Joseph Kenneth Marks
November 4, 1921-May 10, 2009
On May 10th, 2009 my Grandpa was relieved of his physical ailments and returned to our Heavenly Father. It's a very bitter sweet loss. I am selfishly sad to not have my grandpa with me in this life, but I am so so happy for him to be done with this part of life, and healthy again and back with his parents and daughter.My mom's family was so blessed to have been able to have all six kids and my grandma by his side for his last moments on this earth.
I'm so glad I'm blessed with such a wonderful boss and company to have been able to take time off to go to Salt Lake to be with my family. Even though it was an occasion of mourning, it was so wonderful to be able to spend time with my grandma, immediate family, and extended family I rarely get to see. It was so fun to talk about the fun times with Grandpa. Of course there were so many stories, as Grandpa was so involved in all of our lives, and such a character. Being a retired AA pilot he and my grandma were able to do a lot of traveling, and made it to all the important occasions (and then some) in our lives. All my friends growing up knew Grandpa Joe, and loved him.
I was also lucky to be only a short 3 hour drive from my grandparents' house while I was in college. It was so nice to be able to pop in on my frequent trips to Utah, and have my grandparents all to myself.
Anyone who's ever spent any time with my grandpa will describe him as being happy, and always laughing. Even despite the trial of his stroke twelve years ago, he never complained, and was always content to just be with his family. I will always cherish the times I was able to sit and watch Law & Order with him in his family room.
Everyone loves you Grandpa, we'll miss you, but we know you're watching over us and smiling.
Typical Grandpa being a goofball.
This was one night I was staying in Salt Lake before heading back to Rexburg and went to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa. I thought his hat was so cute.
Grandpa on his 86th birthday.
Such a perfect couple that I admire so much.
My last time with Grandpa, Christmas 2008.
As I mentioned, it was so fun to spend time with my extended family. I always have so much fun when I get to spend time with my aunt Kate, and cousins Trish, Brooke, and Kim.
Kim, Trish, Brooke, and me, doing Grandpa's famous rabbit ears pose.
6 comments:
I have to admit that I was so caught off guard when I opened up this post and saw grandpa that I immediately start crying. This was such a beautiful post, Rachel. Grandpa was such an amazing man with such a wonderful spirit and I'm glad that he'll finally be able to be in comfort. It's amazing the progression of pictures--that last picture of you and grandpa breaks my heart.
Ok, now that I'm having a sob-fit I'll end my comment. It was so great seeing you--I loved laughing and being silly with you, as always. My dear little HBOA Jr. :) Love and kisses your way... (and sorry about my lame non-emailness--work has been non-stop since getting back from SLC)
Your post made me think of our Grams who just passed away and the wonderful memories we made with family during the week before the funeral. Thanks, I needed the good reminder today!
Your Grandpa looks like he was a fun, loving and a sweetheart. Grandparents play such a big role in our lives. You're blessed to belong to such a great family!
Such a sweet post. Grandparents are the best and I am sorry for your loss.
I was really touched by this post Rachel. Sorry I wasn't able to see more of you. I miss the times when life wasn't so hectic. I miss you...
Oh my gosh, Rachel....like Trish that totally took me off guard to see my Dad....but I was so touched that you made such a beautiful posting and it totally made me cry! You are so very special! I love you so very much!!! Tears, tears, and more tears!!!
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