His Wonderful Life

Our mission took a different turn when my Mom called to say Dad was living his final days. On Tuesday, April 21st, we flew to Southern California to join my parents, two brothers and two sisters. We were all able to help care for Dad during the last week of his life. He peacefully passed away on Tuesday evening, April 28, 2009. We were so glad we experienced such a sweet and spiritual time with our loved ones.


Dad was born May 27, 1930, and he was extra special from the very start. As we shared memories of his life with each other and all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, it was clear that he made life fun for all of us. He had a nickname for each of us and loved to tell jokes. Dad was a educator and took every opportunity to teach us. He lived and loved the gospel of Jesus Christ, and was faithful all of his life, always serving others. He and Mom had an incredibly successful marriage of 68 years together that resulted in 5 children, 24 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren with 1 more expected in July!

Dad served as a Bishop, Stake President, in the San Diego Temple Presidency for 4 years, as a Sealer, and Patriarch. In 1992-93 Dad and Mom served in the New York, New York Mission. Dad and Mom had a unique assignment here and it's been a blessing for us to observe the fruits of their labors. At that time there were two places in NYC to attend church, in Manhattan, where the temple is now and in Rego Park, where our mission office is. Dad rented warehouse space, furnished it, and then along with the district presidency they organized a branch in the different boroughs of NYC, bringing the Church closer to the saints here. Many people who live in our mission love and remember my parents. It's been a joyful part of our calling to meet them.

The beautiful San Diego Temple will always hold a special place in our hearts. Dad served as a counselor to President Wallace for one year and to President Christensen for three years. We have spent many hours as a family here and it along with all of the LDS temples remind us that our family can be together forever.

My angel Mother cared for Dad. He was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma over 13 years ago. Mom and Dad have always been a tremendous example to our family of love, devotion, faithfulness and unselfishness. This was a long test for both of them, but they were positive and optimistic along the journey. Mom's faith, testimony, family and friends will sustain her.

Renee, Todd, Mom and Kim admiring all the beautiful flowers from friends and family. Also, many gave to Dad's favorite philanthropy, the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.

We had a family dinner at Jen and Shane's the night before Dad's funeral. Lizzie, Carter and Brigham had more fun jumping in and out of this jeep. It was out of fuel and didn't go anywhere, and they just had the most fun together, Grandma Nee had to take a picture!

Grandpa Chas and Jacob had some quality time together.

Barbara and Joe Christensen traveled from Salt Lake to be with Mom and Elder Christensen, Emeritus Seventy, spoke. We have known and loved them since they lived in Rexburg and he served as the president of Ricks College, just before President Bennion. They have been devoted friends and he gave a memorable tribute to my Father as he taught the plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dad asked that all of his children share our memories of him, and my father's only sibling, his sister, Rhoda played a cello solo that was heavenly. All of his grandchildren and great grandchildren sang, Families Can Be Together Forever. We are grateful we were able to join with our family for Dad's Funeral, Monday, May 4th.

My sister, Kim created this memorial to Dad's life and loves.

For as long as I can remember, my Dad dreamed of having his grandsons divide his clothing. The night before the funeral we had a family viewing and there shared our favorite memories of Dad and Grandpa, and afterwards all the grandsons had a party in Dad's walk in closet. They all wore his suits, ties, shoes, etc. to his funeral the next day. We know Dad was there beaming with pride!

Our five sons, Sean, Zachary, Jefferson, Will, and Shane model "Grandpa's goods!"

We were missing Corbin and Lily :-( but loved having some snuggle time with our grandkiddies. First row, Carter, Elizabeth, and Brigham. Second row, Chase, Jacob, Elsie, Johnathan, Spencer, Annahlise, Lincoln and Shelby. We can hardly wait till we see them all in July along with missing Moms, Jenelle and Kim, who were there with us in spirit.

We met our grandson Spencer, now over a year old for the first time!

Dad along with his parents and my Mom's parents are all buried at Forest Lawn in Hollywood Hills. It is a serene and lovely setting, and I loved the simplicity of this beautiful little chapel among the pines. He was buried on Tuesday, May 5th, a sunny, bright Spring day.

We celebrated our Dad's life together. Renee, Kim, Robyn, Craig and Todd.

Our birth order, Craig, Renee, Robyn, Kim and Todd.

Many of our family had to return home, but this is a good chunk of our group that had lunch together after Dad's internment. We thank Wally, Anne, and their family for providing a delicious and memorable time for us together.

Mom with her dear friends, Wally and Anne. Mom and Anne were roommates at BYU and Dad and Wally were roommates too. They have remained a foursome all these years. How blessed we all are to know we will be with Dad again. Next time we will never have to say good-bye again. Thank you to President and Sister Bennion for giving us their permission and blessing to be with our family, flowers and sentiments we will treasure, to Elder and Sister dePaula who prepared and served our Zone 4 Conference dinner, and to our fantastic Woodside District who pitched in and helped with our assignments during our absence. We love all of you! We flew back to JFK, Wednesday, May 6th, ready to finish the last 8 weeks of our mission. It seems right that we are here.