David Patton Grier celebrates 100 years

Provided.

David Patton Grier.

On Sept. 14, 1924, David Patton Grier was born to Joseph Grier and Florence Matilda Haken of Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada.

His father fought in World War I and brought his young bride home with him at the close of the war. They established their home in Fort Macleod and David Patton, known throughout his life as Pat, was their fourth born. His childhood was wonderful. He went to school locally, played hockey, played in the snow, swam in the river and went shooting in the fields outside of town.

Walking was his mode of transportation, and he walked everywhere. He visited the library often to get books for his mother and ended up being a lifelong avid reader. His mother was an excellent seamstress and she made all his clothes in his youth. He truly had an idyllic childhood.

As Pat approached the age of 18, the war was raging in Europe and his older brother had been serving in the army for two years. His good buddy Elroy suggested they sign up. So off they went, hitchhiking to Calgary. He signed up and telegraphed his parents, thus breaking the news to them and asking for $10 to tide him over. He joined the Canadian Armored Division (the Mighty Maroon Machine), assigned to the First Canadian Infantry under the command of the British Eighth Army. Pat arrived in England just in time to witness the planes departing for Normandy. But he was off to Italy. He landed in Naples and was assigned to a M4 OP (observation post) in a Sherman tank modified for radio communication. He had now entered the Italian Campaign. The Eighth Army fought their way up the Boot of Italy breaking Hitler's stronghold at the Gothic Line. This battle opened Western Europe up to liberation. The Eighth Army continued on to free Holland and Belgium. The war ended while Pat was in Belgium. However, for him it was not over. He continued to serve with occupation duty in Germany. Finally, he returned home to Fort Mcleod in 1945.

After returning from the war, Pat secured a job working road construction. During this time, he met one Elizabeth Obray whom he courted and eventually married. He then secured a job working in the post office where he was encouraged by a fellow coworker to pick up his roots and move to California. So, with a wife and two young children he was off to his next great adventure, arriving in Los Angeles in 1954.

After a brief employment as a plasterer, he applied to and received employment with American Airlines in 1955. He started as a baggage handler at the original Los Angeles Airport, not the airport we know today. He then became a ticket agent and retired after many years as a beloved Passenger Service Manager. He had his dream job. He loved his work and enjoyed every minute, it was not work for him, it was fun. It has been estimated that Pat has walked 104,000 miles throughout every inch of the American Airlines terminal at LAX. His employment provided him not only with a salary, but a means to travel the world with his family, which increased to five children. He has said many times that, "Working for American Airlines was not going to make me rich, but I sure had a lot of fun traveling the world with my kids."

Pat and his wife have lived in various cities since arriving in the United States. Torrance, where they became United States citizens, Camarillo, where their children grew to adulthood and Tehachapi where they retired, somewhat. In 1996, Pat and his wife made Tehachapi their new home as it reminded them of their small-town heritage and the four seasons provided them with weather slightly reminiscent of Canada. Four of their five children eventually followed them to Tehachapi, and they now have grandchildren who call Tehachapi their hometown. In the true sense of the word, Pat really did not retire. He is the "Energizer Bunny" and has stayed very active.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints he has had many opportunities to serve his fellow man in various positions, including ward librarian and home teacher. His service to others has extended to others not of his faith and not of Tehachapi. He has traveled many miles with his wife in service of those in need. From Torrance to Calgary, many have been recipients of his unselfish service.

None have felt more of his service than his family. He has been a father, grandfather, great-grandfather; easing the trials of parenthood for his children. He enjoyed helping to raise his grandchildren. He acted as a second father, frequently taking them to school and extracurricular activities, housing and feeding them when needed and spending time with them. He was very active in their lives and is still very close to his grandchildren. He still has an ear to listen to them and they in turn continue to listen to his life stories and lessons he has to teach.

Provided.

David Patton Grier.

Life has become more of a challenge for Pat since his wife's passing in 2016. He still enjoys the Dodgers, reading, crossword puzzles and watching Jeopardy. He has remained active walking almost every day at City Park. Pat has a reputation with the park's frequent walkers. They greet each other, give a friendly hello and even chat from time to time. Pat is very ambitious with his walks. He grasps his walker's handles, gives a determined look, and goes. He pushes himself to do the best he can and go as far as his body will allow, taking breaks on park benches after every lap. He pushes past his limits to be the best that he can be. As he approaches 100, it can be assumed this determination to stay physically active has attributed to his long life.

Pat's accomplishments may seem simple, but it's the simple and small things that say the most about a person. His life teaches us lessons of selflessness, hard work, compassion, service and smiling freely. Pat has blessed Tehachapi with his talents and volunteer work outside of his family. He is always willing to bend over backwards to help someone in need and goes above and beyond to do so. People like this are what build unified communities. He is an example to Tehachapi on how to love one another. To honor him, one can also strive to serve and love your fellow man in your community. Say thank you, I love you and sorry frequently. Always lift the hands that hang down.

The family of Pat and Betty Grier would like to invite the Tehachapi community and especially Pat's fellow walkers to the dedication of the Pat and Betty Grier Memorial Bench, on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 3:30 p.m. in Philip Marx Central Park.