New Family Blog

Welcome to the official start of the new Saurey Family Blog where everyone can post! I will post all the letters written for Grandpa again. If anyone wants to change the look of the blog, feel free to do so.

Memories of Grandpa - Pincock Kids

When I was talking to my kids and asking them about their memories of Grandpa the first thing they all said was they remember him swimming with them and going down the big slide at Sandhollow Aquatic Center. That is their favorite thing to do. They talked about Grandpa catching them at the bottom of the slide. They also said they remember treasure hunts in the backyard, throwing rocks in the river, and most recently playing with Grandpa’s Jazzy Chair. They sure love their “Grandma and Grandpa in St. George.”

McKenna
James
Kathryn

Memories of Grandpa - Brian

My memory of Grandpa was being told I WOULD LOVE GARLIC TOAST!! Grandpa had grown some garlic cloves and roasted them. Daidrie and I came to visit right in the middle of it all. Grandpa was making toast and spreading crushed up garlic on it. I said no thanks, I mean I like Garlic but that looked a little strong. Grandpa came over and made me take a piece and stood there and watched so I was sure to eat it. After I stopped bleeding from the ears I said it was really good (like I could say anything else). No really it was good a little strong but good. I am glad to have this memory and all the others. It was then I was sure this was a family I just might fit in since Daidrie and I were just dating at the time. Anyone who liked garlic that much had to be good.

Brian
Pincock

Memories of Granpa - Daidrie

I have lots of fond memories of Grandpa. One of them is when Grandma would open a bottle of her pickles and I would take the pepper out of the bottle, take it to Grandpa and say, “Close your eyes and open your mouth and I’ll give you a big surprise” and put the pepper in his mouth. He’d cough and choke and make a big scene, making me laugh. He always acted like he didn’t like them, but I think he secretly loved them. I remember Grandpa pouring cold water on me to try to get me up in the morning when I spent the night. I remember straw huts and rodeos with the calves. I remember throwing rocks in the river and trying to skip rocks. I remember roasting hot dogs or tin foil dinners in the Deep Woods and playing on the sandbar. One of my favorite games was “Crows and Cranes.” We had a lot of fun by the river. I remember Grandpa letting me drive when we were in the field which I thought was so fun. I loved going “fast over the bump” when Grandpa was driving and we were all in the back of the pickup. We all loved that! I don’t remember Grandpa getting mad at us more than once or twice. Grandpa is the best Grandpa!

I love you
Daidrie

Memories of Grandpa - Anna

I remember Grandpa “getting our pigs” when our bare feet were exposed. He would grab a toe and yank it up in the air. And it would hurt, I mean, REALLY hurt! He would just chuckle and think it was so funny. And it was.

One time, at someone’s baptism, all the family was gathered. It was Luke’s first time meeting the grandparents. After the service, we all stood up in the aisle to visit. Grandpa (the giant) stepped on one of Luke’s toes and just stood there not even knowing. Luke bit his lip and was too shy to say “Ouch! There’s a giant man stepping on my toes and he won’t get off! And it HHUUURRTTTSS!!!!!” Grandpa was clueless so Luke just suffered in silence. Pretty funny stuff.

Grandpa has been a hard worker all the time I’ve known him. He has a ture heart of gold and has always been someone I have admired and looked up to. He has a strong testimony of the gospel and a true love for his true love-Grandma! I love you Grandpa. So much.

Anna Saurey Matthews

Memories of Grandpa - Fiona

Grandpa

My memories of going to school, playing with friends, and going to Yellowstone as a child have faded. The memories of picnics in the park and playing on the playground wane. On this brink of forgetfulness, I have memories of family get-together. With these come the memories of Christmas and Thanksgivings past. Each of them leads to another. In my mind I have many. The most animated are those that I have of my Grandfather.

Lyle Charles Saurey is this man of whom I speak. Over six feet tall, this handsome man is a very spirited guy. Nothing can make him back away from a challenge. With this kind of personality, he has a lot to give.

