Mike Strope blog

Mike (Grandad) was my father-in-law and my friend. We shared many happy times and memories together for 32 years. 

We spent many thanksgivings in his downstairs garage cooking the thanksgiving turkey(s) in the deep fat fryer. We would tell stories and laugh and have wonderful conversations about life. Darren would come down and join in and then Brian would show up with his guitar and serenade us while we kept an eye on the turkeys cooking.  Great memories and fun times. 

Grandad and I made an annual trip to South Dakota to hunt pheasants at my college roommate's farmstead in Kimball, SD. We always had such a great weekend with the Smith family hunting birds, enjoying dinners together, laughing and telling stories over and over. 

My folks live in Billing, MT and every year Grandad would make his trip north to Malta, MT to hunt and visit with his high school friend. He would always stop and spend the night with my parents in Billings. My folks always looked forward to his visits each year. I remember my Dad telling me the story about he and Grandad going to breakfast one morning in Billings and they were discussing politics, the news, military (both retired Colonels) ... and when the people sitting behind them in a booth got up to leave, they stopped by their table and told my Dad and Grandad how much they had enjoyed their conversation!

Grandad was a very kind man, wise and witty. He cared about others and was a good listener. He cherished one-on-one time with friends and family.  I miss conversing with him and spending time with him. He was a wonderful man and I feel fortunate to have had the privilege to spend so many wonderful years together.