In Memory of Thomas Clabby

I wrote the following excerpt in a letter to my boys. I think this is the perfect tribute and how I will always remember Grandfather.

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Thomas Lewis, you were named after your mothers grandfather, Thomas Clabby “Grandfather”. Grandfather and I were cut from the same cloth. He is a man of deep family conviction and civic duty. He severed our nation in the Korean war as an enlisted man and returned to build a family in Lemon Grove, CA while working in the aviation industry. He served his community on the city council. He is survived by his bride of 70 years, 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. I wish you knew him better. I’ve never spoken the words, but in someways he has been a substitute family for me. There’s something about the camaraderie of military service that transcends generations. I’m comfortable in his presence, I respect him, I trust his judgement. Above all else, I love his pride. His generation is something special. I hope yours is as well.

I loved the man we referred to as Grandfather. I wouldn’t be the man I am without his influence in my life. I hope you boys take serious the task of finding greatness and emulating it. This skill has served me well. Life is full of uncertain choices and I believe the best way to navigate it, is to latch on to something, or someone you can believe in. Find your inspiration and take exactly what you need from it. There’s no shame in borrowing greatness, only shame in passing by the opportunity to become it.

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We love you Grandfather and promise to live everyday emulating your kindness and spirit.