My grandfather died yesterday

[Tages]

I've been awake for about 26 hours now. I keep expecting to figure out I'm asleep and wake up.

His name was Tom Dolley and he was a sheriff, a fire marshall, an entrepreneur, a father, a husband, a brother, a friend and my grandfather.

He took care of my mother, sister and I when my father couldn't. He taught me to fish and how to shake hands and build a fire. He also taught me to keep a level head, choose my battles and never pick a fight I couldn't win. He loved cigars, brandy, operating his crane, driving his truck, rum and cokes, hunting, fishing, and politically incorrect humor at the most inappropriate moments.

I loved him. I want him back.

Wanting and having ain't the same.

I think I'll sleep now.

[Puma]

I already said it but I'll say it again; I'm sorry for your loss Jason.

[DrewTheXenocide]

He sounds like a great guy. The kind of grandfather everyone wishes for.

[Slam_Bradley]

A great Grandfather can be a very special thing. It sounds like yours was a great man and a great influence on your life. My condolences to you and your family.

[jessecuster3]

My thoughts are with you, Jason.

[jesse_custer]

Sounds like he had a sense of humor.

My condolences.

[Paul McEnery]

Well shit.

[HomerJay]

My most sincere heartfelt condolences to you.

Take solace in the fact that you got to spend as much time with him as you did and that he was a wonderful grandfather who it sounds like shaped the man you are today.
I never knew my grandfathers, which always made me feel like having a great grandfather would be the most kick-ass thing ever. It also makes me thank God everyday that my children have the close and rewarding relationship with their grandfathers that I never had.

[Joe Acro]

My sincerest condolences. He sounds like a great man.

[gryhpon]

Baruch Dayan Ha'emet.

my thoughts and prayers are with you. may only good come to you from now on

[moebius]

I'm sorry, dude.

[Ontir]

So sorry, hang in there.

[mikekerr3]

I feel sorrow for you loss, Just remember the blessing of knowing him at all, some never know their grandparents so the years you had were a great gift.

[Winslow]

Sorry for your loss Tages.

Your grandfather sounds like he had the kind of great influence on you that I can only hope to have on my grandkids someday.

[Spike-X]

So sorry to hear that, Jason. At least you got to spend a hell of a lot of time with him before he went.

Try to get some sleep if you can. You're head's gonna start doing funny things soon if you don't.

[Justin D.]

You have my condolences.

Now, get some sleep. It may make you feel better in more than one way.

[Guapo Méndez]

My condolences, Tages.

[Aubergine~!]

Aw man, really sucks to hear that.

Only advise I can give is to remember the good times you shared with him, and to honor his memory.

Sincerest condolences to you and your family.

[OzBat!]

Damn. My condolences to you and your family.

I'm another one who never knew his grandfathers. I feel that absence sometimes, but not like you will. So yeah, hang on to those good memories, share them around.

[Mike Smash!]

My condolences for you loss, Tages.

[Donald M.]

I remember when my dad died, I didn't stay awake for ages, but I did go for a walk.

Ended up walking around 30 miles.

Had a hell of a time getting home.

My condolences. Your gramps sounds like he was a great guy.

[howyadoin]

Your grandfather sounds like a guy I would've enjoyed having a rum and Coke with.

[Fenris]

I'm very sorry, Tages.

[Sir Tim Drake]

My condolences, Jason.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I've been awake for about 26 hours now. I keep expecting to figure out I'm asleep and wake up.

His name was Tom Dolley and he was a sheriff, a fire marshall, an entrepreneur, a father, a husband, a brother, a friend and my grandfather.

He took care of my mother, sister and I when my father couldn't. He taught me to fish and how to shake hands and build a fire. He also taught me to keep a level head, choose my battles and never pick a fight I couldn't win. He loved cigars, brandy, operating his crane, driving his truck, rum and cokes, hunting, fishing, and politically incorrect humor at the most inappropriate moments.

I loved him. I want him back.

Wanting and having ain't the same.

I think I'll sleep now.

Ahhhh man you have my condolences . He sounds like an awesome grandfather.

[Athena Bast]

*hugs*

I had a grandfather for one year. It was good year.

*hugs*

[Pól Rua]

Sorry to hear that, man. He sounds like he was a great human being.
Take care of yourself.

[Rallura]

That sucks. I am so sorry for your loss. BB and I are right here if you need anything at all.

[thehod]

My condolences, buddy.

[LtMarvel]

Sorry for your loss.

As long as you are around, your grandfather isn't gone.

[Brian Cronin]

My condolences.

-Brian

[The Watcher]

Sorry for your loss, Tages. My condolences.

[Tages]

Pardon my resurrecting this topic, I would put it in Rita's but not everyone reads there.

The memorial was yesterday (our family didn't want to call it a "funeral"), and here's an online article about it.

http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20090711/NEWS/907119994/1061&ParentProfile=1050#comments
More than 300 say their good-byes to Tom Dolley


By Kevin MacMillan
Bonanza Editor

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — For the countless number of stories about Tom Dolley helping others in need, there are just as many, it seems, about the man's sense of humor.

Especially the ones with Tom and his fire engine horn.

“He loved to joke,” said Mike Brown, chief of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. “I remember, six years ago, I was in my office, and I thought I was losing my mind when I heard what sounded like a train horn go off right behind me. I was like, we're not in Truckee — what's going on?

“And there was Tom, a big smile on his face ... and he let out that big Tom Dolley laugh.”

