The funeral plans were made on the drive to Utah. There were many phone calls made while on the road, and by the time we made it to Utah Thursday, the plans were made. Loralee drove while Laureen and Lisa spent time on the phone with Lynette, Leslee, Grant and Bonnie and the boys. We weren't sure if we would be able to have an open casket viewing, nor did we know how many people to expect. We planned to have a brief closed casket viewing in the Relief Society room followed by a family prayer then the funeral, all in the Relief Society room. The viewing was going to start at 12:00 with the prayer at 12:30 and funeral at 1:00. We felt we had plenty of time for everyone to visit for a few minutes before the funeral, and that there would be plenty of room in the Relief Society room.
Family members and friends were at the church to greet mom and the family by 11:30. We were hustling to get things pulled together, and trying to decide if we could have an open casket viewing. Not sure of how well dad traveled, we called mom and the siblings together to take a peek and determine if we could open for viewing. Dan and David made sure Lisa and Laureen were there, and then proceeded to discuss whether they got the right casket in Arizona or not. David insisted the casket was the one on the right, while Dan insisted it was the casket on the left. After a bit of discussion, and looks of horror on Lisa and Laureen's faces, the boys took a peek, and sure enough, they had the right casket. And, dad looked great after his trek through the back country, four wheeling through the snow, and a stop for a memorable target practice on the way.
The decision was made to open the casket, and we were all so glad we were able to do that. Dad looked so peaceful, so happy, so releived. He was indeed beautiful. He was dressed in his own temple clothes, the same clothes he spent many trips to the temple in, and yes, it was his jumpsuit rather than his shirt and tie. We all remember him attending the temple with us in his jumpsuit, and he was more comfortable in it too. We did put on a tie, as well as the rest of his temple clothes, what a moment for all of us!
There was quite a gathering for the viewing, many more family members and friends than were expected. We ended up moving the funeral into the chapel as the Relief Society room was full with just family for the prayer. What a tribute to dad!
Everything went as planned, and the services were very nice. Because dad was in the National Guard for a number of years, he was eligible to have a flag on his casket. This was a great representation of one of the three things he holds most dear...God, Family and Country. There was snow in the forecast, it snowed the day before the funeral, and for several days after, but the day of the funeral was a bit overcast, and even beautifully sunny when we made the trip to the cemetary. The dedication of the grave was done with moderate temperatures, sunshine, and loved ones gathered. Everyone gathered aftere the cemetary at the church for a meal prepared by the Relief Society of Grant and Bonnie's ward. Their ward was indeed in full service mode for our family, with the bishop conducting, the High Priests setting up the chairs, and the Relief Society there to help with a meal, as well as someone to clean up. I honestly didn't see that happen, but at some time, the cultural hall was clean. It was like the shoemaker and the elves. The work was done, but no one saw it happen. Many thanks to the American Fork 8th Ward for their service that day.
Everyone was very exhausted and amazed that dad had passed away on the 11th in Arizona and we were able to transport everyone and plan a funeral and make arrangements and hold a funeral on the 13th. We were indeed blessed to make it all happen. We all retired back to Dave and Leslee's house to re-group after the funeral, and figure out where do we go now. Thank you to Dave and Leslee for their willingness to let the entire gang call their home "home". Now it is time to start picking up the pieces, get mom to dailysis on Saturday and plan the trip home. What a beautiful, amazing day; a day to celebrate the life of an amazing man, his accomplishments, his testimony, his love for his family, his love for God, and especially to have the opportunity to recognize God's hand in all we have and in all we do. We are indeed a very blessed family.
Posterity:
Loralee West (Kib Holt)
Jessica Holt (Keith Martin)
Brittain Holt
Laira Holt
Bailey Holt
Amberly Holt
Lana Holt (Mike Johnson)
Dayton Holt
Erica Holt
Lynette West (Kevin Peterson, Marty Jensen)
Brein Jensen (Doug Beazer)
Jameson Beazer
London Beazer
Ben Jensen (Li Johansen)
Evan Jensen
Asher Jensen
Scott Peterson
Rileigh Jensen (Chris Uken)
Tyller Uken
Amy Peterson
Michael Peterson (Olivia West)
Madison Jensen (Nick Elgan)
Roman Elgan
Aariel Jensen (Kris Monsen)
William Peterson
Joseph Jensen
David Farrin West (Leslie)
Nichole West (Brandon Denboer)
Haylee West
Laureen West (Raymond Grosso)
Anthony Grosso (Carolina Areans)
Christina Grosso (Jason Varini)
Jeremy Varini
Vincent Grosso
Nicole Grosso
Daniel Lynn West (Janiece Walker)
Kayzia Tanner
Ori Tanner
Darrin John West (Nikol Sorensen)
Stetson West
Hunter West
Magnum West
Bridger West
Jaxson West
Granger West
LisaGlee West (Darwin Fielding)
Trevor Fielding
Lydia Fielding
Leslee West (Steve Martin)
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