An Obituary: The Great Debater

I'll always remember his stories; some of them too outrageous to believe; others historical accounts of his childhood or the war or from his days as a zoology professor. He loved to argue any point; and he soon found out he had an amiable opponent when I came along, dating his third oldest grandson. And on several occasions, much to Will's consternation, Papa and I did engage in a friendly debate, generally on the topic of religion; his favorite argument.

He was a learned man, full of ideas, opinions and stories. He was a professor of zoology for many years at Texas A & M University in College Station, TX. He passed away a little after 6 p.m. on Saturday evening. It was reported to us that he had been in good spirits all day, with visits from several family members, including one at 5 p.m. Staff checked in on him at 5:30 p.m. and found him happy and talkative. The next time someone stopped in at 6:15 p.m. he had departed from this world. He was 92 years old.

He passed away peacefully and quietly without great fanfare. He lived a long, good life. He had 2 devoted daughters; 5 upstanding grandchildren and 10 sweet great-grandchildren. I think that's the way to go.

While he often voiced his doubts about the hereafter and God, in general, I believe now, did then, and in fact, told him this during such debates, he said those things only to start an argument and rile everyone up, full well knowing that would do the trick. I believe he's gone on to a peaceful place and is probably at this very moment having a lively conversation about God only knows what with his previously deceased wife.

He was a good man. He loved his family. He relished going to estate sales and then picking gifts from his stash. Sometimes they were odd gifts, like the clock that sounded a different bird call on the hour, but others were ones I'll always treasure, like the beautiful set of porcelain painted plates and the leather bound books he picked for each grandchild every Christmas. Regardless of the value of the gift, he had lovingly chosen it for that particular person taking into account that person's interests.

Once I started law school he always referred to me as "Counselor." He was proud of me for having gone to law school. It didn't matter where I worked or how much money I made. It was earning the degree through hard work and dedication that mattered. He truly valued knowledge and education.

As my law school graduation gift he gave me an old copy of Ancient Law by Sir Henry Sumner Maine. He inscribed it (as pictured above):

    Dear Anna:

May all your decisions be fair and just and your cases successful and with great consequence. Perhaps with your knowledge and skills and humanity the scales will be balanced.

    Papa

I'm sure he had pulled this book off one of his many, many packed book shelves, and I treasure it even more for that.

He loved to read about any and every subject. My mother-in-law once told me that he said he was comforted by the books on shelves and in stacks scattered about his house. I can relate to that feeling; I feel the same way about my books.

I'm not his granddaughter by blood, but we shared a love of books, knowledge, dogs and debate. I always enjoyed our chats, particularly on one Christmas Eve when everyone else had gone to church and we stayed behind. There was no debate that night; just honest conversation.

Darling 2's middle name is Papa's middle name. We chose his name because we admired his spirit. I do hope that Darling 2 has some of Papa's spunk, charisma, intelligence, quest for knowledge, flair for debate and gift for gab. I know for sure he has his stubbornness.

Papa, you will be missed, but never forgotten. Over and out....

Anna

Comments

[Robin]

What a lovely tribute. So sorry for your loss - Papa sounds like one of the good ones.

[Jen A]

What a inspiring post. Thinking of you and your family in your time of
loss. Praying for Papa's next stage.

[Susan]

You are so great with words:) I smile when I think of those debates. thank you for sharing your heart. Love you bunches! Susan

[Heidi]

I really enjoyed reading this post. What sweet, strong words from him to you so many years ago! Please pass a greeting from us to Will and your MIL.

[Lori]

Well said, Anna. I too enjoyed the debates and completely agree that many of the comments about God and the hereafter were made to liven up the discourse around him. He will be missed.

[Brenda Canada]

Wow! Anna that was beautiful, and I know a comfort to Peggy and the family. You are Blessed with words and I am so proud you are there with Will....your writings are soo wonderful to read, they flow into the next thought and make you want to follow, and turn the page! Thank you for sharing...

[Michelle]

What a beautiful tribute to Papa. So sorry for your loss.