From fishing to farming, this man knew his stuff. He took me fishing in snow creek. He would always call me his “girlio.” We would find the perfect spot, and sit on the grass and wait. When I would catch one and he would help me reel it in and put it ona stick to show everyone. He would take all of us down in the field and we would get to an unusually large bump in the dirt road and we would call from the bed of the pick-up, “Fast over the bump, grandpa, fast over the bump!” He would speed up and it felt like we would go flying. I remember when we would herd the cows to a different pasture; grandpa would be in his big old blue truck just chasing those cows. He wouldn’t stop if one veered into the beeline he made; he just hit it and kept on going.

Grandpa was one tough man. But one thing that brought the soft side out was his little granddaughters. Teresa, Beth, and I would always be unnecessarily afraid of him. He threatened to eat our “pigs”. He never ate them, he just attempted to; we were much faster than he. We would squeal and his belly would jiggle with chuckles as he chased us on hands and knees chomping in between his fits of laughter. He would sing to me when I was really young. I remember him holding me to his shoulder and humming. He would sing soothing little “tra la las” in my ear and I felt like I could stay there in his comforting arms forever.

I never will forget all the things he taught me. He taught me to be strong and face the cows when they came tromping by when we moved them. It taught me more that just that though. It taught me that I need to be strong through my trials and don’t back down when temptation comes; fight it! He taught me to be sweet by singing to me and letting me be his girl when I was little. He was always so sweet to me! He taught me not to waste food. Whenever we would sleep at their house, and we would finish eating, he would pile more food on our plates and say we needed to eat more. He also taught me a few words I don’t think anyone would forget, even as a young little girl.

Grandpa, I love how you always say that I’m your pretty girl. Even if you can’t see me very well. I think you are a handsome grandpa. I saw pictures of you a little while ago that I had never seen before. I think you were very handsome when you were young! I can’t believe your bravery. Everyone tells me stories of you not being scared of anything. Like when you went to California and hitch-hiked home. I would have been scared to death to do what you did. I love you so much and I hope you always remember me forever, because I won’t ever forget you.
Your Loving Granddaughter,
Fiona M’lee Saurey

Memories of Grandpa - Ammon

Grandpa

I remember learning to work hard from Grandpa. Farm work isn’t easy, but he persisted and in so doing he taught me to persist also. One of my most favorite and fondest memories was going “fast over the bump” in the old blue pickup. I guess it was a little like a roller coaster in some ways. I learned how to drive the skid loader under his direction and also a few cuss words. I remember going down to the river with him and watering the pine trees that we planted. They died, but lifting the buckets of water made my muscles big. Holidays were always fun; everybody coming together and eating great food. I remember at Christmas Grandpa would read the story in Luke and I wouldn’t hear a word of it because I was too excited for my presents. The last thing that stands out in my mind was when I would come up to their house and play dice. I thought I was good at it because right when Grandpa was about to go out he would say he wanted to go out big and he would roll the dice till he zonked and he would let me win. Happy Birthday Grandpa, I love you

Ammon

Memories of Grandpa - Darcey

I remember grandpa eatin his corn and drippin juice down his chin from eating is so fast cause he loves it so much. And how he made his own patch of asparagus so he didn’t have to look for it along the ditch bank. He makes the best clam chowder too with a ton of garlic cloves. I am bad at remembering things so there are a few and reword them if you need to

Darcey

Memories of Grandpa - Lori

Memories of Grandpa

I have just a few memories of Grandpa from the past couple of years that I have known him. I remember when I first met him. He reminded me of my own grandpa; always happy and always had a joke.

When I first me grandpa it was at Holly’s house. Holly was having a barbecue and it was one of my first introductions to the family. I remember grandpa sitting there talking about one of his grandsons (that I had a crush on). He was telling all of us that one of us should snatch him up. He asked us all “what’s wrong with you guys, why don’t you go after him.” We laughed then, but I took his advice. My friends and I sat there through most of the evening talking and laughing together as Grandpa told jokes and stories.

