I never got to meet any of my grand parents but feel lucky I have a few photos and have heard a few stories. Nothing to exciting but like you say I think times where hard back then. I don't think they died that early it was just both my Mum and Dad where the youngest in big families. You have got me thinking though, I should ask some more questions and document as much as possible because I have just recently become a Grand Father myself.
I know a lot about my grandparents on my mum's side, not so much about on my dad's side though. I've done my family tree going back to the 15th century in England and have gathered a lot of understanding through it...took me a couple years. I've visited places they were born, christened, married and buried (mostly in Cornwall) and I feel more complete because of it. What I'm saying is that I agree doing some research of your own is a good idea.
Well done on the grandchild old young fella.