Who is Grandpere from Waiting for Anya and what is their importance?

Grandpere is the father of Jo's father. Grandpere lives with the family and does all he can to make up for his missing son. When Jo learns about Benjamin and the children he is hiding at Madame Horcada's farm, he does not immediately tell his grandpere. Instead, Grandpere learns from Madame Horcada herself when he goes to buy her pigs from her. Grandpere takes it upon himself to help Madame Horcada, a woman with whom he once had a relationship, and Benjamin. This seems to show the reader where Jo got his courage and his moral drive to do what is right.