Grandpa has always been good natured and a joy to be around.
Lori Saurey

Memories of Grandpa - Levi

I also have memories of Grandpa. I have some willow memories; A few are good and a few are ones not to forget. We would find a good willow and make “flippers” or sling shots we spend lots of time putting them together. We also used willows to make fishing poles and hotdog sticks. My fondest memories are: When I hear Grandpa read the nativity story from Luke 2 at Christmas time, hearing his testimony, and being in the temple (Rexburg) with many family members during Holly and Josh’s special day.

I love you Grandpa
Love,
Levi Saurey

Memories of Grandpa - Cherish

Grandpa,

You are so GREAT! I love being a part of your wonderful family that you have raised. I love how you are so sweet with all your grand children & great grandchildren. I just love your smile & your laugh & your sense of humor. That is such a great & contagious trait.

It makes me laugh that Nicole remembers you as the “grandpa that clicks his tongue.”

Thank you for always welcoming me into the family so warmly – from the very beginning.

Happy Birthday!

Love you!
Cherish Nicole Saurey

Memories of Grandpa - Steven

Grandpa,

Happy Birthday. Hope you have a great day. I will always remember the times you took me fishing. I really enjoyed the times down in the field, and going to Snow Creek. Thank you for teaching me to be a hard worker. Thank you for being such a good example for me.

I love you!
Love,
Steven Saurey

Memories of Grandpa - Josh

Happy Birthday Grandpa

I love you and Grandma so much. I’m thankful for all that you have taught me. You were always a good example of a hard worker. It was so fun to have you and grandma here close for so long, with all of the games and things we did. I learned how to have no mercy from you. (In cards that is). You have always been a good example to me and helped me with anything I’ve needed. You and Granny have always taught good values and have been good role models to me. It has been so fun going on the couple trips we have been on lately. I have had some fun senior trips with you guys to Alaska and California. I remember when we were in Alaska you got two showers in one day. When we went fishing you were getting on the boat and water ran off and down you back. I thought that is was so cute seeing you and Gran holding hands down in California. The whole time we were in Disneyland I kept thinking you were probably wishing you had a louder horn to tell some of those people to get out of the way.

Love you guys,
Josh

Memories of Grandpa - Ruth

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

I love your sense of humor. I remember when I was dating Jon and I met you & Grandma for the first time. The memory is full of laughter & happiness. I also love playing cards with you & Grandma. It has been a fun way for me to learn from you through the stories you tell. It is fun to hear about your childhood & your children’s’ growing up time. Every story seems to end with sounds of laughter & big smiles. It was so fun to go with you & Grandma to Disneyland. What a fun week of memories. Thanks for your goodness & happiness Grandpa.

I love you!
Ruth Bryan

Memories of Grandpa - Jon

Grandpa,

You have always been a great example to me and all of the family. I loved growing up on this farm close to you. You always had a project going that we could be involved in and we learned how to work and have fun doing it. Some times I wish I could buck some hay or work on a fence and then enjoy a cold root beer with you. You have taught that work is a good thing. I love that you like to have fun and treat people good. I love the memories of playing games with you and Gran and your practical jokes. One of my favorite things was riding around with you and Joe checking canals. You and Grandma have done so much for me and all of us. I have always felt love in our family and that is because what you and Grandma have taught us. I know that you both have testimonies of the Gospel. I have always known where you stand and that you expect us to do our best. I love you Grandpa and hope you have had a great day. I want to be like you.

Jon Bryan

p.s. I can’t wait to beat you in our next card game!

Memories of Grandpa - Holly

Dear Grandpa Happy 80th Birthday!

Just wanted to say thanks for your example to me, and thanks for all the fun times you have given me.

