Forest Drew Nelms January 31, 1923 – September 3, 2011 2000 miles away from me, a man quiet, still and at peace. Mourned by family and friends. Where tears and fond remembrance share the empty space. Gone are the worries, the pain and the uncertainty of life.

Larger than life, a man who lived his life the way he wanted with no excuses or apologies. A great man that shielded family and served his nation as a Marine Drill Sergeant. He now stands beside the throne of God, enveloped in love and the light of Heaven. Pain, fear, and worldly concerns are gone now, replaced with warmth, love and peace. A place fit for heroes and grandfathers – an inspiration to us all. Great Grandfather, Grandfather, uncle, husband, father and friend – a man who answered to many names.

He loved his wife, his family and his friends. He taught his Grandchildren the joy of fishing, and took us on motorhome adventures across the nation through countless summers. He loved his garden, and grew the most amazing vegetables that any homemade stew could ever ask for. When he spent time with his Great Grandson, the joy and pride shown in his eyes was priceless, revealing the softer side to a man of steel.

Gone but not forgotten. Nature abhors a vacuum but the space he occupied will be hard to fill. Our hearts are fuller for having known and loved him. We feel the pain and sadness of our recent loss. They say time heals such wounds, but I will take what Grandpa taught me about life and living, his strength, his inspiration and insight, and pass those bold qualities to his Great Grandson.

The loss will always be with me, I just pray I can make him proud once again by instilling the lessons and memories of a great man as his Great Grandson grows and becomes the man he is meant to be. A man’s man, a family man, a great man. A man to be remembered and to emulate. I love you Grandpa.