Wednesday, May 28, 2008

In Loving Memory of my Grandpa Joe

Joseph Henry Matthews was born on June 9th, 1929 and lived a long and full life. He was a loving husband of almost 60 years to my grandmother Karen.....

A wonderful father of 4, grandfather of 9, and great-grandfather of 11. Here he is holding me when I was about three or four in this fun family portrait I call "The Matthews Bunch"
He was blessed with the gift of musical talent.....
And shared that gift through the teaching of many students for over 37 years.....
Including myself, although I must admit I wasn't a very good student, as I never did learn to play that clarinet....
He had an adventurous spirit, and loved the outdoors....
And he had a great sense of humor! :)He aways made time to share the important moments of my life, and the lives of all that he cared for....
And I will always remember the good times and special moments that we shared together....
Thank you for all that you were, and all that you did.....I love you Grandpa Joe, and I miss you.

June 9th, 1929 - May 15th, 2008

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Sylvia-I think your Grandpa Joe encompassed everything important in life. You shared him beautifully here. I know you will miss him and just from your photos you can tell he was very loved.
A hug to you,
Donna

Melissa Valeriote said...

((hugs)) What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.

PEA said...

Dear Sylvia,
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man he was. You can see it by your tribute. You look a bit like him too so he will continue to live on in your children and grand children.
If there is anything I can do to help. Please call on me.
Blessings always,Pea

KE said...

Sylvia...
What a lovely post to honor your Grandfather.
Take care...

Kimberlee

Anonymous said...

Sylvia,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

What a beautiful tribute you paid to him here on your blog. I can tell that he touched you deeply and that you inherited his wonderful spirit.

Hugs,
Tink

Hallowed Hill Primitives said...

So sorry to hear about your Grandpa Joe, Sylvia. he sounds like a wonderful fellow. Hope all else is well with you. Miss you on the forum.

Sarah

Unknown said...

Sylvia,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Grandfather...it is obvious he's a special person...what a wonderful tribute to him..

I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers..

much love...

Doreen Frost said...

Dear Sylvia. I'm very, very sorry to hear about your dear Grandfather. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

A big hug to you,
Doreen

Christine LeFever said...

Sylvia, that was a beautiful tribute to your wonderful grandpa.

XO,

Christine

Rachael Kinnison said...

Peace be with your Grandpa Joe and YOU Dear Sylvia! He has moved on to pave the way for you, and will be waiting with open arms for you when the time comes. Just think of all the wonderful happy memories of him, and when you tell them to your little Simon, he will be there too. God Bless ~ xoxoxox

Sandra Evertson said...

What a handsome fellow, I am sorry for your loss, sending good thoughts and well wishes your way...
Sandra Evertson

softinthehead said...

Trying to write through the tears is tough....What an exceptional and lasting tribute a your wonderful grandfather. To hold onto such memories and be able to past them on, such a gift! His legacy is great....Blessed be...Pam

Cathy ~ Tadpoles and Teacups said...

Oh, Sylvia, what a loving tribute to your grandfather. So very sorry for your loss.

Sam I Am said...

Oh Sylvia..
I am so sorry for your loss..Grampa Joe looked like a very loving and fun guy and very handsome!!
I know you will miss him terribly.. but know he's never 'far' from you..
sending you prayers..
xox
sam

Kathy said...

What a lovely tribute to your Grandfather. I am so sorry for your loss.

Tinsell and Whimsy said...

Hi Sylvia....
First, once again let me say how sorry I am for the loss of your Grandfather. I am sure he would be so honored to have such a wonderful tribute prepared by you.

Thank you for the kind words about my blog, and adding me to your list. I am still so new at this blog thing, and it is very encouraging to hear from you. I have always admired your work and thought of you as a person who has "the light". I look forward to having some interesting discussions and keeping a close watch on what you are up to as well.
Sue

Anonymous said...

Sending hugs to you and your family, and special thoughts to your grandmother. How nice that your grandfather held a special place in your life. He seemed so kind hearted, and was a handsome man. Thank you for sharing the family photos and keeping you all in my thoughts. Hugs...Iva

Anonymous said...

Lovely photos love your artwork and blog!

Jamie Lott said...

Well Grandpa Joe had a very talented granddaughter, even if she didn't ever learn to play that clarinet!

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss - he sounded like a wonderful, wonderful person. Thank you for sharing a little of him with us!

~ Jamie

Betsy said...

Syliva,

I am so sorry to hear about your Grandpa Joe's passing...your tribute to him is wonderful and heartfelt...he did look like a loving man and your words express how much you love him...

I miss you and think about you often...

Big hugs,
Betsy aka BB

Suzanne said...

Sylvia~ what a special man, and a wonderful tribute to his life.

lovedigikits said...

My Sweet Sylvia, I can see from all the pictures that your Grandpa Joe was a great man and that he knew what was improtant in life, Loving and helping others.
Hold onto your cherished memories, those will be the ones to carry you through the times when you feel the loss most.
I wish I had gotten to know him, I know he would have enriched my life like he did every life he touched.
Sweet Hugs My Dear Friend, you made him proud with your tribute and I'm sure he's smiling and feeling very loved.
Thank you for sharing his story with us.
Sweet Hugs
Bernice