Eulogy for Giggy Garber by his Grandchildren

Eulogy for Giggy Garber by his Grandchildren
May 25, 2007

Our Dear Grampa Giggy,

Not many grandchildren can claim the same close relationship with their grandfather as we had with you. You made an effort to create a close-knit family. Despite the great physical distance, you always ensured that we would do things together. From treating all of the grandchildren to many vacations, the log cabin and many weekends together at Eastman, you always wanted us to feel close with you and each other.

Throughout the years we engaged in many long conversations ranging in topic from solving the problems of the Middle East, our various professions and interests to our different views about American culture and sports (and I should say you made me, an Israeli who knew nothing about football, a Patriots fan); all of this just gave you an excuse to say how proud you were of us.

You were a man who lived by your values and you were a true example of the American dream—you embodied the concept and were a living model of it. You built yourself up so that we would have everything that we would ever need. You used only hard work to get you far, and you made sure that we would always be able to accomplish everything that we believed in. You put your life on the line to fight for America and you provided for us so that no external worries could have prevented us from realizing our dreams.

With every milestone in our life, every graduation or achievement, a great part of our pride was to see you so proud of us. We knew that we had done something right.

You and granmums provided us with an incredible example of love and friendship. As we each find our partners in our life, we look to you and granmums for inspiration.

We began to worry more than a year ago that you didn’t have much time left, but you made it perfectly clear that you would be at Toby and Boaz’s wedding. And indeed you were.

When Zohar was born you were able to extend your love to yet another generation. Zohar loved playing with you and we all saw how much she touched you. Your title may have changed but it didn’t have to—you already were a great grandfather.

It is so difficult for Yasmin and me, Ben and Shira, Toby and Boaz, Nadav and Lexi to say goodbye. We are relieved that your suffering is over, but we will really miss you. Our Grampa Giggy may physically be gone, but your strong presence will always be with us.

We are proud to be Gilbert Garber’s grandchildren.