Phil Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 My grandfather, John "Jack" Hengle. Passed away right at the beginning of the snowboard season this year. We called him Pop. Pop has been an inspiration to me all of my life. He was a positive male role model that I needed when I lacked one elsewhere. We were very close. Pop was born in 1921. His family was pretty much fresh off of the boat from Austria. He married my grandmother, the late Vivian Lucille Hengle, in 1942. He made the rounds in WWII as part of the 13th Ordnance disposal. The above is a pic that he sent my Grandmother during the war. I am still reeling from his death. The day after he died, I called the Martins at Donek so that I could memorialize him in a way that would be very personal to me. I did not really "need" any boards, but I "wanted" a wider FR board. I ordered a Sasquatch 170 personalized with the words "Thanks Pop" oriented so that whenever I do a backside air or a toeside carve, that is what everyone will see. I never get a chance to go out in front of a camera, so it took me until the end of the season before I finally got five minutes to do a photo shoot (literally). Here is the result. The "L.J." Method ;) Whenever I concentrate on something, I stick my tongue out (like above). Pop would always ask "Does that tongue help?" It is only fitting that I would have my tongue out in this pic. BTW - thanks to the Martins @ Donek for their help w/the board. Also, thanks Dave E. for the photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gleb Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 I am truely sorry for your loss. Best way to memorialize someone you love is with something you love to do. Great idea and great pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NateW Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 What Gleb said. Nice tribute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FTA2R Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 I have a similar board (also thx to Donek), it's a neat tribute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ar(angel Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 That's one of the greatest memorial's I've ever seen. We just had a local snowboard instructor pass away at our home mountain, I'm going to suggest this to them as a way of paying respects to him. I'm sure Pop's would be proud, Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-Sub Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 big ol sloppy drunken hug, phil. can barely type this. wish I'd had a real father figure...glad you did. handsome fella! RIP Jack! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeW Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 That's totally sweet!!! i'd bet Pops'd be groovin' to that courdraries turning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skatha Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 Thanks so much for your grandfather's help as part of the "Greatest Generation". So few of the Mexican immigrants here(both legal and illegal) are loving enough of their new country to speak the new language, let alone go to war for their new country against their old countrymen...props to your grandfather and sorry for your loss... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack M Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 well done Phil. My condolences to your family and our country for the loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
www.oldsnowboards.com Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 Well done! What a wonderfull story, with great heart felt words. Sorry for your family loss. He lives on in your hearts and minds. Ride on Jack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Posted March 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 Thanks everyone for the kind comments. I have directed quite a few friends and family members here as well and they have expressed their appreciation too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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