The family gathering on the first of March was a somber celebration of an amazing man. Jeff's dad had passed away in February after battling cancer for several years.
The funeral was a beautiful tribute to the soft spoken man who loved his family above all else.
To his grandchildren he was known as Grandpa Teddy.
His lap was always full with one of the kids. He was impossibly patient and kind hearted.
His love for teasing has passed from generation to generation.
As has his brilliant nuclear physicist mind
He was slow to anger and didn't pass judgments
His love for the gospel of Jesus Christ was a beacon for his family
Never one to complain or draw any attention to himself
At the funeral services his children payed tribute to him
his grandchildren sang
there was the sweetest spirit in the meeting and it was a true celebration of a full life lived well.
The finality of the grave side service is always a difficult one for me
Those last moments can be so heartbreaking
and so tender
But this sad occasion reunited so many family members for the first time in years
While our hearts were heavy with loss there was comfort in the knowledge that this was not a forever farewell
The family rallied around each other after leaving the cemetery.
I marveled as I thought about all the ways my father in law will live on through his children and grandchildren
Not only have his children been blessed with pieces of his good looks, but also his patient heart and brilliant mind. His example of husband and father is one they each strive to emulate.
his grandchildren have stronger testimonies because of his example of faith
They learned what it is to serve tirelessly
and renewed commitments to live in such a way that they might all be reunited someday
There were lots of tears on that chilly day, but there were also lots of smiles.
There was teasing and laughing
there were memories shared
family ties were strengthened
and above all else there was an overwhelming feeling of love.
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