Thanks for showing us how to work and to do a good job and do it right the first time. I thought it was always fun to help haul hay and help with the cows and other things on the farm. An sorry for always making forts out of the hay & straw.

Grandpa, thanks for taking us on different fishing trips up to fish creek and down by the river behind the house. I remember we would take a picnic lunch with us. You and Grandma would bring some pop and other treats for all of us and you would help us kids make stick poles.

Thanks for taking us to float the river and picking us all up and starting fires for hot dogs and taking us all to go pick huckleberries.

Thanks for taking us sledding behind the tractor and the truck to feed the cows.

Also thanks so much for your example in the church you have always taught us what is right and to have faith.

Thanks so much Grandpa
I love you so much
Love your Holly

Memories of Grandpa - Jake

Dear Grandpa,

Mom has told me about the opportunity I have to share some of the experiences and lessons I have learned that have helped to shape me as a man and as a son and grandson. In taking a few days to try and sort out what I wanted to say, I have a hard time deciding where to start.

So the first thing I want to say is how much I love and appreciate you. There are so many lessons and examples that you have given me and the rest of us. One of my most precious gifts in this life is a family that loves and cares for me. That starts with parents that honor and respect each other. The example you have given me in respect to family is one of eternal value. Seeing how much love there is in our family is a tribute to your devotion to your family. A lesson passed on to my mother.

Then there are the lessons that you have taught, not only to your children, but to us as grandchildren, the savior lives. Your testimony has been a strength to me as I matured and had to develop my own. The desire to do good and be a faithful servant of our Heavenly Father is a quality that is hard to find in people these days. The desire to keep your family active and strong in the gospel gives us all strength to weather the storm. To be able to sit together in the eternities and rejoice as an eternal family is the ultimate accomplishment.

I can’t count how many lessons I have learned from you in respect to work and being honest. Some of those were the hardest lessons to learn but today as I work with people from many locations and backgrounds I can see how much the value of being honest and hard working holds. There is respect that is commanded with those qualities which I have learned from having chores to do around the farm. I don’t know that I have ever met anyone who was as hard a worker and gave an honest days work like you did.

I appreciate more than anything the memories I have of our family and the fun that you made sure we all had. I would like to say some things about you and grandma together. I was recently asked who are some people I look up to and respect. Well, that is easy. I have always looked up to you two for many reasons. I need to thank you both I one aspect in particular. You have given me one of the greatest examples I have. The ability to work together through hard times and the good together to create a lasting and loving relationship that has stood the test of time. That is a sensitive subject for me with my own experience. The gospel has such an important role in our lives and is based on the family being eternal. You both have worked hard to keep your marriage and family together. Its not an easy task but I want you to know that it is one of the greatest examples I have of what I want from a marriage one day. There is something to be said about the character of two people who work together and make a house a home and raise a family of righteous children. You are my role models.

Some of my favorite memories involve the river and the deep dark woods. I believe that was where I learned how to enjoy being with family and knowing that I had the coolest grandparents in the world. How many times did we have friends come and go camping and the cookouts and crows and cranes on the sand bar. The fishing trips to snow creek with just a line and a stick. I can’t count all the memories but I want you to know that I hold them close to my heart and will always cherish them.

Grandpa, once more I want to thank you for your part in teaching me how to be a man and to love God and family. I want you to know I love you and miss having you guys so close. Our latest trip together will be one of my fondest memories of all. I love you both and wish you the best in this celebration. Know that I respect and admire you both for all the lessons and the love that you show each of us. Your legacy will always be strong with your children and grandchildren following your footsteps.

Love,
Jake

Memories of Grandpa - Sarah

I remember coming out to the farm and helping vaccinate cows while Joe and I were still dating. I borrowed a pair of cowboy boots from Josh because our feet were the same size: Josh was 10 years old at the time.

