Front Porch Fighter: Marion Russell, Diane's Grandpa

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Marion Russell, Diane's Grandpa

My wife's Grandpa passed away on Tuesday at the age of 101. He had just joined us for hot dogs, etc. on the fourth and Diane and the kids got to hang out with him at his house some on Tuesday, before he was hospitalized and passed away.

Even though he was 101, we were all shocked to lose him so suddenly.

Here are some recent news articles about him. The first two are from this week, the second two are a bit older.

The local ABC news affiliate

KVOA news in Tucson

An article in the local paper from about two years ago

Article from the Customs and Border Protection Website from about two years ago

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What's in a Name?

Since a few have asked, "Why the name, 'Front Porch Fighter' ?", I will take a stab at answering it.

In times past, the predominant feature of most houses was the front porch. It was right out there in front and it used to be a gathering place for people from the neighborhood. Friends could come over and hang out, lovers could swing on the porch swing and moms would entertain with lemonade. The front porch was a place to get to know others and it signified a willingness and a desire to be in community.

The predominant feature on many homes built today is the garage. The garage is a place where you can pull your car in without anyone else having to talk to you or interrupt your schedule as you retreat into your private sanctuary. To me, the garage in front signifies a desire to live my own life and a kind of disconnect from the rest of the world.

While I appreciate some privacy and sanctuary, I feel that all too often, we are disconnected from the rest of the world and have lost a sense of community, which the home styles reflect. So, I am an advocate of the front porch....at least metaphorically speaking.

Hence, the name Front Porch Fighter.