Last Sunday my Grandpa passed away. He was 92 years old.
He had four Daughters. My mum Bridget, Marylee, Carolyn and now Maria too.
As I am in Canada I was unable to attend the funeral today, where I'm sure there will be a massive turnout.
I didn't know a massive amount about my Grandpa's life. Should've made a point to ask. But I do know how so many people hold my grandfather in very high regard. And so do I.
He had so many family friends all over the world. That shows what I mean.
He was a teacher, a father, a husband, a farmer, a soldier and those are just the parts that I know about.
I also know he was stubborn. In hindsight perhaps this explains my stubbornness. Not a bad trait to inherit in my opinion. He wouldn't let life and old age get him down. I remember when he lived at Calverleigh and there was a massive, steep lawn in front of the house, he would drag a lawn mower up and down this lawn, for years and years and years, even when he wasn't really strong enough anymore and had accidents, would he stop? Would he heck. He enjoyed doing it too much, so he carried on.
I also remember his huge fruit patch he had at Calverleigh. As kids we would sneak out and get caught up in the netting whilst trying to retrieve raspberries. In fact I'm pretty sure this is where my brother Mike's strange love for Gooseberries came from.
The endless hours that Mike and I would play pick-up sticks in the sitting room whilst grandpa sat in his massive reclining chair (which we thought was particularly cool), doing crosswords, smoking his pipe and drinking his whiskey.
Most of all Gerald Wigram was a generous man who opened his home up to everyone. Guarenteed when you went to Calverleigh Cottage there would be at least 10 others, kids, teenagers, adults, charging around the house. There was almost always jacket potatoes and cold meat ready for anyone who turned up. He created a home that was always lively, full of people, full of laughter and occasionally of sadness, but everyone had a home there.
My heart will be there with everyone during this tough time even if I can't be there in person.
Rest in peace Grandpa. We will miss you.
5 comments:
Hi!
Came across your blog by accident when looking to find Marylee. I guess she is your aunt!! We were good friends for some years but have lost touch since we moved to South West France and my old address book is still packed away somewhere!! She lived at, if I remember right, Higher Ridge Farm, Caeleigh, Tiverton and raised deer. I remember your grandfather and possibly your mother. We all went to a concert in the park at Saltram or Killerton outside Exeter and had a wonderful picnic on the lawn. My daughter held one of the little granddaughters on her shoulders to see the concert. How amazing if it were you!!
We are so sorry to hear of your grandfather's death. We would love to get back in touch with Marylee. Last we knew she and husband Mark were in Saumur, France. If you have a contact address or would like to pass out email on to her it would be great. Our email is mandiandjane@gmail.com
Wishing you all the best for the new year.
Jane, Amanda, Martin and Peter (Nelson)
That was me! And I remember that day, I must of been very little!
I have passed on your email to Marylee. Nice to hear from you.
Anne
Hello Anne:
Browsing, as one does, for hooks to yesterday, I came across your blog via your grandfather's name. Mr Wigram, as I knew him, taught me at St Aubyn's, Tiverton, for many years. I remember him fondly, though it was way back in the early '60s. What's more astonishing is that you're in Canada. So am I. Obviously your grandfather and others at the school did somehting good and right, since I'm now a professor at York University, Toronto. If you're anywhere close, I'd be delighted to meet to toast old 'Wiggy' (no disrespect, just affectionate recall). You can find me on the York University website, in the Department of Humanities. All good wishes. Jamie Scott
Hello, what a wonderful tribute, your grandpa was indeed a truly delightful gentleman and you were so fortunate to have him as your grandfather, you grandmother was also a wonderful person. I met your ma many moons ago when staying with your grandparents and Marylee had kindly asked me to stay. Calverleigh was unique as were the family. A very sad loss for you and all of your family. I have lost touch with Marylee and lastbspoke to her when shevwas letting her home. Please could you let her know I would love to hear from her and to know how she and Mark are. My e mail is gallery@coves quay.co.uk I hope Mummy is well and that you still visit Devon. Best wishes to you Mandy de Haan
Hello Anne.
Your Grandfather taught me back in '77-'79 @ St Aubyn's School.
Sad to read he passed away in 2009.
I recall him bouncing along on the school's ride on mower cutting & rolling the cricket wicket in the summer...the seat was seperate to the mower and was positioned above the large rear roller...never forgot the image...and I think he smoked a pipe too ?!?
He was affectionately known a Wiggy amongst all the schoolboys.
I recall he left the school to visit/work in Papua New Guinea...do u know what he did there ?
I was only a 10 yr old lad...now 46 !
He was a fun teacher and I am still in contact with friends from those school days.
Kind regards Karl.
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