Death is never easy. It is oftentimes messy and sudden. On December 16th, 2024, my grandfather, Allen Quig, passed away, leaving a legacy of perseverance and resilience that will echo in my heart forever. His life was a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and service.

While I was only a part of 37 years of his life, I saw him as a man who lived with a rare combination of grit and generosity. He was a hardworking individual who consistently put the needs of others above his own. Growing up, I had the privilege of working my first job at the carpet studio he owned. It was there that I began to understand the true meaning of hard work. Installing carpet is no easy feat—it demands long hours on your knees, precise craftsmanship, and a determination to get the job done right. My grandfather embodied these qualities and instilled in me the importance of dedication to one’s work.

But his lessons extended far beyond the technicalities of manual labor. Watching him interact with customers and colleagues, I saw what it meant to build and nurture relationships. He didn’t just install carpets; he cultivated trust and loyalty with everyone he met. People came back to his business not just because of the quality of his work, but because of the person he was—kind, dependable, and steadfast. Though I quickly learned that manual labor wasn’t my calling, the lessons he taught me during that time have stayed with me throughout my life.

While he might not have known it, he led by example and made resilience a cornerstone of my life. In 2003, he suffered a massive heart attack that would change the course of his journey. A heart transplant—a procedure fraught with risks and uncertainties—gave him a second chance at life. At the time, doctors tempered our expectations, warning us that transplanted hearts don’t often last as long as native ones. But true to his nature, Allen defied the odds, exceeding all expectations and thriving for another 21 years.

He endured the amputation of both legs and faced countless brushes with death, even being pronounced clinically dead on the operating table multiple times. Yet, he came back each time, as though sheer willpower and love for his family pulled him through. My grandfather’s ability to adapt to new limitations and continue living a full life was nothing short of extraordinary. Where others might have surrendered to despair, he found new ways to contribute, to connect, and to persevere. His resilience was not just physical but deeply emotional and spiritual as well.

Grandpa’s unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the foundation of his strength and resilience. I watched him lean on his faith to guide him through challenges, to inspire hope, and to serve others selflessly. He lived by example, showing me what it truly means to walk in faith. His love for Jesus was evident in the way he treated people—with kindness, patience, and compassion. He never sought recognition for his acts of service; he simply lived to glorify God through his actions.

It is because of my grandfather that I model my own pursuit of Jesus. Watching him live a life of faith taught me that resilience is deeply tied to trusting in something greater than ourselves. Through him, I learned that our hardships can be opportunities for growth and that God’s love gives us the strength to persevere even in the darkest of times. His faith was a constant reminder that we are never alone, no matter what challenges we face.

Through his struggles, Allen Quig showed me that perseverance is not about avoiding hardship but about meeting it head-on with courage and determination. Resilience isn’t just bouncing back—it’s about moving forward, even when the path is steep and uncertain. He never allowed his circumstances to define him. Instead, he faced every obstacle with the same unwavering spirit that defined his work and his relationships.

Perhaps what I will remember most about my grandfather is his capacity for service. He put others above himself in every sense of the word. Whether it was family, friends, or customers, he always gave more than he took. He taught me that a life of service is one of the greatest legacies a person can leave behind. His generosity and selflessness were not grand gestures but quiet, consistent acts of kindness that made a lasting impact.

My grandfather’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy of hard work, service, and resilience will continue to inspire me and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. In his memory, I strive to carry forward the lessons he taught me: to persevere through life’s hardships, to build relationships that last, and to always put others above myself. Above all, I strive to carry forward his example of unwavering faith in Jesus. Allen Quig was a remarkable man, and his life is a reminder that, even in the face of overwhelming odds, the human spirit can endure and thrive through the grace of God.

As I reflect on his life, I am reminded that perseverance and resilience are not abstract principles. They are qualities we cultivate in the small, everyday moments when we choose to keep going, to keep giving, and to keep loving despite the challenges we face. Allen Quig lived these principles every day, and his life stands as a beacon for anyone who seeks to find strength in the face of adversity.