Grandpa Townsend

Lonny's Dad passed away March 13th, 2013.

He was 79 years old 

 and had been married to his high school sweetheart for 60 years.

Lonny's mom had been living with friends or her sister since she was 12.  Some how she ended up at the same high school as

Eugene Townsend.

She was the cheerleader, he was the athlete she cheered for.

Lonny is the oldest of five children, first three boys and then two girls.

This is how I like to remember Grandpa Townsend, before the Alzheimers. 

 He was quiet, and I don't remember much of anything he ever said except the first time we met.  I had gone home from Ricks College with my boyfriend, Lonny, to his house on Whidbey Island.  The first day there Lonny proposed while we explored Fort Casey.   I met his Dad that night during dinner.  Lonny said this is Lori and we are getting married.  His Dad said and I quote, "Why would you want to do that?"  I have no idea if he was talking to me or to Lonny.  It turns out it doesn't matter.  We have missed him not talking for the last ten years or so.  

I wouldn't say the funeral was exceptionally sad,  it was more just gratefulness for the love and example of a Father to his children.

The funeral began with Grandpa's seven granddaughters and Alayna singing "I am a child of God."  It was beautiful and I wish there was a photo of that.

 The graveyard service included all eleven grandson's carrying the casket.

 One final act to thank Grandpa for his life.

All eighteen grandchildren gathered for the funeral from near and far.  I don't have to look at the map to assume Emily flying in from Lima was the longest distance traveled but there were sacrifices made by others coming from Vermont, Oklahoma, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Utah.

These two, Nathan and Michael, lived right next door to their grandparents and although they did not travel far they sacrificed continually to take care of Grandpa.

Burying your Grandpa is tough but as long as you can hang on to your favorite cousin.  Actually these three are the crazy limb on the family tree.  Every family should want one.

Grandma is the talker in the family and here is the proof.  I think she looks cute in this photo and I love how my brother-in-law, Karl, looks like the chief of her security service.

Here are the grandchildren with Grandma (minus Michael and Nathan) from youngest to oldest.  This is my favorite because of Ashley and Jason.  They all looked like that when they were younger but now they can mostly stand still and smile when someone gets the camera out.  Boo, to kids growing up.

And another with Grandma talking, it must have been funny because everyone's laughing.

We are so glad we were able to be with everyone.  It sounds odd to say it was a great weekend.  It is a great family to be a part of and we will never forget Grandpa AND Grandma's influence as we look at their posterity. There are seven returned missionaries and eight temple marriages among these grandkids pictured. And eighteen great grandchildren not pictured. What a blessing.  And that Grandpa is why we wanted to get married, so we could have all of this.