Grandpa Hegerhorst

Yesterday morning my Grandpa Hegerhorst passed away. (July 19th 1920-June 25th 2012, 91 years ole) Months ago Grandpa had stroke that put him in a care center unable to to do much for himself. He fought and gained some of his physical abilities back but then started to go down  hill. He ended up in an Alzheimers/Demential facility for the last couple months with complete Hospice care. It has been a struggle to see him change and also to see the struggle of that change in my parents and Grandma. Grandpa will truly be missed and has left quite the legacy behind. He has many many family members who love him. He to me, was always more of the silent type who had a quiet sarcastic personality type. I remember spending weeks with them while my mom was at girls camp and helping Grandpa in his garden. I remember when we would come over to help mow the lawn he would say, "Oh forget that, I will get it later. Come sit down." Even though you know he could not do it later. You knew he loved you for that reason. I vaguely remember going to Antelope Island and Trolley Square with them. I remember how much he lit up when you talked about nature and hiking. I remember how much he loved the hikes my dad planned with him. I remember when he started to start telling the same story more than once in a visit. He told the same one to Dan at our wedding 4 times. I remember his war stories and him complaining now and again with what started something like, "Well when I was young..." He was very German and I looked forward to him and grandma singing, "Oh Christmas Tree" at our annual Christmas parties each year. I am so happy I had my Grandpa around for as long as I did. He was a strong man and I will miss him.