Adam's grandfather, Otto Roderick Irrgang, passed away last week.
We were glad to have the opportunity to see him one last time at his 100th birthday party back in March. Both girls got to meet their great-grandfather, which is a luxury most people don't have.
Otto, or Grandfather as Adam and Eric call him, was a career officer in the Navy. He was a Lt. Commander and served on the U.S.S. Ormsby during World War II.
He retired in Washington State after countless adventures in the Navy and beyond.
Adam got him a plaque for the big day. I thought that was an odd gift, but Grandfather loved it.
He seemed really happy to get out and celebrate.
I think Adam came by his love of lawn mowers naturally.
Grandfather loved to swim-here he is in Guam. My grandfather, Oliver Smith, also served in the Navy in Guam during WWII.
Violet was quite happy about the delicious 100th birthday cake.
Piper giving Uncle Eric a hug.
Grandfather had a small family, but here we all are, minus his wife. Grandmother Nina wasn't able to join us for the party, but she still resides in the Belfair area.
Make a wish!
We hope he got lots of honks on the way home.
Here are Nina and Otto in Bahrein in 1955. Aren't they cute? Adam remembers being in high-school and being unable to keep up with Grandfather's swimming at age 82. Grandfather swam regularly into his nineties.
Adam's grandparents with Adam's father, Michael.
Otto Roderick Irrgang, 1914-2014
What a great post! Otto seems like he was a wonderful man and he'll be long remembered.
Posted by: Maria | May 16, 2014 at 10:57 AM
Oh, what a long wonderful life he had. Nina is a dish!!
So sorry for your loss Adam.
Posted by: Vanessa {a fanciful twist} | May 16, 2014 at 01:41 PM
My condolences to you all. Those are some nice pictures! I like the one on the beach where he's holding her up! How nice that he made it to 100! My husband's grandmother lived on her own until she was about 98 or 99. She lived in a nursing home after that & made it to 100. She was so funny! She would complain about all the old people living there & she was probably one of the oldest ones! I guess she just never felt old!
Posted by: Laura | May 16, 2014 at 07:28 PM
Thanks everyone.
Laura-boy do I hope WE have that problem some day, huh?
Posted by: Laura | May 16, 2014 at 07:49 PM
I see quite a resemblance between Adam and Grandfather. Perhaps the dimples? And the muscular build? Lovely post.
Posted by: Charlotte | May 17, 2014 at 08:14 PM