Catsy (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} amezuki) wrote,@ 2007-05-25 05:10:00 |
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Ray Bannerman, 1924 - 2007
My grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep at 4:57 AM this morning. He was attended by my aunt, her son, my father, my father's partner, Jess, and I, all of whom were there with him until the end.
When it was clear he wasn't going to get better, my dad and aunt made the decision to end aggressive life support measures in accordance with his wishes. He was removed from the ventilator and support medications at around 8:30 PM last night, and the doctors said he likely wouldn't last more than a few minutes, definitely not more than an hour. A fighter until the end, he stayed on for eight more hours.
The oldest of seven siblings, Papa was the patriarch of the family, a compassionate leader and an example to all. He shared 82 rich years with us, and we were blessed by every one of them.
I have known no greater man, no one to whom a person could better aspire to be. He helped me more times than I can count, asking little more than that I make the best of the opportunities he gave me. His assistance allowed Jess and I to escape Arizona, and got us back home--and that was the least of what he's done for me.
The world is poorer without him, but immeasurably greater for having had him.
My grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep at 4:57 AM this morning. He was attended by my aunt, her son, my father, my father's partner, Jess, and I, all of whom were there with him until the end.
When it was clear he wasn't going to get better, my dad and aunt made the decision to end aggressive life support measures in accordance with his wishes. He was removed from the ventilator and support medications at around 8:30 PM last night, and the doctors said he likely wouldn't last more than a few minutes, definitely not more than an hour. A fighter until the end, he stayed on for eight more hours.
The oldest of seven siblings, Papa was the patriarch of the family, a compassionate leader and an example to all. He shared 82 rich years with us, and we were blessed by every one of them.
I have known no greater man, no one to whom a person could better aspire to be. He helped me more times than I can count, asking little more than that I make the best of the opportunities he gave me. His assistance allowed Jess and I to escape Arizona, and got us back home--and that was the least of what he's done for me.
The world is poorer without him, but immeasurably greater for having had him.
