My Granddaddy was someone I didn't get to see frequently, but someone I would always look forward to seeing.

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Before he retired he taught physics, chemistry and advanced biology, and from a young age he got me really interested in anything scientific. 

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After he retired he worked as a docent at the NC Zoo, where he bonded with several animals, and he would relish in telling guests whatever fun fact about a plant or animal pops into his mind. 

He loved the polar bears the most. I loved the arctic foxes. It seems fitting that arctic foxes often tail behind polar bears.

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He was passionate about all animals, even the macaw in the aviary that liked to dive bomb him. His extensive knowledge of animal and plant life is something I treasure to this day, and I have hopefully retained some of it.

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Ultimately, he was a goofball who was clumsy, paced a lot and would often write song parodies to help his students study. I miss him greatly. His ashes will be sprinkled by the polar bear exhibit.