wow Jim! What a wonderful man your grandfather was!
I admire anyone who has had very little in the way of educational opportunities, but who doggedly pursues knowledge through sheer determination and a burning interest. He must have been a most interesting person.

I know I harp on about my Ivorian husband, but I'm so proud of him. He had a terribly poor 'education' and was half-starved for most of his childhood. On coming to UK he learned English (he'd already had to learn French, although Malinke is his native language) Then Life In The UK test, which is extremely difficult; even Brits would find it hard. He took his driving test and passed the second time. Now he spends hours online learning about Politics, Astronomy, Science, Geography and Political History. I feel so sad that he never had the chance to get a really good education. I'm almost sure he could have succeeded at University, he's very intelligent.
He's a school cleaner on minimum wage, and sees the wonderful equipment and facilities in the school where he works. It's rather poignant for him. He often says how lucky young students are here in the West.