The heart of a grandfather legacy isn’t found in the big speeches or the perfect life plan — it’s tucked inside the quiet moments, the quirky traditions, and the unconditional love that grandpas pass down.
In this very first episode of The Grandpa Channel, host Steve “Rivers” Harris sits down with his daughter, Abby Harris — triplet, life coach, and proud granddaughter — to remember the two men who shaped her family: Grandpa Lou and Grandpa Hank.
Grandpa Lou was the life of the party — classy yet goofy, alwa...
The heart of a grandfather legacy isn’t found in the big speeches or the perfect life plan — it’s tucked inside the quiet moments, the quirky traditions, and the unconditional love that grandpas pass down.
In this very first episode of The Grandpa Channel, host Steve “Rivers” Harris sits down with his daughter, Abby Harris — triplet, life coach, and proud granddaughter — to remember the two men who shaped her family: Grandpa Lou and Grandpa Hank.
Grandpa Lou was the life of the party — classy yet goofy, always rooting for the underdog, and known for slipping $20 into his grandkids’ hands when they needed it most. From buttermilk sipping to 5 PM fireworks, his blend of humor and warmth created a family tradition of joy. Most importantly, he showed Abby the power of unconditional love — the kind that meets you exactly where you are.
Grandpa Hank, by contrast, was disciplined, faithful, and steady. An immigrant from Amsterdam who built a life from scratch, his legacy was devotion — to his family, his faith, and his wife Darle, whom he championed with quiet pride. While Lou gave out candy money, Hank gave out gospel books, but both were teaching lessons that still endure.
Together, these two grandfathers proved that there’s no single way to leave a legacy. Some legacies sparkle with fireworks, others with steady faithfulness — but both matter deeply.
✨ In this episode, you’ll hear:
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How a $20 bill became a symbol of unconditional love
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Why grandpa stories are the heartbeat of family traditions
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The quirky habits (buttermilk, candy closets, fireworks) that live on
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Why being present matters more than being perfect
Pull up a chair and join us for a conversation full of laughter, nostalgia, and timeless wisdom. Because every grandpa has a story — and those stories are worth keeping.
"Hit play, and let’s grandpa."
🔗 Links & Resources:
Learn more about Abby: www.abbyharriscoaching.com
More on the show: www.thegrandpachannel.com
Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, or text it to your dad or grandpa. Because wisdom unshared is wisdom lost.
#TheGrandpaChannel #LegacyLoud #AbbyHarris #FamilyStories #GrandpaWisdom
**Here are some notes from Hank Hoole's Exemplary Life: Born in the ghetto of the Jordaan of Amsterdam — 6O years later as a US citizen he returned to the Netherlands as a leader/representative of his church and laid a floral wreath at the feet of the Queen during a ceremony at the war memorial cemetery
Dropped out of school during 4th grade speaking Dutch, graduated from U/U at age 27 speaking English with no formal education in between.
As a young boy he planned to join the Dutch navy when of age and sail the seas
Conversion to church story at age 15 — table tennis and kind people, total life change as he learned the eternal truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ
Arrived US penniless, 40 years later was listed among the top 100 agents of New York Life Insurance company world-wide
Arrived alone at age 19, passing away at age 83 leaving a large posterity including 80 great-grandchildren
Drafted in US military, spending most of his time in Japan, returned with $2,000 savings and planned to buy a car. His bishop recommended a mission instead and he chose the mission, returning to the Netherlands for 2 years of service.
Married Daryl Van Dam in Salt Lake Temple in 1957.
Parents of 9 children, 1 twin infant girl lived only 6 days.
He was a temple veil worker for 35 years minus missions.
Served 3 missions: proselyting elder, mission president, humanitarian mission for 2 years in Asia Aria for a total of seven years
Walked the covenant path — forever faithful and exemplary, children and grandchildren knew they were safe in doing or saying anything he said or did
developed a glowing, shining countenance during the last weeks of his life, indicating his readiness to see his Savior
Lived by: “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” D&C 82:10
