Obituaries

Grandpa was the quiet, calm support. He never raised his voice and I believe I learned kindness from his example. I have always been grateful for the generosity he and Grandma showed me and my brother when we were growing up. In some ways they were parents to us when our mom couldn't, due to her own demons. He was truly a man of integrity. He spoke only when he had something of true value to add. His commitment to his faith was a testament to us all. He has left a legacy of amazing descendants who are a testimony of a life well lived.

Very sorry for your loss and sending prayers. Not much can be said at times like this. Many wonderful memories from family reunions and when my family went to visit when y'all lived in Durango CO.

I wish I could express myself in words or find the words that describe what he was and what he taught me. He wasn't strong enough to bring the family together, but we all knew that he loved each one of us. He taught me to the meaning of truth and love for family. He loved the outdoors. When we camped we would hunt mushrooms and cook them up in the morning. He explained why water boiled quicker at higher elevations. He taught me to repair instead of replace, even if it was mickey mouse and duck tape. He taught me the Bible, showed me through his love the love of God. So many memories of dad growing up, which ones to share. Working in the basement on my science project in the dark room, or building the railroad town, or teaching Cirrie how to ride the jumping horse. The one that is really standing out this year is the igloo. I guess because this year in Trinidad is another year of heavy wet snows and COLD temps. We worked all day packing (dad did most of it) blocks against the back steps, arranging them in the circle with the entrance. Then teaching us to off set them enough so they would close at the top. When it was finished it was big enough for the 3 of us, Buckey (our pug) and dad. We brought out blankets and food so we could have a picnic in there and played in it till May of that year. In the front yard we built a snowman family. Or the Sunday when mom was in the hospital, dad was preaching in Idaho Springs. Cirrie got away from me and crawled under the chairs up to dad, without missing a beat he picked her up and finished his sermon with how Jesus said to let the little children come to him. Or the Sunday we drove the 47 pickup up one of the trails around Durango and instead of backing around one of the hair pin curves he tried to just go around it and got the truck so high centered we had to walk down to the highway and get some one to help him jack it around. I loved camping under the stars with that pick up. We went up Missionary Ridge se

My grandfather was a guiding light through his service of others. He was a man who had no fear when it came to his belief and the protection of the lord in his teachings. I have tried to followed his lead when dealing with fear in my life. His love and protection of family lives on through my dedication to my children and family. Thank you grandpa for your example in my life.