Chugrad McAndrews Photography – San Francisco Food, Advertising and Catalog Photography

My Grandfather was a sweet, gentle character. He had soft, Grandpa hands and a warm, comforting smile. He was honest to the core, always had something positive to say, and put family and love above all else.

When he was a young man he gave up a potential future as a saxophone player in a Big Band to become a Lawyer. He fought in the Navy in World War II, then came back home and had a bunch more kids like many did in the Baby-Boom era – 6 kids total. He was the quintessential family man, living the American Dream.

When his wife died at age 80 he could barely see a reason to live. All his children, then adults with their own kids, gathered around him and lent him daily support to get him through this time of struggle, and continued to do so for the rest of his life. He cried every day for years remembering how much he loved his wife, but always mentioned how grateful he was for the support of his children and grandchildren.

I made photos of him over the years at various times – sometimes capturing his natural, sparkling personality, and sometimes using him as a model for an idea I wanted to pursue. One series was reflecting on the concept of loneliness and the many ways it can manifest in our lives… in his case it was deeply impactful to see him living alone in his large house where he had raised 6 children with his wife… going to bed alone, doing the dishes and laundry, doing bills and writing letters.

He lived to be 97 with virtually no physical problems until he passed peacefully in the arms of my mother.