IN MEMORY OF JOHN MONTEITH
By Denise Douthit Parker

To respect is to love and that's true in this statement. I respected my grandfather but my love for him was greater and deeper than respect.

He was a kind man, very friendly, and always joking. When someone needed something he was always around to lend money and just be a friend if he was ever needed. He drove a taxi and met many people. They all loved and respected him, also I remember one time late at night when someone called him to take them to Sylva to the Doctor. Most people wouldn't go so late, but he told them he'd be at their house in about ten minutes. He was and didn't get home until about three in the morning. That next day he got up at seven thirty and left for work. This he did many times and if needed he always provided some way to help those who needed it. He would have given someone the shirt off his back if they were cold or didn't have one.

I knew him in a greater way than most did. His homelife really showed a person worthy of being alive. He was always proud of his children and grandchildren no matter what they did. His love for us grew each day as he lived. He always had time to listen even if he was busy. There was always an answer to anything we asked or a problem we had. We all loved him for the kind, gentle person he was and respected him for everything he did. Sunday is the Lord's Day and he made sure we all made it to Church. A devout Christian and a Church worker were more of his characteristic.

While on this earth he lived a life far better than most. Now he's gone forever but we'll meet him again at heaven's fair gates forever to live together through all eternity.

Written by Denise Douthit Parker for school when she was in the fifth or sixth grade. Denise is the daughter of Beatrice Monteith Douthit and granddaughter of John Monteith who died in 1972.