I put my father and grandfather for the same reasons that Mrs. Jesus and Saturnine mention their mom and dad respectively. They both faced such serious circumstances with all the determination they could muster, and focused so much of their energy on the people they loved until they couldn't fight anymore.
My prayers are with your families.
George S. Patton - because he was a flamboyant Genius.
Jim Morrison, not because of his excess, but because of the vision in his writing. It was just so far out there, it connected with me.
I forgot to add Yukio Mishima though, his writing connects with me, and inspires me in so many ways. He could paint a vibrant canvass with words...