“Tougher Than a Boiled Owl”

A few weeks ago, Doug’s grandfather passed away.  Grandpa Beck was a very genuine person with a quick wit and lively sense of humor. I liked how Janet phrased it “he never met a stranger, only a friend” (or something to that effect). The moment you met him you were instantly friends and he’d have you crackin’ up in a matter of seconds. Grandpa was the type of person that always left you in a better mood after talking to him. A fond memory I have of grandpa was at a family gathering (I’m failing to remember where or when) and grandpa had paired up with his best buddy, and brother, Wayne. They came over to Doug and me and asked why we hadn’t divorced yet, told Doug I wasn’t the same girl they’d seen him with last night and a few other (mildly inappropriate coming from anyone else) things and they were just dying laughing and feeding off each other. The best part about those two is they thought they were just as funny as anyone else thought they were. By the time they moved on to someone else I could barely breath I was laughing so hard . At any given time, you could just look over and see them cracking up at each other the whole evening. I pointed that out to Doug later and he responded, “Yeah, just a couple of old troublemakers.” I loved that, it was a perfect description of those two and whenever I think of grandpa my memory always involves a funny joke. Truly young at heart.

The funeral service was very nice and there was a lot of love and support. My favorite part was a table set up at the entrance of the church filled with mementos and famous “Earlisms” (edited of course :)). The background music was big band. I had Janet copy the quotes down for me so I could share. I’m sure you’ve heard at least a couple of these if you’ve ever met Earl!

• That guy is phonier than a three dollar bill.
• Dirty potlicker!
• He just couldn’t cut the mustard.
• Oh man! Oh man!
• If I had your wallet and good looks, I’d be jumpin like the Toyota man!
• That’s not the same woman I saw you with last night.
• Drunker than a peach orchard boar.
• Just like I was tellin’ Rhea…
• I can feel money in that handshake!
• I’m gonna feed him a lead sandwich.
• You’ve got two things that I don’t have: good looks and money.
• Shut that darn hippie music off.
• Tougher than a boiled owl.
• This guy was clean shaven this morning.

Grandpa was in the navy so they performed the gun salute and taps. It was a beautiful tribute.