Thursday, November 13, 2008

Grandpa Vest's Funeral

The funeral service for Grandpa was really nice and uplifting. It was quite a delight to get to sit and hear stories about such a fun and crazy man. The bishop remarked that it's too bad it takes a person dying to really learn all about who they were. Makes me want to ask my parents lots of questions about their younger years.

Dad gave a wonderful talk sharing gospel principles and the plan of happiness as well as intermixed with many wonderful stories. I felt such a sense of gratitude for my dad and for the person he is as he spoke that day. It was such a hard week for him, he handled the circumstances of Grandpa's death with such respect and courage and I am very proud to call him Dad.

I had the unique experience growing up of living within a few minutes of both sets of grandparents. This afforded me the opportunity to get to spend time with them on a regular basis and because of that I have many wonderful memories. My grandparents had 3 children and 14 grandchildren. Because there aren't very many of us, my dad and his sisters thought it would be nice if we all got up and shared a small memory or tribute of grandpa. It was so much fun to do and to hear. I wish that could happen at every funeral, but sheer numbers usually prevent that from being possible. It was fun to hear all of the different stories and things about Grandpa that were shared. Some were similar and shared by all or a few and some were unique to each individual, which showed just what a great Grandpa he was. I related the following story.

During my high school years, I worked as a swimming instructor and lifeguard at the Spanish Fork Swimming Pool. As an employee I was given a summer swim pass for my personal use and for the use of my family members. There was no one else who used this privilege more than Grandpa Vest. Only he used it slightly differently than it was intended. Open swim was after 1:00 p.m. This time didn't work for Grandpa and Grandpa was notorious for doing things his way. He would show up at the pool nearly everyday during the summer right in the middle of swimming lessons. It wasn't convenient for him to come during the regular swim hours, so he did things his way. He would show up wearing his Temple View Estates ball cap and his white shirt that barely covered one of his two "Speedo" type swimming suits. It would either be his army green speedo or his Americana speedo. Sometimes he would wear his white cargo knickers over the speedo, but often he would come in with his white shirt. It looked like the man was coming to the pool wth a shirt and nothing else! He always carried a rolled up towel tucked underneath his arm.

Grandpa would swim his laps in the pool and then make his way over to me while I instructed swimmers. He would say, "Whattayaknow Amy Jo from Kokomo?" (He as called me this ever since I can remember) To which I would always say, "Hi Grandpa, How was your swim today!" He would say, "Great! I've just got to get Virginia down here, you think you could teach her to swim?" (Virginia is my grandmother and she didn't like the water, he was always trying to get me to teach her swimming lessons.)

Grandpa would then get out of the pool and dry off and proceed to sun bathe. Granpda had a unique way of sunbathing. He believed you needed to tan evenly on each side, so he rotated like a rotisserie chicken. Five minutes on front, five minutes on back and five minutes on each side. It always looked so funny to see him trying to balance on his side to get an even tan.

When he was finished he would put his shirt back on. Throw on his hat and tuck his towel under his arm and be on his way. People at the pool always wondered who the old man was who helped himself to an open swim during swim lessons, and I always let them know, that's my grandpa. I tried to explain to him that he should come during pool hours, but he always informed me, he didn't like coming in the afternoons. The apologized to the pool manager and told him that I had informed my Grandpa of the hours of open swim, he laughed and said, "He's not bothering anyone, let him come when he wants."

I think it was fun for all of us to get to share a part of our relationship with Grandpa with everyone else. There are many other memories I need to record....all in due time.

I am always humbled when I see the American Legion at a funeral. I feel grateful for the sacrifice others have made in my behalf, and for the sacrifices that are continually being made everyday for me to enjoy the life I do. I love everything about the presentation of the military rites, the bugles, the flag, the 21 gun salute, the honor and respect given. It was a great time for reflecton being the day before Veteran's Day.









The original Vest Family. Front row left to right, Emily, Amy, Chad, Mom, Back row Scott, Wade, and Dad. I love these people and so do my children. It was a pleasure being with each of them.

Everyone in the Vest Family, minus my hubby and kiddos and Kaden who was with his Grandma Christensen. Psst: If anyone has a better picture, email it to me.


My dad was able to meet little Isaac about a month sooner than we had expected! That was the silver lining of this trip.


Auntie Em - I finally got to meet her fiance Stephen on this trip. He had football practice and couldn't make it to the funeral, but we are excited for them.








Wade and his cute wife Sara! We love you guys!

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