Monday, March 1, 2010
Good morning. I wanted to write this blog as a tribute to my grandpa, Jack Poole, who was the main person responsible for the Olympic games being in Vancouver. He was the man in charge. Canada approached him about pretty much being the front man to help get the bid. It started years ago and then he ended up getting the bid and during that time, he was battling pancreatic cancer. He battled for almost three years, and going that long with that is pretty remarkable. Fittingly, he passed just hours after the torch was lit to begin its journey around the world to Vancouver. He fought until that moment, which is pretty cool. He was the man. My grandma Darlene ran the torch through his home town for him. That was a pretty special moment. Watching the closing ceremonies last night, for them to say ‘Thanks Jack,’ that was pretty awesome.
My grandpa loved Canada. He loved sports. He taught me how to play golf. That was our thing together, from as far back as I can remember, he would take me golfing, until even a few years ago. He loved sports, especially baseball. Every sporting event he would call down and we’d place a little side bet. He had an extreme passion for sports. He played hockey growing up as a child.
To be watching the Olympics and to know that he was one of the main reasons why they were in Vancouver, it was awesome. It’s pretty neat. I know that a lot of my family was up there. I have seen pictures on their Facebook of them going to all of the ceremonies and being there. It’s awesome to see. I’m proud, especially with the hockey team winning the gold. I was excited. I texted my mom and dad and said gramps was smiling. It was a special moment. I was tearing up when they won, because it was so good for the country, obviously we were expected to win but at the same time, it’s a proud moment for Canadians and I know my grandpa would have been ecstatic.
The game was awesome. It was a little closer than I would have liked. I was getting comfortable and about to send out some texts and then they scored with under a minute left and I was like uh oh. But Sid came through. It was exciting and I think it made a lot of people respect the game of hockey a little bit more. I think a lot of people are going to watch it now, which is great for the sport.
My grandpa at one point owned the biggest development company in North America. He started from nothing. He was self-made and came all the way up. He was extremely successful, but character-wise, you’d have never known that he had all that. He treated everyone the same.
So Grandpa, thanks for everything that you have done for me and for Canada. I love you. Thanks to everyone for reading and God Bless.
To read previous entries in Blake's blog, click here.
Comments
Cards64Fan (anonymous) says...
This is really a nice article. Who knew St. Louis had this connection to the Olympics? As long as I'm here I want to thank Mr. Hawksworth for writing these blogs. I have really been enjoying reading them. I look forward to seeing him play again here in St. Louis. Seems like a quality guy.
March 1, 2010 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eccard (anonymous) says...
Your granddad was obviously a great man Blake. I watched a lot of the Olympics and the opening and closing ceremonies were astounding. I remember the one gentleman saying "Thanks Jack!", but I wasn't sure why. Now I understand. Mr. Poole did Canada a great service and I'm glad the government recognized him for his deeds. I can't imagine how anyone could be more proud then you. Did you consider carrying the Olympic Torch on it's run? That would have been terrific too.
I understand there was a bit of a controvery because Larry Walker wasn't invited to participate in the ceremonies. I can see that. I'm thinking he's the best Canada has ever produced, save Fergie Jenkins. Not to mention, Walker is from around there and I believe he played junior hockey or something similar up there.
Anyway, a World Series title would be a nice dedication to your grandfather don't you think? Go for it!
March 1, 2010 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MiamiCanes83 (anonymous) says...
Wow what a story. Thanks for sharing Blake, most of his had no idea. Congrats to your family on the Olympics. For us Cardinals fans, this blog is very refreshing. We always hear about the negative things in sports and your insight and humbleness is something we aren't used too. You seem to represent the Cardinals and playing the Cardinal way perfectly. Thanks so much for doing this and I hope you keep it going throughout the season. We will be pulling for you.
March 1, 2010 at 7:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )