Gadget (fmr Marine)
07-16-2007, 10:58 PM
Finally at rest and in the wind
One of our "Greatest Generation" members is finally resting at peace. My grandfather, Leo Raymond Ball, took his last breath last night as he was sleeping.
We would not have ever called himself a biker, but he is the reason why I have been riding for 25+ years, now. He would ride from Salt Lake City, UT to Grand Junction Colorado for a morning cup of coffee (might explain my desire to go get a bowl of soup), and be home for dinner with my grandmother.
Gpa Ball was a humble, honest man with a soul as good as they come. He has 5 daughters (all but 1 adopted) and along with my grandmother had innumerable foster children in their home, for as long as I can remember. He is an inspiration to me, and I hope I can be half the man he was.
Born in Shanghai, China after the turn of the century, his family was sent packing as a result of one of the rebellions against European influences, and found himself, at the age of about 20 or so in the US. Shortly after, he met my grandmother, and they married, afterward, he joined the Navy and did his duty in the Pacific during WWII.
Shortly after his return from the Pacific, my mother was born, and he joined the corporate world as many of the US servicemen did. A long the way, he became one of those nice people you meet on a Honda. All my life I have known him to ride. From Utah, Colorado, California, and arguably the most miles he ever put on was his commute when he lived in Fairbanks, AK.
I can recall the smell of eucalyptus in southern California, and eating the squished PB&J sandwiches my grandmother used to make for us on our excursions. The sandy beach smells of the PCH and the smell of the sage from Western Colorado will always stir a memory of this great man.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to ride with him, and to get to share some space on this great planet with him. He is my hero and inspiration that demands of me the best that I can do, and the forgiveness and support when I don't quite get there. I am also truly thankful to have had the opportunity to see him through the eyes of a grandson that thought the world of him, but even more so, that I had the chance to introduce my son to him this last Thanksgiving.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l137/gadget_03/Jake/gpaballandjake.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
It was a meeting well spent.
Our time is fleeting, in the big picture, and we all make choices based on our influences. I hope my choices live up to the standard set by this fine man.
One of our "Greatest Generation" members is finally resting at peace. My grandfather, Leo Raymond Ball, took his last breath last night as he was sleeping.
We would not have ever called himself a biker, but he is the reason why I have been riding for 25+ years, now. He would ride from Salt Lake City, UT to Grand Junction Colorado for a morning cup of coffee (might explain my desire to go get a bowl of soup), and be home for dinner with my grandmother.
Gpa Ball was a humble, honest man with a soul as good as they come. He has 5 daughters (all but 1 adopted) and along with my grandmother had innumerable foster children in their home, for as long as I can remember. He is an inspiration to me, and I hope I can be half the man he was.
Born in Shanghai, China after the turn of the century, his family was sent packing as a result of one of the rebellions against European influences, and found himself, at the age of about 20 or so in the US. Shortly after, he met my grandmother, and they married, afterward, he joined the Navy and did his duty in the Pacific during WWII.
Shortly after his return from the Pacific, my mother was born, and he joined the corporate world as many of the US servicemen did. A long the way, he became one of those nice people you meet on a Honda. All my life I have known him to ride. From Utah, Colorado, California, and arguably the most miles he ever put on was his commute when he lived in Fairbanks, AK.
I can recall the smell of eucalyptus in southern California, and eating the squished PB&J sandwiches my grandmother used to make for us on our excursions. The sandy beach smells of the PCH and the smell of the sage from Western Colorado will always stir a memory of this great man.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to ride with him, and to get to share some space on this great planet with him. He is my hero and inspiration that demands of me the best that I can do, and the forgiveness and support when I don't quite get there. I am also truly thankful to have had the opportunity to see him through the eyes of a grandson that thought the world of him, but even more so, that I had the chance to introduce my son to him this last Thanksgiving.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l137/gadget_03/Jake/gpaballandjake.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
It was a meeting well spent.
Our time is fleeting, in the big picture, and we all make choices based on our influences. I hope my choices live up to the standard set by this fine man.