Grandpa Kauffman’s Eulogy

     November 11, 2005

     We gather here today to honor the life of a man who was known to most of the world as R. Terry Kauffman,
      but was know  to most of us as Grandpa.

     It is ironic that I have spent the last few days researching the history of a man that had spent the better part
     of his life researching history.

     As I listened to stories and memories, and read documents and letters, the foundation of his life became clear. 
     Grandpa’s life was built upon three pillars:

     1.  His devotion to his country, both as a soldier and a civilian

     2.  His devotion to his family

     3.  His devotion to knowledge

     Some of the memories that I will always keep of Grandpa are:

• The stories of the time he served in the 3^rd Horse Calvary that he never got tired of telling
• The fact that although he had very nice handwriting, all correspondence from him was typewritten
• The miniature vineyard in the backyard of his house in Detroit
• The miniature bottles of liquor he collected on his world travels
• That his shirts always had two big breast pockets to hold his glasses, at least one pen, and his little notebook of information
• That I never had to think of a present to get him because he always had a list of books he wanted to read

      When I was asked to say a few words about Grandpa, I wondered what I could say that would do him justice. 
      I decided instead to let Grandpa speak for himself.

      While going through his papers, we came across a book jacket he wrote for a book he never completely finished.

      It reads:
    

      As we know, after writing this, they visited 42 more countries for a total of 102.  Also, his 9 grandchildren
      provided him with 10 great-grand children, and they have provided him with 1 great-great grandchild.

      He was a self made man who served his country, married his sweetheart, raised a family, and was able to live
      out the American dream by using his wit, courage, determination, and character to overcome the challenges he
      faced during his life.  This is the legacy he leaves us.

      So, on Veteran’s Day, 2005, after 87 years of being ‘on guard’ for his country and for his family,
      we can finally say “At ease, Grandpa”, and well done!

     ---written and read by his grandson, Richard Terry Lerman