The family herded the cows, loaded the cows into a chute, vaccinated them and then let them loose. One cow, impatient to get out of the chute, moved up and down and got herself stuck on the way out. Grandpa had someone connect a chain from the cow’s neck to his pickup truck. Joe went to hop in the truck when Grandpa pointed to me and instructed me to get in the truck instead to pull the cow out, so I did: I didn’t even think of saying no.

I put the truck in reverse and stepped on the gas, trusting that Grandpa wouldn’t let me hurt the cow. The cow still couldn’t get out. Grandpa told me to give the truck more gas and I did: more and more until the cow finally got loose, and it ran around, unharmed. Grandpa didn’t even need to say anything to me, but when he nodded his head, I felt like he approved not just of me pulling the cow out, but of me dating his grandson, too.

Joe and I often came to Gran and Grandpa’s house while we dated. I loved visiting and I especially loved playing games like rummy and dominoes. In fact I still do.

I love thinking about all the times on the farm riding around looking at cows and the river, Grandpa teasing the kids about getting their pigs, Grandpa setting up treasure hunts for Jared, Rachel and Brock in St. George, and traveling with Grandpa and Gran to California last month. Grandpa loves his family, I know. He doesn’t even need to say anything, because when he nods his head, he says it all.

I love you Grandpa
Happy Birthday!
Sarah

Memories of Grandpa - Joe

Fun memories of Grandpa Saurey Joe Bryan

When I was 3 or 4 yrs old, the two of us went down to the river to go fishing. We took some weenies with us and a couple of dogs came along too. While Grandpa was roasting the weenies, I was playing with the dogs and got a little muddy. Grandpa scolded me by saying that if I got muddy I would have to ride in the back with the dogs. We finished fishing and got ready to go. I climbed into the back with the dogs. I think Grandpa thought it was funny that I would take him so seriously. I remember him telling me to keep my hands out from between the bed and the cab before we left, but he let me ride back there.

Coming back from the river always involved “going fast over the bump.” Whoever was with Grandpa would start the chant from about where the irrigation pump was and, as long as the gate was open, we’d build speed down the strait. Everyone loved the butterflies in our stomachs as we went flying through the air and came crashing down. I don’t think it ever really went like that, but it may have seemed that way. Grandpa always had a way of adding a bit of fun to the work on the farm.

On more than one occasion, I remember being woken up by having a cube of ice dropped through my collar as I lay sleeping on the floor with whichever cousins were staying the night. I was pretty young when I had the assignment of driving the small tractor with the pipe trailer in tow so Grandpa and my uncles could move a line of pipe, and it was a job he liked to do early in the morning. Grandpa would always give me a stick of gum when we would work early in the morning – he said chewing helped keep me awake so I wouldn’t drive into the river. He always had packs of Beeman’s or Blackjack Gum which had their unique tastes that still remind me of Grandpa. I remember sneaking a stick from his sock drawer once and being amazed that anyone would maintain such a stock of gum.

I mentioned I was young when I had driving assignments. I think I was six the first time Grandpa had me drive. He set me in his old, blue Dodge, put it in first gear where it could idle without stalling in a stubble field and told me to drive along between rows of straw bales so they could be loaded. I think I could barely see through the gap between the top of the steering wheel and the top of the dash board. I was scared to death at first. I remember thinking that he must be crazy to ask a 6 yr old to drive. I executed a few turns and started to enjoy it though. Soon enough he was trying to teach me to shift into second gear so we could go a little faster. I don’t remember what he said, but I distinctly remember from one of his lessons that you NEVER leave your foot on the accelerator while clutching and shifting. Another thing I remember about Grandpa every time I drive a manual transmission.

