My Grandpa's Dash

Grandpa

11/24/30 - 2/6/13

Notice his dash?  

One keystroke - millions of memories.

My grandpa, William McClurg, went to be with the Lord early Wednesday morning.

Death is a funny thing.  While we know our time on earth is limited and each day is so special, its still so very hard to grasp the reality of an ending.  We anticipated his time with us was coming to an end, but it still hit hard.  Very hard.  In fact, when crying with my mom yesterday I just kept asking why is this so hard?  I knew he had a wonderful life.  Cohen got to meet his great-grandpa.  I got to say goodbye. His disease had ravaged his body but not his mind.  He is dancing with my Grandma, drinking a beer, and lovin' it right now.  Still, so very hard for those of us left behind.

We are left behind with his memories and his legacy.  His dash was so full.  I could probably do a blog post every day for the next year and still not be able to cover everything!  Grandpa was blessed ;-) as we were, too, for having him here.

My Mom and her Daddy

My Grandpa (pronounced GraMpa) was married to my Grandmother, Jean McClurg, for 44 years.  She went to celebrate with the Lord in 1996 after a long battle with cancer.  They had four girls - yup, FOUR, who are my mom and my 3 Aunts.  Patrick is always saying how Grandpa was a Saint before reaching those pearly gates - surely raising 4 girls was the best and hardest thing ever.  ;-)

From oldest to youngest: Tricia, Pam, Cindy (mom), Grandpa, and Blair

Around 7 years ago we noticed some balance issues, and he was misdiagnosed with a form of Parkinson's disease.  It was only years later that the neurologists discovered the true disease was PSP (Progressive Supranuclar Palsy).  You can visit their helpful site here.  I am now so very happy to say that he is healed, and using his legs, swallowing, smiling...maybe now here with us, but looking down upon us!

Here is just some of the family at Christmas last year (2011) in Kentucky.  We were missing our California cousins and family, but most of us made it and had a blast.  Help me remember, but I'm pretty sure we all stayed up entirely too late talking around the kitchen table....and we got mom to blush!

My Grandpa loved to dance....and even tore up the dance floor in his wheelchair! (Laura's wedding about 2 years ago)

Patrick's grandparents passed on a long enough time ago that my grandparents are really his ;-)  He loved my Grandpa like his own.  We took a long road trip up a couple of summers ago and got the opportunity to 'play' with Grandpa at the nursing home.  We did arts and crafts, music lessons, handbell choir, and painting class.  It was so fun and great to really have a week with him to ourselves.  He loved his long naps on the couch, playing with his big comfy chair, and of course giving the residents something to laugh at.  When we went up just a few months ago with Cohen, he carried my baby down the hallway with such pride and joy.  Everyone asked..."Bill, is that your grandson?" and we would reply back..."his GREAT grandson" as he smiled and whispered 'yes.'  I'm so so very grateful that he got to meet Mr. Cohen William.  That middle name ;-) What a great middle name.  What a great legacy.

I love you Grandpa.  We love you Grandpa.  Your dash was too short for us, but in His perfect timing. Your dash was full and blessed and generous.  Your dash defines our family and our love.  We will miss you so very much.

P.S.  This is his 'official' obituary...

McCLURG, William Blair, 82, passed away in Louisville, KY, and went to be with his Lord on February 6th, 2013.  For over five years, Bill courageously battled PSP, (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) a progressive form of Parkinson’s disease.  He is now reunited with the love of his life, Jean Lucille Hunt and loving family members and friends.

                Bill was born in Homer, NY, to Ruth Cynthia Belden and Dawson Blair McClurg (and was the stepson of Kenneth B. Anderson). Bill graduated from Alfred University with a BS Degree in Glass Technology.   He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy on the USS Harkness and was a Diving Officer in Indian Head, MD.  Formerly of Corning/Painted Post, NY, he retired to Venice, FL, after 35  years of service with Corning Glass Works, including three years as plant manager at Corhart Refractories in Louisville, KY.

Always on the go, he loved traveling and spending time with family.  He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting and camping as well as playing Bridge and Euchre.  He was an Eagle Scout and an avid UK fan.  The family is especially grateful to the many caregivers at The Forum at Brookside for their genuine love and care.  Per Bill’s wishes, his brain was donated for research to the CurePSP Brain Bank at the Mayo Clinic to help find a cure.

                Bill is survived by his brother, Bob McClurg of Apopka, Florida; daughters Tricia (Irv) Hurst and Pam Richardson of Louisville, KY, Cindy (Peter) Havlik of Tulsa, OK and Blair (Doug) Belsheim of Canyon Country, CA; nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

                A family graveside service will take place this summer in Venice, Florida.  Memorial gifts may be made to CurePSP, 30 E. Padonia Rd., Suite 201, Timonium, MD, 21093, (www.CurePSP.org), or the Parkinson’s Support Center of Kentuckiana, 315 Townepark Circle, Suite 100, Louisville, KY, 40243, (www.PSCKY.org).

with his brother....always celebrating life!