I flew to SLC earlier than planned to attend the funeral of my uncle Grant...as funerals go it was great, very sweet and touching, a wonderful reunion of family and friends. My uncle Grant was infamous for a lot of things...like making anywhere between 12 to 15 tuna sandwiches out of one small can of tuna and Miracle Whip...he loved his Miracle Whip... which he also used in his potato salad, along with canned milk...I watched him make it years ago and when he poured in the milk I lost my appetite completely. I'm sure it was good...not really...seriously, how could it have possibly been even edible?!??! Uncle Grant could roll his eyes and offer up a "tsk-tsk" like nobody else - but I'll always remember him for the twinkle in his eyes.
Grant and my dad were the best of buds - they golfed together, traveled together, even played the slots together and more than anything they loved yelling and screaming at the TV while watching college sports - every game they watched had blind refs!
If my dad had spoken at the funeral he would have said Grant was the best brother a man could ever have. He would have also said Grant was a great example and role model, not just for him but for his eleven children, all of whom turned out great. My dad probably would have told a story or two, like how Grant loaned him his car and gave him $100 so he could go on his honeymoon. And he definitely would have talked about Grant's strong faith and how he knows he'll see him again. (My dad is pictured on the left and Grant, his big brother, is on the right.)
Grant was dad's brother for over eighty years and mom's brother-in-law for over 65 years - all those years filled with great memories. The only thing equal to the love my parents have for Grant is the hole his passing has left in their hearts.
This picture was taken a few years ago - everyone is all smiles from an evening of laughter. That's my Aunt Karla and Uncle Grant on the left, my parents are in the center, and my Aunt Tillie (dad and Grant's sister) and Uncle Gordie on the right.
I think my dad would only have one thing to add to this post about his brother...till we meet again!