I must have started feeling pretty confident and one night as we were coming back up from the field just at dark, Grandpa and Uncle Brent held the gate while I was to drive up a slight hill from the pasture into the barnyard behind the house. There was a bit more finesse on the clutch required for starting on a hill than I was quite ready for and I paid more attention to that than to the task of guiding the truck safely over the bridge on the ditch. When the front left wheel started going off, I must have figured that I better give it some power to get back up on the road. Before I knew it the back wheel was off too. Now I was stuck with the driver door over the water below or the passenger door leading right past Grandpa. I took my chances and made a run for it. I made it safely to the house. I remember Grandma making my excuses when Grandpa came in a while later after pulling the truck out with the tractor – something to the effect of, “he’s only six.”

I thought I might never get the chance to drive again, but that wasn’t Grandpa’s way. It wasn’t long before he was showing me how to do it right. Sometimes I was surprised at what he expected me to do, but he always wanted me to do it right. When I made a mistake he would make sure I would learn and not make that mistake again. He didn’t lose faith in me, he just taught me and expected me to do it better each time.

When I got a little older I remember friends of mine coming over on their dirt bikes or in their pick-ups. If he happened by and saw all those engines, he knew there must be a crew and he would come enlist us to help him haul some gravel or fix some fence or something. Some of my friends started being creative how they would park their cars when they would come over hoping not to be assigned to one of his work details. Telling him “no” wasn’t something anyone ever did.

“Grandpa” and “hard-worker” are synonyms. I learned from him that there is a way to hold a shovel in such a way that you can use your leg for extra leverage and get a much larger scoop of gravel. I don’t haul much gravel these days, but the lesson of “holding your shovel the right way” is true. Maybe it’s a little neurotic of me, but I often find myself wondering if I’m doing something the right way and trying to find a better way. Thank you for that lesson Grandpa.

When I was staying in their basement, I would often dress and come up the stairs to walk to my Mom’s house for breakfast about the time Granny and Grandpa were having their’s. I remember reaching the top of the stairs one morning and hearing Grandpas voice in the dining room around the corner. It sounded quieter than I was used to his voice sounding. I realized they were praying. At first I thought they must have something on their mind that he was earnestly praying about because of the softness in his voice. I peaked around the corner to see Granny and Grandpa kneeling down beside their chairs at breakfast. As I listened to his words I realized there wasn’t any crisis or emergency; he was just saying a blessing on the food and asking for Heavenly Father’s hand in their life for that day. I waited for them to finish before sneaking out.

I grew to love catching them taking turns saying their prayers in the morning. Sometimes they would pray specifically for some of the family or for something they were anticipating to go well or for favorable weather, but always in a soft and reverent voice, and always kneeling. It was a great example of humility and reverence and gratitude to the Lord. My faith grew because I saw their devotion and faith.

Eighty years might sound a bit like a long time, maybe even start to feel like a long time, but when I think of it in terms of 80 trips around the sun, or 80 Christmases, or 14 US presidents, or 10 president’s of the LDS church, or 2 missions, or 5 children, or over 20 grandchildren, or HOW MANY great-grand children, or 87,000 good meals, 80 years doesn’t seem like all that long a time. I’m grateful that your 80 and my 25 have overlapped – I’m glad to have a grandpa like mine.

Memories of Grandpa - Kerry

5-17-08
Memories of Dad
By Kerry

I think I learned to walk fast from trying to keep up with Dad on the farm and going up and down ditch banks irrigating. People have told me many times to “slow down, you’re walking too fast.”

At BYU Honors English I was criticized by my professor for writing a too idyllic report of my childhood on the farm and walking with my dog to the river every night after school (many days anyway), hauling hay and straw with Dad and the family, riding horses with my sisters, and other things. I thought about his comments and tried to think of a way to write the story less like a fairy tale, but decided it was all true and correct the way I had written it.

The other thing that professor questioned me on was saying that my dad was the hardest working man I had ever met. That was and still is true also.

I learned from Dad to enjoy going places and seeing new things. I have been a few places in America and other parts of the world: Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Florida, New York, California, Belize, Costa Rica, Caribbean, Southern Africa (Zimbabwe).

