“I’m not crying. It’s just that my eyes are running water.”

My maternal grandfather, Donald E. Steen

The following is the eulogy written by my mother, Judy, for my grandfather, Donald E. Steen, who died on April 25, 2015. I was really touched by her portrait and wanted to share it. 

Favie

My grandfather, Philip Watson Willis, taken in late 2010 when he was 93.

My grandfather, Philip Watson Willis, was best known amongst his large family and circle of friends as “Favie” – the name a product of my father’s lisping toddler attempts to say “Father.” My family has always prided itself on being articulate in speech and in writing – education always at a premium! – so I find it entertaining that this was allowed to let slide. And it stuck, too – even some of his university students knew him by this name.