My Grandfather, Frank Donner Jr.- #178: Frank Donner

This is my Grandpa. He’s 92 and despite the long list of supplements that accompany his breakfast, he’s still got an expansive knowledge of the stock market, most of his hearing, and a full head of hair. More importantly he’s the OTHER co-founder of my family. Previously we spoke to my Grandma about her childhood, her challenges, and the creation of the Donner Family as I know it today but, of course, she didn’t do it alone. And also I didn’t do this podcast episode alone either. This is a full family affair. My sister Sophia is actually editing this episode with me.

So Grandpa Donner or Frank Donner II, father to ten, and grandfather to double that, has been there for every moment, keeping his kids in line and then taking a step back to watch them continue forward. But that doesn’t mean he’s stopped. As we progress through his story, I began to realize that you never stop learning, no matter your age. Grandpa Donner has lived through his fair share of setbacks, failures, and heartbreaks but he’s a testament to the fact that every setback is a chance to start fresh, every failure a place to learn, and every heartbreak a moment to remember what’s important.

So I once again pulled a grandparent back into a quiet room but unlike last time, Grandpa Donner wasn’t just visiting, he and my Grandma had recently moved down from Sacramento to a condo a short 5 minute drive from my family home. With that in mind, Grandpa Donner welcomed me into his house to tell me about his life up till now, starting of course, before he was even born.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices