July 2000: "At this point, I want to briefly acknowledge the four major family-friend influences in my life -- particularly this last decade. Having reached what I think to be a milestone in my thoughts and plans, I extend kudos ...

To Papa I say: From observing your earthly and abstract dexterity I cannot think of another man I have met who has flourished in such a diverse cross-section of life. I am always amazed at what and how much you have built, cultivated and taught -- demanding the most exact specifications for every inch of the way. It is your sense of mission, perseverance and strength that is and will be my success. Thank you Papa. ...

To Nana & Papa both I say: In addition to being models that helped to mold my character and to paraphrase Margaret Mitchell: as the great drama of life has unfolded before me and been acted out on stage, it is you who have been my front row audience. Thank you forever for listening to and supporting me in my quest for truth and during the growth of my ideas."

Dear Papa,

I first thanked you for your support during my early years of development -- my 20s -- in the July 2000 letter of my website. I think it due time to further clarify that thank you today.

I ask myself -- what more do I have to say? In reply I think the beauty of life is in the manner of living and -- reviewing the span of your incredible life -- conclude that you have lived excellently. You have lived a life worth living. I have the idea that the closing of a life worth living is an event not to be sorry or sad about. For in the fulfillment of existence Nature has simply run its course and it is time to give back what she freely gives us: life.

To put things into proper perspective you may like to remind me that you are not perfect, that you made mistakes during the course of your life. But as a friend once counseled me mistakes are themselves learning opportunities. A teacher by profession I believe you yourself never left the student's seat, consistently seeking and applying new knowledge to enhance the quality of your life and those around you -- be they family, friends and/or strangers.

In my adult years you and I have shared a relationship of largely quiet understanding, communicated through long-distance letters and brief but memorable conversations.

Upon the close of my second travel tour in November of 2000, after the July 2000 letter had been composed and circulated, returning to Evansburg in passing through to Yellowknife, during a one-on-one conversation you shocked me by saying you considered me more intelligent than yourself but unsure if I was more intelligent than your father. Considering your extensive talents in both abstract and practical realms, the degree and depth of your intellect and experience, it was a compliment of the highest regard. Catching me off guard it also made me think as to its origins.

During my teens you once spoke to me that you preferred the sciences and mathematics over the arts because there is a greater certainty and objectivity in the former over the latter. The statement has always stuck with me.

If my twenties are to be noted for anything it was to try and extend a similar kind of mathematical certainty and objectivity into a moral, practical philosophy of living that could be defended from the oppressive altruisms and nihilistic cliches of so-called 'artistic-intellectual' circles. Circles that take life's greatest moments -- indeed, life itself -- and value them to be ultimately meaningless.

There is a term I use to describe my philosophy: romantic realism.

Long before my entry into the world you strove to be a realist for it is the nature of a good teacher to do so. My philosophical quest into existence has, I believe, come to externally reflect the 'music' you have internally felt all along -- as expressed in the many practical achievements of your hands -- but found it difficult to express in words.

Through the precision of the written word I like to think I have composed -- like the chemist or musician -- a balanced harmony of reason and fact with romantic inspiration. And it is the integration of this latter half, so essential to fuel and uplift the spirit, that earned the compliment you paid me. I came to address and satisfy -- at least in part -- an important aspect of your life previously undefined.

It is a part of my conviction to pay my respects to individuals while they live. And while doctors have underestimated your strength time and again I wanted to take this moment to re-state my respect to you today. For even without the addition of age the amount of time we are freely given by Nature is a universal uncertainty.

This letter then, in follow up to the earlier one, is to thank you for being you. Thank you for bringing light where there was none previous -- as a grand-father, friend, human being and teacher -- the latter as one who systematically subdues fear by means of thoughtfulness, thoughtfulness being the principle characteristic of the highest form of love and respect.

Thank you for being a thinker, your recognition of me as a fellow thinker, for someone I could share my most intimate, sublime thoughts with and receive commentary and constructive criticism in return.

Thank you for your critical support during my formative years to present day.

I have long made it known in letters my aversion to the idea of an immortal soul. For it is an idea incapable of being objectively and conclusively verified by reason, diverting man's thoughts and energies away from bettering himself here on earth.

If, however, it is somehow true and still to be proven, or some other variant of after-life exists, as travelers you and I potentially have the most to gain. Freed from the parameters of this precious little-giant of a planet we can soar to the solar systems, stars and galaxies of our far-reaching universe. To join other "soul-travelers" of like mind in exploring the mystifying, awe-inspiring and elegant nature of existence to the farthest extents possible, to the cutting edges of beautiful creation, life and truth.

If the idea has any merit in reality then this is not a goodbye, only a see you later. If not then I thank you for being a distinctive and valuable individual in my development, thought and life.

Thank you for being my Papa.

Your existence is and has been an inspiration to me.

Love always,

Your grandson,

Greg