The biggest role model in my life was my grandfather, Dr. Sidney Alexander.

Today’s post is a somber one but as I look back on the life my Grandfather lived, I can do nothing but just smile.

I am a very, very proud grandson. He was the absolute model citizen.

Unfortunately, he passed last week after a very fulfilled 94 years.

The guy is an absolute legend.

I wrote about him last year after visiting him in his office at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA. I spoke about how the apple falls FAR from the tree, because I cannot compare to him in accomplishments, intelligence or impact but it’s something I strive for in my next 60 years on this Earth.

Motivating is something Dr. Alexander did a lot of.

If you want to learn more about his life, the Boston Globe wrote an incredible obituary on the front page of the Metro section this week. Of course, the Globe will do a much better job with their words than mine, but here’s my best shot…

First, here’s a really cute picture of my really cute baby niece getting a hard copy of the Boston Globe newspaper in Boston featuring her great-grandfather:

Dr. Alexander was a cardiologist for 63 years at Lahey Clinic.

Yes, you read that correctly. 63 years at the same hospital.

He is responsible for founding the entire cardiology department at Lahey.

A few months ago, we celebrated him at his retirement party. He was working hard right up until his final moments giving back to the community. The amount of outpouring support on that evening from folks across the region was astonishing.

He was clearly so loved beyond just our family members.

Dr. Alexander, my legendary grandfather, helped save so many lives over his storied career.

I have proof of that because I had a few families come up to me at the event and give me hugs saying they were only alive because of my grandfather.

But my grandpa didn’t want to make that evening about him at all.

He made it about the team he built. He turned the event into a fundraiser to raise money to support the growth and development of the cardiology department at Lahey. If you’re feeling generous here is the link to donate with a bit more information on the cause.

He was a team player.

The reason he kept working until just a few months ago at the age of 94, was to continue to see and consult with his patients, but maybe more importantly educate and shape the next generation of Cardiologists.

He was giving the younger doctors lessons on a daily basis. I know that group feels lucky to have known Dr. Alexander and experience his lessons in medicine.

I told this story in my last post about my grandfather, but it deserves more airtime.

Last summer, I went to Lahey Clinic to get some bloodwork done. I wanted to stop by and see my grandfather hard at work.

Classic me, I had some troubles locating the correct wing of the building, so I asked for some help.

When I said, “I am looking for Sidney Alexander and the cardiology department”, and the doctors of course asked, “Why? Do you have an appointment?”.

I proudly replied, “No, he is my grandfather!”.

And my gosh, the responses from the crew of doctors in this lobby. They absolutely love this man.

I was escorted down the hallway and I felt like royalty.

Speaking of teaching the youth, he valued education more than anyone I have ever met. Going to Harvard Medical school will inspire that thinking.

Regardless, I wasn’t the greatest student in middle school. I loved sports and had too much ADHD to do anything productive in a classroom.

He was the driving force for sending me to The Governor’s Academy, a prep high school that I feel was responsible for my growth as an overall better human being, not just in the classroom, but in life.

He was the driving force for a lot of things in our family. All positive.

He just knew what was “right” in every situation. He was quiet, but the smartest guy in the room.

His passing put a lot of things in perspective.

The biggest takeaway for me over the last week is to just make sure you understand what’s important to you. Whether that’s a career, a goal, a family, you just have to give everything you got.

He gave everything he had to Lahey Clinic.

He gave everything he had to being a husband. He would write my grandmother a poem for her birthday every year. They were so beautifully written every single time. Everyone in the room was jealous of my grandma to have received such incredible messages in such an eloquent manner, mainly my girlfriend was the most jealous! And I get it, I cried each time!

He gave everything he had to being a father, and a grandfather.

He gave everything he had to being the best version of himself he could possibly be every single day in order to better the people around him.

So, for that, I thank you grandpa. I am so lucky to have known you and to be inspired by you.

Your impact will go well beyond the 94 years you had here.

I know he’s probably reading this embarrassed about my grammar, but grandma you can play that role today!

Love you Grandpa, RIP to one of the kindest, most thoughtful human beings of all-time.