Grampa teaches us to the end
By John Mohan

A couple of weeks ago I scanned my calendar.

Monday: Invited to give the invocation at the PC Party of Manitoba Leader's Gala and sit with leader Hugh and Jennifer McFadyen (and hoping I'm extended similar invitations from the other provincial parties).

Wednesday: Receive the Volunteer Manitoba 2009 Community Leader's Award on behalf of Siloam Mission.

Friday: Give the Baccalaureate address to the '09 Graduating Class of International Bible College in Moose Jaw.

Saturday: Back to Winnipeg to speak to hundreds of Siloam Mission volunteers at our annual appreciation event.

Busy week, but manageable.

Then life happened in a way that neither my wife Brenda nor I ever encountered before but eventually happens to everyone -- especially to those in their 50s. Already in Moose Jaw, my sister from Camrose Alta., phoned to say my cancer-stricken stepfather had taken a turn. The doctor was advising the family be called in to say our goodbyes.

Born to Norwegian immigrants in 1930, Clifford (Cliff) Grahn was raised in the Hay Lakes area of Alberta, in a large farming family. Growing up, it was assumed he too would farm but as he reached his 20s, Cliff chose instead to move to nearby Camrose to pursue carpentry. Known as an easy-going hard worker with strong and skilled hands, he was employed by a single construction company most of his adult life. He was a master builder with the highest of standards. He was not just building houses for customers, but crafting homes for families.

Cliff always felt awkward around the young ladies and as he reached his mid-40s all assumed he would remain a bachelor. But at age 48, to the surprise of many, he married my mom Joyce Lilley Mohan on May 20 1978. Mom's four children (I was the oldest then at age 19 and already in college) were immediately welcomed by Cliff and we children enthusiastically adopted Cliff. As the years progressed he became the quintessential doting grandfather making long-distance trips from the Islands of the B.C. coast to Manitoba to visit his grandchildren. He even valiantly attempted to teach his family the finer points of his Norwegian culture, like appreciating lutefisk, but without much success on that one.

First diagnosed with cancer in 1994, Cliff fought a long and courageous battle up until his last few days. The day of his passing, last Monday, a once middle-aged, introverted, lonely bachelor was surrounded by his family -- a wife, four children, their spouses, his grandchildren and one great grandson who'd travelled from across Western Canada to be with him. He was 79.

In discussing Cliff's last days with my youngest son Cameron I acknowledged the discomfort and emaciation we saw of a once strong man. Hoping to give some perspective I suggested what we saw, although unpleasant, was Grandpa Grahn packing for a trip and he was going to a place where we will also want to be. It sounded good to Cam and it brings comfort and hope to me.

--John Mohan is the CEO of Siloam Mission.

Originally printed in the Winnipeg Sun, Wednesday, May 6, 2009.
Reprinted with the permission of Sun Media Corporation.