Never knew either one of them. My maternal grandfather died in England when I was six months old, and my paternal grandfather saw me once when I was three. I've heard some stories though, good ones, and I like to think they had some influence.

Grandpop was like Moses, Ghandi, and Plato rolled into one for me. Part teacher, prophet, confidant, and friend. He was rarely wrong about anything. Worked for almost 70 years of his life slaving in the textile industry and turned it into a nice living for himself. I haven't followed all of his advice, but I've always wondered about the times when I haven't followed his advice. . . The guy was my personal guardian angel.

I would have to say my grandfather on my mother's side was a huge influence on me and all of my sisters and brothers. He was very funny. I think he could have been a stand up comedian. I recall a lot of family reunions and a huge group of people gathered around to listen to his jokes about the great depression and even world war 2. I respect this man very much, and I think I got my weird sense of humor from him.

nuff said