Brown's story was one of many shared during Saturday's memorial service for long-time local, respected volunteer and public service figure Thomas F. Dolley, who died Tuesday after a long illness. He was 71.

About 300 family, friends, residents and law enforcement and fire service officials attended the service at the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District station on Tanager Street, replacing the fire trucks that normally reside inside the station, instead filling the room with moving stories of bravery, humorous anecdotes of Dolley's funny side — and tearful good-byes.

“Without Tom Dolley, we would not have this new station or the equipment it houses,” Brown said. “He was a big man, but his heart was even bigger.”

Firefighter Dave England opened the ceremony's series of video and personal tributes with a strong message of his own.

“We are here today to honor the man, his memory and his life,” England said. “We certainly will grieve for Tom, but even in that, we will honor him. Let's laugh and rejoice in Tom's life ... and turn the grief of today into memories for tomorrow.”

Known by many in Incline Village and Crystal Bay as a devout volunteer, Dolley was born July 1, 1938, in Reno, to N.F. and Gladys Dolley. He was raised in Truckee — a town his father helped found — before moving to Incline in 1963.

He volunteered with the Truckee Fire District and with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office as a deputy, auxiliary and search and rescue member and deputy coroner. He also served for 12 years as a director for the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and was a member of the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Citizen's Advisory Board.

Assistant Fire Chief Greg McKay grew a friendship with Dolley during his time with the fire district.

“He knew how to make you laugh,” McKay said. “Many times we laughed until our sides hurt and we couldn't laugh anymore.”

But Dolley was more than laughs and public service — he also is remembered for helping as many people as often as he could, while at work or not, for free, during his 46 years in Incline Village.

Incline attorney Geno Menchetti, a friend and former colleague of Dolley's, made that clear with one question.

“Who in here has been helped at some point by Tom Dolley?” When the entire audience raised its hands in unison, Menchetti smiled: “That's the kind of guy Tom was.”

Later, choking back tears, Menchetti continued, “Tom has left us now. He was a man among men. He was the nicest and most generous person I've ever met.”

Washoe County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Mike Haley and former Sheriff Richard Kirkland presented Tom's wife, Ella Mae, with honorary sheriff's badges.

“At times, we feel we are invincible, and nothing can prepare us for the loss and devastation,” Haley said. “No one is immune to grief. It's inevitable — when we love someone so deeply in our lives, we will grieve deeply.”

As a volunteer, Dolley also was involved with Lion's, Rotary and Moose clubs for many years. Dolley was an established local businessman, running Lake Tahoe Security and Dolley Enterprises — which specialized in snow removal, street sweeping and earth moving business — for more than 30 years.

And he was also an outdoors enthusiast, taking great pride in hunting, fishing, camping and snowmobiling, mainly at Webber Lake in Sierra County.

As Saturday's service wound to a close, friends and family took turns saying their good-byes and telling more stories.

Like granddaughter Chelsea, who talked about Tom giving her first car. Or grandson Jason, who talked about Tom giving him his first car — and, to many laughs from the crowd, his second car.

Or one granddaughter, who tearfully said good-bye to her “grumpy grandpa.”

And whether it was a story about a bucket truck rescue on Fairview and Ski Way, a 75 mph snowmobile adventure down a 45 mph road, or even a tribute to the adventures of Lewis and Clark — better known as Dolley and long-time friend Dan Wheeler — the stories, had enough time been in the day, may never have stopped.

At Tom's request, bagpipes finished off the ceremony, bringing many to tears with a moving version of “Amazing Grace.”

And, as the family was escorted out the station, with bagpipes still blaring, a fitting end to Saturday's memorial service filled the air — by way of two deafening blasts from one of those fire engine horns.

Dolley is survived by his wife, Ella Mae; daughters Cyndie, Debi and Sandie; his son, Fred; and grandchildren Jason, Jennifer, Chelsea, Becka, Britnee, Nick; and sister-in-law, Betty.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America or Disabled Sports USA organizations.

My mother's parents spent almost as much time raising my sister and I when we were growing up as my parents did. So in a real way this feels almost like my father is gone.

God, I miss him.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r210/Kobages/1000652176_004714.jpg

[Tages]

Also I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart everyone who expressed their condolences and sympathy with us. You guys don't know how much it means to me.

[DoctorDoom]

I'm sorry I missed this.

My condolences. Sorry, Tages.

[Cam63]

He sounds like he was a helluva guy.

My respects, Tages.

[Gordon Smith]

My condolences, Tages.

[Cayman]

My condolences for you and your family.

[Ontir]

Anyone who enjoys politically incorrect humour at inappropriate times is tops in my book.
Your grandfather sounds like a great guy, and losing him has to be awful. Hang in there. Hold your family close, and talk about the funny things he did and said. They'll help get you through the roughest times.

[Gary_B]

My condolences, Tages. Your grandfather sounds like he was a wonderful man.

[Mike Smash!]

How are you holding up, Tages?

[SOGG]

Condolences, Tages.

[darkhanamaru]

My condolences Tages.





Now live life like he would have wanted you to...:redface:

[Karl O'Neill]

Sorry for your loss. Many condolences.

[Tages]

How are you holding up, Tages?
A little bit better. My sleeping and eating cycles are still f'ed up but I'm trying to stay positive.

My mom is handling it a bit worse as can be expected. Haven't heard much from my sister. My grandmother is being a rock-solid source of support like always.
My condolences Tages.





Now live life like he would have wanted you to...:redface:

That was the gist of what I said at the memorial, yes.

Now I just need to get out and do it.