Memories of Grandpa - Pat

Memories of My Father-In-Law
Lyle Charles Saurey

It seems like such a long time ago that I joined the Saurey Family. You were so kind and accepting of me. (Maybe you were excited that Brent was finally getting married!) You were always so generous with everything. Anything we needed to use, you freely shared. Any time we ate out, you paid. Any time we came over, you fed us. Any time we needed a babysitter, you watched the kids (with one eye open). You were so fun with our children – they loved to be with their grandpa. It was fun for me to learn about farming. I was always amazed at how hard you worked, yet you took time to play and enjoy the beauties of nature. You taught me that in the winter when the woods looked dark, it was warming up. You taught me how to find asparagus and huckleberries. You taught me how to plant and raise garlic and hollyhocks. You taught me how to drive the tractor or pick-up with a load of hay or pipe on it. That scared me to death. Actually a lot of things you did scared me. Our trip to Canada when you pretended to drive off the road onto the truck run away sent my heart racing. You scared the goblins out of me on Halloween when you dressed up in Granny’s fur coat. And, always, you scared me when you drove in the field – running into cows or driving on the ditch bank.

I have a lot of fun memories skating, snow machining, floating the river, and having wiener roasts in the deep dark woods. I loved to have you walk down to our house almost every day to talk to us or get the kids to do something. I liked to look out my window and see you hoeing in my garden. It was fun to share that interest, but even more fun to find a zucchini before you did!

I want to tell you that I love you and to thank you for being the great father-in-law that you have been. You’ve done so much for our family and been a good example of someone who loves the gospel. I admire all your great qualities. You’ve lived an amazing life and I’m glad I could share in a part of it. Happy 80th birthday!

Love,
Pat

Memories of Grandpa - Stewart

Happy Birthday Dad,

We are taking a few minutes at our family night to write you. I personally want to thank you for the example of hard work you have been for us. You have always lead the way when things needed to be done. Thank you for being that example for m and my boys.

You and grandma have always been generous to us with your time and have helped us on several occasions with money to get us into our house.

I love how you and Grandma (Mom) always like to have fun. I love the games we all play. I hope I can continue the traditions you have started. It has been fun going on the trips with you. The cruise, Alaska and the trip we just went on to California. You both always know how to have fun.

I have appreciated your spiritual side also. I will never forget when Susan and I came to Brenham and we went up to College Station or Bryan and I saw you talking with a woman about the gospel. Your example and testimony will always be one of the things I admire about you. I have been treated as one of your children. Thank you both for that as I feel I have had two wonderful sets of parents.

I have loved it when you and mom have had things in your home that have needed repair. It made me feel good to be trusted enough to have you call on me. I remember Susan and I painted your house. It was fun. Grandma was right there helping. I am just glad that “families are forever.”

I guess I have gone on long enough. I think I could have just said thanks for all you have done and I hope you have a Happy Birthday. We will look forward to many more.

I love you dad. (You to Mom)

Stew

Memories of Grandpa - Susan

Happy 80th Birthday

I want to thank you for being a good example, a loving father, and a valiant servant as a missionary. I have enjoyed so many good memories of my childhood. One of those was the time you would take us to head the milk cows up to the barn. On an early morning you explained the dew on the grass and what a beautiful world it has been to me ever since.

I’m thankful for your example of hard work and learning how to do things in a proper way, sometimes with just an improvised method.

I’ve been happy that you have been willing to accept and be involved with my family. All the river trips, the ice skating, the hay hauling, the fishing expeditions, the holidays, the card games, etc. etc.

Our heritage of pioneers and the ongoing generations who will bring good things where ever they are called to serve.

Thank you for so much,
I love you most

Susie


To your better half;

Thank you mom for being there to help with all the memories. I will always be glad for your example of service and your ability to lead in the church.

Thanks for smiling, for being a good ear, for loving everyone. Can’t wait for your 80th. Maybe it could be on a cruise!!

Love you most

Susie