Kate Weiland : Tribute to my Grandpa Enns

Jul 15, 2015

Tribute to my Grandpa Enns

This was the tribute that I gave to my 90 year old Grandfather on his birthday about a week ago written and delivered by yours truly on his special day.

90th Birthday Tribute to Grandpa Fred Enns

Well first, I’d just like to say what a gift it was to be asked to deliver this very special birthday tribute today to my Grandfather - Fred Enns. I was excited to have the opportunity to share with you all some facts, some memories and was especially thrilled to be the one to honour him on such a huge birthday milestone. However, I must also disclose that almost immediately upon accepting the request, I began to feel a beaded sweat on my face. I noticed my heart rate was rising, and the initial nervous butterflies in my stomach were now turning into full blown angry bats looping and twirling around in my abdomen. Yes - I was panicked. How on EARTH was I going to pay homage (ah-madge) to such a legendary man and his 90 epic years? How was I going to compose something about someone so incredible into a birthday tribute? Well, I don’t know that we can totally capture such greatness into a five minute speech, but I guess that because I revere my grandfather who has personally affected my life on many occasions I’ll say now that I only want to be able to acknowledge his greatness and maybe make him smile during this tribute.

So, where do I start? Well, let’s think about how old this distinguished gentleman actually is… 90 (PAUSE) 90 guys! Just to give you an idea of how ‘ripe’ 90 years really is, I did a little research and came across this wild fact:

In July of the year my Grandpa was born (1925) a high school biology teacher was found guilty of teaching evolution to his students, and was fined $100 for it. Can you imagine? Wow how times have changed. I as a teacher thought that was an interesting segway to the fact that I have always been so proud that my grandpa was a school teacher and then a principal and then a University Professor and then the Dean of the Faculty of Education at the U of A. Both he and my mother Laurie had a huge influence on the profession that I chose. I would state that I couldn’t have loved my job as an educator anymore than I have and I can thank my Grandfather for inspiring me to become one.

I’m also always so proud to say (and brag about the fact) that I still have a lively, healthy Grandfather. His toast to the bride on my wedding day will forever be such a highlight and special memory for me. Every year, it has been such a joy to share my birthday with Grandpa Enns in the same month and to give him a birthday phone call on his day and happy to get one back a few days later on mine.

I actually have a picture of us sharing the experience of eating my first ice cream cone in his back yard in Edmonton on my first birthday.

It’s still astounding (considering the fact that he’s now 90 years old) that getting a huge Grandpa Enns bear hug after family sunday night meals almost hurts because those hugs are still filled with such strength and vigour even to this day. I received one of those hugs the day that he attended my university convocation where both he and my Grandmother Nettie came to the graduation ceremonies. I felt so proud that my grandparents - especially my grandfather, took the time to celebrate my educational successes.

But this is the type of man I have always known Grandfather Enns to be. A man that we all know as kind, thoughtful, faithful, extremely wise but never presumptuous. Much smarter than anyone in the room but who is smart enough to sit back and just listen. A man who I find more and more relatable and easy to talk to as the years go by. The perfect mix of leader, advisor and friend blended with a dash of quick-wit - but just enough - never too much. Kind of like a fine wine…only getting better with age. Please raise your glass with me and let’s toast to this amazing man! Happy 90th Birthday Grandpa Enns! Here here!