16.12.09

John Henry Doster

My grandpa.

His first real job was in a flying circus, and from there he went on to become a pilot, various other things in the field of aviation, and eventually an official for the FAA that investigated airplane crashes. He lived a life that was filled with legends, stories, and accomplishments that I definitely don't know even a quarter of..

But really I just know him for being a good grandpa who probably taught me and influenced me more than anyone else in my life. He taught me how to use a darkroom when I was about 10 years old, how to use power tools, the basics of electronics, circuits and how to use a soldering iron, and taught me not to force things when they weren't working. He even got me my first computer which had a program for making short animations, and now that I think about it I remember him singing me a song that went..

root ta toot
root ta toot
we are the boys of the institute
we don't drink
and we don't chew
and we don't go with the girls who do

Before I knew him he used to drink and smoke, but in his old age he was against it and I think this silly song always stuck with me.



He lead an extraordinary life, and I although I know I will never top his accomplishments I would be a fool for wasting any more time not trying.

"Straighten up and fly right."