"There will be no one like us when we are gone, but then there is no one like anyone else, ever. When people die, they cannot be replaced. They leave holes that cannot be filled. But the joy of having known that person, and the comfort of having them in your memories, is never lost." - Oliver Sacks
The joy of having known my grandad, Steve Kinzett, is immeasurable. When I think of him, I can think of so many fond memories. All the technology, gadgets and gizmos that he had and was interested in throughout his life; I remember making fun powerpoint presentations with him on his computer, and even in the last few years people would be surprised when I told them I had a text from my grandad!
I developed an interest in cars because of him. I loved seeing all the little model cars he had in his collection, and remember actual cars on the driveway or in the garage, where he would fix them up. The garage felt like a magical place for me as a child, and I think grandad was keen to teach me about all the tools he kept in there (safely, of course!)
His love of photography has been passed on to me. I have one of his old film cameras, and I loved learning how to use it and processing photos in the darkroom at school. I remember going through all of the photos he had on slides. Everything seems to be digital now, but there's definitely magic in the film cameras and slides.
I remember family holidays and his Hawaiian shirts - loud and proud! He was sociable and friendly, always happy to talk to other people. I remember family events at the old house and the bungalow. I remember him having a big, infectious smile, and a great laugh.
I remember his strength, his resilience, and his generosity. And every time that I'd visited him in the last few years, I was always amazed at how much he could remember, and how much he still knew - especially as I feel like my own memory is rubbish a lot of the time!
I loved my grandad, and I will continue to love him and remember him fondly.
Eloise
24/04/2025
