stevestojan Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 (edited) Gramps was a die hard Bills fan. He was Serbian, and proud as hell of it. He was a war veteran. He owned a house in Colden, just down the street from Kissing Bridge, and directly next door to his tavern which he owned for over 5 decades, "Danny's Inn." It's changed name several times since, but it will never be Danny's Inn again. The food was great (especially the wings), the skiiers loved him, and he made a living for his family (yes, he had many Bills players as regulars, and Mr. Ralph Wilson and him were friends, but he loved the regulars - and when his family showed up? Holy hell, the pride in his face.... ). The house next door, his for 70+ years, was humble. But it was where I celebrated every Christmas Eve - and humble house and blue collar living or no, there were more presents than anyone could count. It was also the place where I watched Mr. Norwood miss that kick by what seemed like a centimeter. Possibly the last time, tonight excluded, that I can remember crying. It's where he told me, at a very young age "Stevie, don't stick your finger in ****, because it stinks." This was his way of telling me not to hang out with the wrong crowd. Best advice I have ever received. He loved his family. He loved telling good jokes. He loved telling REALLY bad jokes. But he was always our biggest fan and supporter. He was our partiarch. Tonight, he passed away. Gramps, tonight, you'll be able to see again, you'll be able to walk without pain, and you'll have the most delicious icy cold can of Blue and shot of Crown ever made. I always wanted the Bills to win one before Grandpa died, but now I just want him to be happy, and I have absolutely no doubt he is. Edited March 31, 2015 by stevestojan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 I'm very sorry for your loss. Your post nearly moved me to tears. If someone else already hasn't been nominated to write his obituary, you certainly should. I'm borrowing the "finger in ****" quote and I will give him credit anytime I use it. It's pure gold. RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 RIP Daniel Stojanovich. RIP. Thoughts are with you Steve. Perfect tribute to your Grandpa and I'm certain he was, is and will always be proud of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBill Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Sorry for your loss. He sounded like a great man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in San Diego Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarkLessWagMore Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Great tribute Steve. Please accept my condolences on the passing of a great man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Tom Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 It's where he told me, at a very young age "Stevie, don't stick your finger in ****, because it stinks." This was his way of telling me not to hang out with the wrong crowd. Best advice I have ever received. And yet, you're here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevestojan Posted March 31, 2015 Author Share Posted March 31, 2015 And yet, you're here. Needed that, you old bastard! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Sorry for your loss my friend. If you've never heard this song then I will be amazed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowgirlsFan Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 A Texas size round of prayers to one and all. Needed that, you old bastard! He could've called you an idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garion Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanker Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Thanks for sharing that story Steve. RIP for your Grand Pa. This could be the year! (again) He'll be with you and us when they do win it all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Steve, sorry to hear bout your gramps. Nice tribute. Did he own Danny's in the late 70s ear.y 80s? If so, I prolly shook his hand once or twice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevestojan Posted March 31, 2015 Author Share Posted March 31, 2015 Steve, sorry to hear bout your gramps. Nice tribute. Did he own Danny's in the late 70s ear.y 80s? If so, I prolly shook his hand once or twice. Yes sir he owned it through both of those decades. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 I'll tip one for him and others this evening, with a nice big Go Bills. Shame to think of all the folks we have lost collectively on this board who never saw a Buffalo Championship. It's coming though, and hopefully they will be tipping one together when it does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpberr Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 A fine tribute well written. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4merper4mer Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 A fine tribute well written. Agreed Sorry for your loss Steve. Sounds like a good man who passed along a lot. Sadly, this thread title would probably be more realistic if it wished "Win one before our grandchildren die". You only missed by a few generations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFanM.D. Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Glad you experienced such a great relationship with your grandfather. Your words describe a really cool guy. The sort of influence anyone would want their kids to have. My condolences to you and yours... and thanks for sharing an excellent tribute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsPride12 Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 (edited) Sorry for your loss. He sounded like a great guy...I enjoyed reading your tribute, just know that his spirit will live on with you for the rest of your life. Edited March 31, 2015 by BillsPride12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real Buffalo Joe Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Sorry for your loss. Reminds me of my grandpa. He loved the Bills and Sabres till the day he died. I vividly remember the last conversation I had with him. This young Myers kid that coming up through the system. How time changes. My grandma hated Tom Brady with a passion. Always called him "Baby Brady." That big comeback win against them was our first time playing them since they'd both passed. I can't help but think they had something to do with it. I didn't know your grandpa, but it sounds like him and my grandpa will get along well. When we finally win that Super Bowl, they'll have the best seats in the house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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