when you are sad about grandpa being called home - Godspeed

[djknife13]

Great Memories and thanks for sharing this with us. God Bless.___Dave

[galvanic1882]

My condolences on your loss, great that you got to go to the show with him Prayers to you and your family

[btrwtr]

Sorry for your loss. Good that you had such a very special relationship.

[Rookie]

Thanks to everyone who posted. It means a lot.