A Tribute to My Grandfather

Winton de Ruyter Woods was my grandfather.

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I come to this service today – as one of what Gyne called his progeny. And while I’m sure that while each of us ‘progeny’ had different experiences with the man – I wouldn’t be surprised if another of us stood up here – and you heard a similar treatment of this precious subject.

Also… a warning. Some of you may not get all the inside humor (or lack thereof) that will come out here – but I ask that you attempt to stay with me…. There may be some truth that can be applied to our own lives – even if you never met him….

If he were speaking right now. He might say something like:

I won’t stay long. I’ve got to leave soon and finish writing a letter to the editor. And besides, I don’t want to impose…. (SMILE) However, since he is not here – at least in such a ways as he could argue – and since we’ve come to talk about him – maybe we can linger here for at least a few minutes…. Regardless, I won’t stay too long either, I’ve gotta get my car into the shop and I’ve got a bunch of homework to get done. So, I’ll be leaving in just a few minutes.

He would probably be embarrassed by what I’m about to say. He did not perceive himself as one who functioned as a pivot-point for so many people’s lives. But, I guess that’s one luxury we have here…. We get to talk about him, and we don’t have to worry about how he might feel. And you know…. I had another thought while putting this talk together – I’ve discovered that I hope – one day at my funeral – people might be able to honestly say things about me that were just like him.

Lt. Col. (Retired) Winton de Ruyter Woods I.

Winton to some.

Woody to most. And to a very special few of us: Gyne.

To describe Gyne is a little difficult. But generally, eclectic people of rare genius and caring are….

Deep Lover of Nancy Woods, Practitioner of Jurisprudence, Maker of deals, Pursuer of Truth, Inventor of ideas, Teller of Stories, Writer of Letters to the Editor, Friend of Animals, Server of Country and its Ideals, Doer of Home Projects, Master of Rhetoric, Father of three, Grandfather of ten, and Great-Grandfather of five. We are here today to remember this man.

None of what I’m saying here should imply that Gyne was perfect. We all know that none of us are. But if there was ever a person that was more deeply committed to everyone and everything around him – I’ve not met that person. He absolutely charged forward into life.

His pursuit of people – to love them, to care for them, to challenge them, to encourage them, to call a spade a spade – showed a portion of courage not often seen in our society. Some may call it obsessive. But in Gyne’s case, I call it leaning into life. If something was worth doing, it was worth doing right.

Gyne leaned into life and – He raced after knowledge. If a subject was worth learning, it was worth mastering. Gyne devoured whatever subject in which he was currently interested. I just went through the dog-eared reference books on writing and the book-marked texts on publishing literature for children. And even though he called his computer an “infernal machine,” the technical manual’s covers were worn down with use.

Gyne raced after knowledge – but more importantly – he looked for truth. Gyne would study all the materials in – search of that which was correct and true. He wanted to get it right.

Gyne looked for truth – and he pursued people. He never wanted to impose. But you always knew that there was a man right off to the side of the stage that was standing there – ready to leap in to help – yearning for you succeed – willing to give a word of wisdom, or some direction drawn from a deep well of life experience.

Gyne pursued people – and he loved with courage. While he didn’t want to impose (you’ve heard that before haven’t you?!?!) – Gyne could and would, when necessary, step into a situation and love with words and action. Sometimes that took the form of an encouraging phone call – often disguised – as a discussion about some current event…. But sometimes it took the form of stern statement of concern about a choice made or words said. Gyne was a warrior who would willingly spend himself in the protection of his family and its honor. I never feared Gyne – but I believe I would have – if I were on the wrong side of scheme to harm anyone under his patriarchal umbrella. He called that love “50 Eagle.” I’m not sure what that meant – but I know how it felt to be a recipient of that kind of unconditional Love. And if its true that we get our perception of what God is like through our experiences with important male figures in our lives – I think I am beginning to understand why I am able to rest in His love.

If you’ll indulge me, I want to read an edited portion from the writing’s of C.S. Lewis about God’s love. It was the last piece of literature that Gyne and I discussed – And it talks about the God who loves us and reflects the “50 Eagle” love that Gyne lived.

Anyway – Gyne was not God – but in so many ways he loved like God does even now.

By the way… It’s impossible to segue into this next thought. So, I’ll just say it, because it has to be said. Gyne could fix anything with duct tape. Now, back to the Eulogy….

One of the most incredible things about this man was the way that he recognized the value of every person. Gyne knew in a way that lies deeper than I can understand right now – that every person was of infinite worth. He moved in many circles during his life. Yet it did not matter to whom he was speaking. The attitude was always the same. Whether he spoke to government officials or to the clerk who rented him storage space for his stuff. That person was treated with deference and merely assumed to be a person of immense value and great importance.… Which, I guess, if all of us would think about it, they are.

Gyne recognized value in people – but he also sought to build value into them. One way he would do this is through storytelling…. Here’s how it would usually go: Gyne had an uncanny ability to put people at ease. He would ask questions about their job, their life, their interests, or their opinions. Then he would LISTEN to the answer. (Amazing – a pretty simple concept). But then the magic would begin. Suddenly you were transported to the banks of a river in Maryland, the halls of the pentagon, the cockpit of his old piper cub, a seat in his boat, the pages of an article or book that he had just read, or any other place or time that had intersected with his 83 years of existence. And from that vast storehouse of material, Gyne would relate a story that interwove with what he had just heard.

And if the person listening to the story was willing to REALLY HEAR what he was saying – they would receive a gift. The gift was a miniature yet many facetted jewel of truth, experience, wisdom, and knowledge.

The single jewel could be used in its own setting of the person’s life. Or, if the person was really smart, they could collect the jewels one by one and then combine them into a dazzling work of art to be hidden in the deepest recesses of their heart. That treasure could then be viewed in the minds eye at any time – and each point of light could represent a part of themselves that had been enriched by Gyne.

So, there it is, I’ve tried to capture a little bit of the essence of who Gyne was.

I miss him so much. And my heart aches at this loss of a Grandfather, friend, mentor, and personal cheerleader.

I believe I will see him on That Day – The day when the Lord of Terrible Aspect – the Love that made the worlds – brings His own together – NEVER to be separated again.

And I can’t wait to see all the things that Gyne has already done to his mansion with duct tape.

Thanks for coming today…..