Grandpa Bunt

Last week we said goodbye to Bill's grandfather, Ray Bunt. He was an absolute one of a kind. I wanted to try to put into words what he meant to me. I am not the type of person that can get up and speak at a funeral, especially while I will be trying to keep two kids under 3 relatively quiet!

Love and hugs were Grandpa's specialty!

Grandma and Grandpa Bunt (Ray and Ann) were the first members of Bill's family that I ever met. His parents lived (and still do) in southern california so I didn't meet them until several months later. I, of course, was a nervous wreck. But I didn't need to be. They were the most open, loving and genuine people I have ever met. It was St. Patrick's Day and poor Bill, who was a vegetarian at the time, ended up cutting the corned beef! There were endless offers of beer (that means Budweiser), wine and of course, Coffee Keokis. It was a lovely evening and I felt at ease. I felt like I belonged. There was no judgement. There were no feelings like I was being sized up. There was just fun and great food.

Then came my first Christmas at the Bunts. Christmas is an EVENT at the Bunt house. They had a big ranch style house that was jam packed with people. Family, friends, doctors, dentists, former co-workers, neighbors, and every type of person in between. To say I was overwhelmed would be a great understatement. I will never forget how Grandpa Bunt introduced me. He said "Everybody! Hey everybody! Listen up! This is Maria, Bill's ladyfriend. Maria, this is...this is..well, everybody!" Every christmas the train would be set up and he would dress up as Santa Claus for the kids. And for the adults too, I learned. All the ladies would get a turn on Santa's lap. It was not something I wanted to do, I think it was my second Bunt Christmas and I was still getting my bearings and getting to know the family. When it was my turn, I decided Bill was going to squirm too so I told Santa what I wanted. An engagement ring. Mission accomplished. Grandpa and several family members talked about that for years! It was even brought up at our wedding:) Grandpa Bunt got so much joy out of Christmas. I don't think I will ever not connect the ideas of that holiday with anyone else.
He loved having people over to his house; not just for holidays, but anytime. He was so proud of his home and his family. His family was everything to him. It was from him  that I learned just how important it is. And more importantly that family isn't necessarily just the people you are related to. Because sometimes those people are absent for whatever reason and family is what you make it. My family has always been welcome to mix with his and that is a great gift.

 Ray was the life of the party. He loved talking to anyone and everyone. He just really enjoyed hearing other people's experiences and trying to make sense of them. One of my all time favorite pictures from our wedding was a picture of him filling up one of my bridesmaid's champagne glass. It is Ray to a t. He always made sure people were having a good time; that they had enough to drink and eat. You weren't about to have a bad time if he was around anyway!

Now that is a family photo!

Being a history buff,  I loved all his stories about the Great Depression and his experiences in World War II. I mean who couldn't love a guy that had met Eleanor Roosevelt on his submarine in his boxer shorts because the captain wasn't going to let them take shoreleave? He was a member of the crew of the USS Sailfish.

That's him with the turtle shell

Seriously, look them up. They were involved with some crazy stuff during the war. He was proud of so many things, being a life guard, being in the war, working for John Hancock Insurance back east, his role in helping labor movements, helping political campaigns...the list goes on and on.
But if I was to choose one thing that he was most proud of, it was Ann.

His wife.

They knew each other so briefly before they got married, only a few months. But you would never know it. If there was ever a couple that was made for each other from the get go, it was these two. Ray was always the one with the crazy stories, Ann would reign him in and correct his numbers or places or times but always with a smile. They had the most amazing love, one that we can all aspire to. When we were going through Grandpa's things I found some letters that he had written to her in the weeks leading up to their wedding.

They were so sweet and so Ray. It was clear, even then how proud he was to be with her.

I will miss Grandpa pulling out the old photos and sharing stories, asking me about my work as a teacher, trying to figure out why I didn't make more money,  giving big hugs and kisses to my girls. I feel so blessed that I was a part of his family and continue to be. He opened his arms and his family to me and for that I can never repay him except to make sure that one day I do the same for someone who loves my daughters.

Rest Ray. Your family is strong, loved and we are together because of you. Thank you Grandpa. Please give Grandma a great, big kiss for me and the girls.