By Kimberly Warren,
Managing Editor
This summer, the Northwest
Michigan Horticultural Research Station (NWMHRS) turned 25. Started
in the late ’70s as the dream of a group of Traverse City area
growers and industry members, the research station has played a vital
role in the ag research of Michigan State University – and universities
around the country.
I was lucky enough to attend the celebration dinner in August with
my grandparents and parents. This dinner featured a host of speakers
and recognition speeches. And one of those speeches was in honor of
my grandfather, Keith Warren. You see, Grandpa Warren has been involved
in the research station from the very beginning – he served
on the board for 25 years. But this year marks his last year of service
on the board. In honor of all he’s done to help the research
station, Grandpa was presented with an award.
It was such an honor to be in the audience as my grandpa received
recognition for all he’s done. I am proud to be the granddaughter
of such a well-known and respected member of the agricultural industries
of Michigan.
But it isn’t just his service with NWMHRS that makes me proud.
And it isn’t just this once. I can’t even remember all
the times I’ve heard kind words about my grandpa over the last
year and a half. When strangers walk up to me at trade shows and industry
events and say, “You must be Keith’s granddaughter,”
I just smile and say, “Yep,” knowing full well that a
good story is to follow. And sure enough, I hear wonderful stories
about how Grandpa was involved in this person’s life. Many times,
the stories give me background I never knew about this man I know
only as Grandpa. Who knew that outside of family events and sweaty
work on the farm there was this other man? Grandpa, I suppose, is
my proverbial foot in the door.
As great as they are, all those years of service to the industry pale
in comparison to the years he’s spent in service to his family.
He is the one who instilled in his sons and daughters the true meaning
of hard work. He is the one who showed us all that a full day’s
work doesn’t start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. He is the one
who taught me the most important lesson I’ve ever learned, “Kimi,
you have to learn to separate the hay from the horse pucky.”
As children, all of us have those people we look up to, who set examples
for us. And, if we’re lucky, as adults we continue to have people
to model our lives after. For me, more than one of those people has
remained constant. And one is Grandpa Warren.
In my memory, Grandpa was almost untouchable, yet always there when
you needed him. Nothing seemed to phase him. Today I know he isn’t
that stoic, god-like figure that I remember. He’s a caring,
sensitive and involved man. He’s a man I admire for his strength
and boldness. And, boy, is he funny. Now that I’m on my way
to being a grown-up, I enjoy this new side of Grandpa that I get to
see – but I’ll always cherish my memories.
Grandpa, thank you for all the strength and courage you’ve given
us all over the years. Because of you and what you’ve given
our family, I am where I am, and I am who I am. I couldn’t have
done it without you, “Old Man.”
