He always called me "his gal"...if I was traveling he would ask my Mom, "How is my gal, where is she off to??"...and then when I would visit him, the first thing he'd do is exclaim: "Here is my gal", and then proceed to give you one of those epic bear hugs.  My grandfather radiated love.  He made strangers feel like best friends.  He made friends become part of the family.  For our family, he gave us everything: guidance, love, humor (oh, the laughter), encouragement, and each other.  My heart is so broken at the loss of "my pal", but I'm grateful that he's resting with my grandmother.