My Grandpa Staub

has gone to heaven.

Though he was 92, it wasn't expected. He was relatively strong and healthy... he just played a round of golf little over a month ago! Actually, he played golf every chance he got.

He did, however, also have some moments of unsteadyness, and took a spill last December. He didn't think it was any big deal and barely even mentioned it. The problem is, he hit his head hard enough to cause a bleed. It went undiagnosed for several weeks and by the time it was revealed, had become very serious requiring immediate surgery to have it drained.

Grandpa pulled through that surgery remarkably well; the doctors and nurses marveled at his age. Soon, he was well enough to be transported to a rehab facility closer to home. He spent a week or so there and was doing so well, there was talk of him "being able to go home in a week." The day following that good news, however, he took another tumble; this time from his wheelchair. He reinjured his head which caused another bleed. We were devastated to hear that he would have to endure the same surgery a second time.

He did not respond as well to the second surgery. Actually, he declined very rapidly. The day following his transfer to a Hope Hospice home, he spent a full afternoon surrounded by his beloved wife and children, and passed away later that evening.

Today, we'll be remembering my grandpa, and I'm happy to have the opportunity to share one of his favorite scriptures at the service.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~Romans 8:38-39

Yes, grandpa was convinced that nothing ever could or would separate him from the love of God. And it was that love… that deep, rich, perfect love of God that filled grandpa’s heart. Only it didn’t just fill it; it bubbled up and spilled all over us.

I remember a time when I was a very little girl, we had a fun family weekend at my grandparents’ summer camp in Quebec Canada. At the end of the weekend, my parents left with my little brother but allowed me to stay behind to play with my cousins who weren’t leaving for a few more days. I think it was the same day I gleefully hugged my parents goodbye, that we were swimming in the lake and I got the worst swimmers ear ever… and by the next day, they had turned into two utterly horrendous ear infections.

I remember waking in the night from the pain, and it was my dear grandpa who responded to my cries. He came and sat on the edge of my bed, and stroked my hair while singing soothing lullabies until I fell asleep again.

It’s a sweet memory I’ve carried with me for nearly 40 years, and a prime example of his gentle, tender heart. I am so blessed to have been loved by him.



Melvin O. Staub
December 17, 1916 - February 7, 2009
He was a devoted, tender-hearted husband, father and grandfather (great grandfather... and great, great grandfather!); a gentle and faithful friend, and a wholly commited servant to his beloved Savior.




With his littlest great grandson, Jim. (I believe they're discussing the cake!)




Grandpa and Grandma with their kids.




A happy family celebration.