To give a eulogy is to
express how you would like someone to be remembered. I think to each of us, Jim Corbett,
represented in one man, several people to all of us. He was a gentle devoted husband, a
caring father, a loving grandfather, a sincere brother, a witty uncle and an adoring
father figure for several step children and grandchildren. As to many of Auburn, Jim
Corbett was a fine, proud, loyal, kind friend, and an honorable veteran of World War II of
serving our country with his courage.
The person I knew
best is my grandfather. We had a close special bond that I think that not all
grandchildren have with their grandparents. We even had nicknames for each other. He likes
to call me Pokeadot, Porkchop or Pokey. I used to call him Candyman when I was a child
since he always had candy waiting for me on each visit. Whenever I came home to New York
for a visit, he always made time for me. He was enjoyable to be around. He was passionate
about his horse racing, so we would go to the Finger Lakes RaceTrack or to the OTB. We
even went to Roseland when I was younger.
People always
knew him by name and would stop and chat with him at his favorite little stores or
restaurants.
When
I became older I always tried to return the favor and made time for him. I realized my
grandfather is a very intelligent person and knew a great deal about political, social and
moral issues.
He
had come to stay with me in Georgia not to long ago for a month or so and I found out a
lot about who Jim Corbett is outside of being my grandfather and respect him highly. We
talk every weekend about absolutely anything and everything.
If
you asked him what he would want to be remembered for, he would say, " don't make a
fuss over me". Well, for a man who has lived 84 years and into the new millennium and
seen what no one else could have imagined when he was a child, I think it had to be a very
fulfilling life. Even though regardless of his aches and pains, I still feel it was cut
too short. He had a lot of strength within him. He will be remembered by all of us a bit
differently, but only the way he has represented himself, always with dignity.
Grandpa,
as we would with each phone call or visit, I will end this with....
I
miss you,
I
love you,
Goodbye.
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