Grandpa "Pard" Fraughton

Grandpa Fraughton was born July 11 1935 and passed away on October 7 2010. It is still hard to believe that he is gone. He had Pancreatic cancer two years ago and had surgery and went through chemo and was doing really well. Then in September he started to have trouble went to the Dr. and found that it had come back everywhere. He has always lived life to the fullest. Even up to the very end he did not skip a beat. This man was a HUGE part of Clint's life. He stepped in when Clint's real dad decided not too. It has been really hard for Clint to let him go. The only comfort is to know that he is not in pain and is at peace. I would love to change the outcome of this past month but I would not trade the experiences I have had for anything.

The funeral and viewing were amazing. Just to see how many life's he had touched. People waiting in line for over 3 hours. Hearing all the stories and seeing old friends that we have met because of Grandpa. All the speakers were so good. I have to give it to Clint for his part. SO SO good!!

Clint's Uncle had a photographer come and take some pictures three weeks before he passed away. I got to follow him around with my camera and these are my shots. It was so great to have him in his element nothing posed just doing what he loved.

We have such wonderful memories of him. I put the "Pard" in there because he always called people pard or partner. He treated everyone he came in contact with like they were his best friend. Like I said I would give anything to change the outcome but I would not change the experience I had that last week for anything.

Before he died he said he would leave pennies so we knew he was around. Now I am a somewhat superstitious person when it comes to crazy stories. But I swear to you this happened! I was sitting at my computer the night the viewing was over. It was late the house was quiet everyone asleep. There is nothing around me. All of a sudden I hear something hit the floor directly behind me. I look down and there is the shiniest penny. I think every hair on my body stood up. I was even in my underwear so it could not have fallen out of a pocket and the closest thing behind me is the kitchen Island. I ran and grabbed Clint to show him. He thought it was so cool. Even as I type this I have goosebumps!

He loved and lived life to the fullest and you never ever heard him complain. His family was everything to him. Yes he was an old timer cowboy and they can be a little rough around the edges but through and through he was a great guy. We love and will miss him greatly!!