Pop’s Birthday

Pop’s Birthday

By 王渊源John

My maternal(məˈtərnl) grandfather, William Francis Franck(fräNGk), passed away in 2015 at the age of 97. He would have been 103 today.

We called him Pop. He got that name because it was what my cousin(ˈkəz(ə)n) Ginny, who was his first grandchild, called him.

His career, most of which happened before I knew him, was in the Textile(ˈtekˌstīl) industry. He was the CEO of a company called Tultex, and it grew from 160 to 6500 employees during his tenure(ˈtenyər).

He also loved computers and new technology. He was avid(ˈavəd) Apple Computer fan starting in the early 80s, and he even opened a computer store with my uncle.

I remember him as a kind and funny man who could be very demanding and exacting, but who was always full of love and care for others.

During the last few years of his life, he would often call me on Skype(skīp). Sometimes when he called me he would ask what I was calling about, and I eventually discovered that he thought the “your friend is online notifications” were missed calls.

I remember our conversations very fondly. No matter whether I was in an important meeting or sleeping, I was always happy to take his call. Sometimes we would talk for longer, but often the conversations would be quite short.

He would say, “Hey Old Boy, just wanted to let you know we love you.”

“I love you too, Pop.”

“Ok. Take care. Goodbye!”