Saturday, March 1, 2014
Good afternoon, my name is Jonathan Abrams grandson of the man we are here to celebrate: Mr. John Christopher (Jack) Abrams
I am here today with my wife Kelly, our daughter Megan and our son Jack representing my Mom and Dad: Nancy and Dick Abrams, my brother David, sister Jennifer and my Aunt and Uncle: Carole and Melvin Johnston and my cousins.
I was asked to say a few words about Grandpa Jack and decided speak to his character that made him the wonderful man and human being that he was and who will always be remembered.
I'll share only a few of the characteristics that define the man we all love. Three characteristics that embodied Grandpa Jack are: Devotion & Interest In Others, Work Ethic and a Positive Outlook on life
I'll speak to Grandpa Jack's devotion to and interest in others.
Grandpa Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to all of us.
Grandpa Jack met Juanita, his wife to be in Grade 1 at Fingerboard Public School across from the Abrams farm on Highway #2. They became high school sweet hearts at KCVI High School in Kingston and Grandpa Jack and Grandma married in 1939 and raised my Aunt Carole and my Dad (Dick) where they lived on John Scott Road.
When retired Jack and Juanita spent many summer's enjoying time together and with family and friends on the Rideau River and in New Smyrna Beach Florida during the winter where Grandpa caught a lot of fish.
They were married 62 years and Grandpa loved Grandma dearly.
When Grandma Abrams passed, Grandpa Jack missed her companionship dearly and he mentioned her often.
Over the past 20 years Grandpa had many issues with his sight and his hearing. Despite this, he always managed to send hand written Birthday and Christmas cards with heart felt thoughts by mail from "Grandpa Jack". These cards were very special to all of us and our children.
Grandpa always asked about his grand children. He wanted to know what grade they were in, their interests, what sports they played, how they were doing in school and despite his sight and hearing challenges, he found a way to connect with them.
When Grandpa visited my parent's home at Christmas and we spent time wit him during the summer he would always ask many questions about how my work was going, how Kelly was, asked about Jack and Megan and he would share with us how our cousins were doing and their kids.
He was genuinely interested and wanted to know that we were all doing well and that we were happy.
I was always amazed at how up to date he was on current events. Many times I found myself struggling to keep up to him on what was happening in the news and with Canadian and International politics and current events.
Grandpa Jack was a smart man with a thirst for knowledge.
My wife Kelly's Mom and Dad who are farmers near London, Ont, met Grandpa Jack on their farm during our wedding in 1997 and again in 2003 when our son Jack was christened. In 2003, he got a crop tour with my father in law and tour of the machinery. It was like he had never left the farm. He asked so many good questions about the new technology: the planters, sprayers and harvesting machines. He was amazed with how farming technology had progressed.
Now I'd like to speak to Grandpa's work ethic.
Grandpa Jack did many different things to provide for his family. He did whatever it took.
He took over his father's milk route in mid 1930's until mid 1950's. He delivered milk from the dairy farm to the front door.
After the morning run he delivered feed to farmers up the road. In winter the truck was used to spread sand on highways with men shoveling for 27 cents an hour.
For 20 years he slugged 100 pound milk jugs in each hand. I recall a photo of a very muscular and strapping Grandpa Jack Abrams leaning on his milk truck with J. Abrams & Sons RR#1 Kingston painted on the door.
This was hard work and unfortunately the wear and tear of the job led to a permanent back injury which forced him to sell the business but he didn't give up.
He purchased Maple's Lodge in Seeley's Bay, improved the property by building additional cottages and built flat bottom boat's for fishing on the Rideau Lakes and was a fishing guide as needed.
My Dad told me many stories about helping Grandpa guide at Maple's Lodge and has told me many stories about catching prize muskie. Mind you, I've never actually seen a photograph of my Dad with a prize muskie?
As Grandpa and Grandma ran their seasonal business Grandpa worked at Frontenac County Jail and later Quinte Regional Centre where he was eventually promoted to Sergeant.
He eventually sold the Lodge, moved to Napanee and retired from correctional work and he and our Grandma Abrams began the next phase of their lives.
Grandpa had an extremely positive outlook on life despite many health obstacles.
Grandpa could have complained about his issues but he didn't.
For the last 20 years of his life he was nearly deaf and blind but he found a way to stay engaged and tuned in to life...and he found a way to stay tuned in to our lives.
He never wanted to impose. Everything he did was for others. He always thought about people around him.
In his last days on earth he decided to go out with dignity, thinking about the people he loved and woman he wanted to be with again in heaven.
Grandpa Abrams embraced life, he embraced those he loved and he cared for all of us.
His devotion to all of us, his work ethic and outlook are characteristics are characteristics that he has passed on to me and that I will pass on to my children and I hope they will pass on to their children.
I hope you all will do the same.
We love you Grandpa Jack. Rest in Peace!
