Happy Birthday Grandpa

I have so many stories about Grandpa. One of my favorites is when Brandon and I were very little and staying over at Grandma and Grandpa’s for Christmas. We were supposed to be sleeping in the den, when a man in a long red robe looked in on us. We looked at each other and quickly pretended to be sleeping. The next morning we told everyone that we had seen Santa! For years I had thought that the man in the red robe was Santa Claus. However, it was actually Grandpa. But now, years later, I think I had it right the first time.

My mom told me when I was in the fourth grade and questioning her about Santa Claus, that St. Nick was a man who had lived in England many years ago. He was a person that had done so many good deeds that parents had taken it upon themselves to carry on his traditions. I think that this is the lesson we have all taken from Grandpa and in this way he will always be our St. Nick. Grandpa’s generosity, caring, and compassion was something we have all learned from and that we can pass on for years to come.

Happy Birthday Grandpa – we will try to carry on your traditions.

Yeah! I think I figured out this blogging stuff. Well, I just wanted to add some of the notes and comments I have received from so many friends at the news of Grandpa's passing.

From my good friends the Rosannas: It wasn't a ball game without Grandpa Doot giving play- by- play of Brian or Steven. He was just such a fan of the boys. He loved watching them. You were blessed to have him as a father, father- in - law and grandpa. Your lives are so much richer for him being there for you.

From my parents, Jack & Lucy McRae: He was such a generous and loving man. He only thought of how to make people happy. And , he was the absolutely best house painter in the whole wide world!

From my sister, Deb Lampi: Louie was just always happy. I can't remember being around him when he wasn't smiling. He truly derived joy from being around his family.

Well, that's just a few of the the remarks about Grandpa. As for me, well, Louie was more than a father - in - law. I saw so much of my husband and my sons in him. He was such a big part of their lives . His example lives on through them, and for that I am truly blessed . I could not have been more loved if I was his own daughter. God bless you, Louie. You are missed everyday. Kisses and hugs Mary

Grandpa Louie - Thoughts from Brian

When I started to think about what I should write in this blog that would make Grandpa proud, I came to realize that he’s probably already very proud of all the things that we, as his children and grandchildren, (and yes, even great-grandchildren, Theo) have done. It’s my turn now to be proud of him and everything he has done for me. To be proud for all the stories about working hard, being a good person, and doing the right thing whenever we can. To be proud of all of the advice from simple things like, “keep your head down through the swing” to sometimes more difficult things like, “don’t fight with your brother.” I’m so proud to be a Doot, so proud to have gotten a chance to spend so much time with him, and so very proud to have Grandma and Grandpa in my life.

I don’t have a specific story to tell about Grandpa, probably because there are so many memories of him. I just will always remember his passion for sports, mostly U of M and the Tigers. I will never forget the countless hours I spent in Grandma’s family room watching and listening to Grandpa dissect every player on both teams. I don’t think I could ever learn more from someone just talking about how to do something than Grandpa (maybe because he had so much to say?). I just thought to myself, “wow, I wonder what he says about me when I play.” But I’m sure they were all good things.

Grandpa, I want to thank you for my dashing good looks, my quick wit, and my unmistakable hairline. More importantly, I want to thank you for helping me be the person I am today.

The Greatest Grandpa

(I wasn't officially invited to post on here, but I stole the link from my mom's email)

The thing that sticks out in my mind about Grandpa was how proud he was of all of us grandchildren. He truly was our biggest fan--always made it to all sorts of baseball and volleyball games, piano and dance recitals, and always told us how great we were no matter how many points we lost by or how many times we messed up. He showed the DVD of my solo (about 30 seconds long) in Oklahoma! to people who could probably not care less...repeatedly.

Most recently, I remember how he made it to my graduation weekend even after falling and spending the morning in the ER. He was so upset that he missed the ceremony by just an hour or so, but I'm so glad he made it to the party the next day. After enjoying the singing hour with the Doots (pictured above), he sat cramped up in the den for the most part (with all 3 dogs), and he attracted quite a crowd with all his stories. By the end of the party, the room was full and Grandpa was the center of attention: everyone from Margie and Bernard to my youngest cousins on the Arnold side to Elizabeth's boyfriend was enjoying his great stories and not-always-as-great jokes.

I'll never forget Grandpa Doot, and like I was telling Grandma, I sure am glad she ditched that guy (her fiance, I think?) who went to war to marry Grandpa Ü

Here are a few recent Pictures:

Thoughts From Jared Doot

My most recent memories of Grandpa seem to be the most vivid to me. ( this is most likely for obvious reasons) For the past 4 years, I have always made it out to Michigan every year while living in Utah. The first year I came, I was not married and I stayed with Grandma and Grandpa with one of my very good friends, Jason Asay, who drove out with me. The night that we got to Detroit, Grandma and Grandpa were there to meet us with a huge dinner. Jason was immediately taken in with Grandpa's uncanny ability to tell a story. This was really the first time that I heard many of Grandpa's stories (Although I heard them many times after). Jason still talks to me about the funny stories that Grandpa told. His favorite was when he fell of the raft while white water rafting and the one about how he would take his dog to the bar. I always loved to hear his stories.

Story From Dan Brown

Jerry asked me to share this and I will try to post it on the blog
that Jared set up for all of us. It's a note about Grampa, from a
long time friend, Dan Brown. I'm pretty sure he & Jerry played t-
ball together and Grampa coached them. The "B & V" refers to Black &
Veech, the company that Dan works for. He and his wife, Claire, and
2 daughters currently live in Denver, Colorado. His mom, Joan, was
at visitation on Thursday night.

Love to all.
Cindi

Tom sent an email saying Louie had passed away. I'm sorry to hear the news, but I know he had tough going. Hopefully he is signing up for a new baseball team at the next level. Your pops always treated me like a million bucks, & was always interested in what I was doing, & what I had to say. When I was in my 1st year of B&V softball 27 years ago, your mom & dad came downtown to watch me play. I was late for the game, they beat me there, but I got in the game & afterwords I took them to the RenCen to show off my new office. Very flattering for me. You were lucky to have such a good guy for all these years. Give our best to Bea.

Your pal, Dan.