(Written by Sarah Coleman) I’m running for my Grandpa Stoney. He was a strong, proud man and cancer took that away from him. He taught me to never give up. I hope that everyone out there battling cancer is lucky enough to have someone in their lives who taught them to keep fighting.
Howell R. Stone Jr. (aka Stoney) lived his life as an independent, kind, and self-sufficient man. He came from rough beginnings. As the only child of a fifteen year old mother in the 1920's, he spent some of his childhood in an orphanage and other times living with relatives. He excelled in academics and sports, including football. He joined the Army-Air Corps (USAF) to fight in World War II. He was stationed in Europe and participated in many dangerous missions as a bombardier. It wasn’t until a couple of months before he passed away that he ever spoke about his time in the war, though he mourned the loss of his friends who did not return home.
Stoney was married to Rose Mary Herrick for 30 years and they had 4 children. Stoney was a very hard worker and worked many hours at his different jobs. He was always there for his family. He took care of his mother in her later years and even helped take care of his ex sister-in-law when she became ill. His hobby and pride was wood working, at which he was incredibly talented. Stoney always worked on maintaining his health, his daily exercise was tailored after the Canadian Air Force Fitness Program. In later years he walked many miles a day as a mail carrier for the USPS. There were many cold and blizzard-like days that he delivered mail in Northern Colorado. He took pride in everything he did. He was known for neatness, his handwriting was practiced, he ironed his clothes, he kept his yard attractive and grew roses that bloomed continuously.
He enjoyed the simple things in life. He liked to cook soups and stews. He enjoyed taking rides and fishing in the Colorado Mountains. He was a quiet man and the fish liked that about him. He always tried to excel at whatever he was doing. There were two enemies that Stoney had to fight later in his life. The first was a devastating stroke that prevented him from walking, talking, eating and living independently. He was in rehabilitation for 2 years after the stroke and worked harder than any other patient. He was easily frustrated when he couldn't find the word he wanted to say or even write his name. He recovered enough after the stroke to return to his home.
The second enemy was pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has a low cure rate and it also claims its victims quickly. Grandpa Stoney only lived six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer and passed away in the care of loved ones in a hospice facility. Life wasn't easy for Stoney but he never gave up. He knew it was his time to go; he didn't want to be a burden to his family. That was Stoney, taking care of others. He will always be missed by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
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