By Arian Lewis

I was 12 years old when I really got to know Joy. He was the lively grandpa type, a type I had never known. Every conversation seemed to be an adventure with him. He eyes and smile were vibrant and full of enthusiasm. As an energetic 12 year old I was surprised to find that his energy, in many cases, exceeded my own. In fact I tried to challenge him to find ways that I could beat him at doing things, and he loved the game. On one occasion I believe we started a conversation where I was asserting that I could not be shaken on the water skis. That was a challenge that Joy was up to- without a moment to spare. Even though it was dusk and the sun was just dipping behind the hills we started out on the lake. I got up on the skis and noticed we were headed straight for the bridge. He drove the boat at full speed under the bridge and directly into the swimming area. I could hear something hitting the boat up a head in succession. It was dark by now and I could barely see the swimming buoys popping up out of the water just before they hit me. I could hear Joy’s laughs but despite my yelling at him he just kept on with the challenge. I could have let go at any moment but I was not going to let this grandpa show me up.

Joy made several sharp turns and creative moves with the boat in an attempt to shake me. Eventually we headed back to the home end of the lake passing through the bridge as we had before. Just before reaching home, where I had planned to let go of the rope and sail on into the beach, Joy surprised me with one last turn. He slowed the boat down and took a quick and hard u-turn and then speed back up again. The last thing I recall was the boat passing me in one direction with Joy giving me a big smile and laugh. As always, his eyes were gleaming with excitement- bright and strong. I quickly found myself off the skis and floating in the water, he had won.

There are many men, in today’s world, who get caught in the races of life without really living. I value Joy’s living legacy because he found a way to make it through life without missing out on it. He had a lust for life, adventure, nature, and people. Hats off to a man who lived life with enthusiasm and who was willing to love a bold little 12 year old as he would his own grandson. I will miss you Joy.

I can only imagine the incredible adventure and journey he is now on, I am certain he is sharing his big spirit in a bold fashion on the other side. I am certain we will see Joy again.