Page created by: Bill Boyle

Dennis Boyle, my grandfather, suffered from Parkinson's late in his life. Although you could see the physical effects of the disease, you wouldn't know it by talking to him. His will was unbreakable, he refused to let the disease define him. Our family knew the tough battle he was fighting, but he was a beacon of joy and love. He was a true role model to me, showing me that no matter what life throws at you, never give up.

He served in World War II at Guadalcanal, making him an American hero in my heart. He was a father of seven, no easy task. He was a loving husband to my grandmother. He had a truly kind heart, quick to put a smile on my face. These few words cannot possible justify the truly wonderful life he led and the legacy he left behind. I can only hope to be half the man he was, because I'm not sure anyone can parallel all he did in his life. His selflessness and kind demeanor was as constant as the ticking second hand of a clock. His love for his family was tenacious, his love for his wife never waning. I will never know how he had the ability to lead the life he led, for it was truly remarkable.

I miss my grandfather, I wish I could still sit next to him, I wish I could still give him a kiss on the cheek. I wish I could tell him one more time how much I loved him. I wish I could walk with him just to hear him talk.

Although he is gone, my love for him is not. I thank God for such a blessing as Dennis Boyle.

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." - George Patton.

Dennis Boyle is one of those men I thank God he lived.