LAST POST ON GRANDPA/OBITUARY

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Dwain J Pearson (June 24, 1912 - June 29, 2008)

Bountiful/Richfield, Utah - Dwain John Pearson, age 96 of Bountiful, died June 29, 2008 at his home in Bountiful.

He was born June 24, 1912, to John Rikard and Elizabeth Dobson in Richfield, Utah. His first four years were spent living in a cabin in Cottonwood canyon, four miles south of Marysvale, Utah.

Dwain attended Utah State Agricultural College and graduated in 1934 with honors and the distinction of being the first student from Marysvale, Utah to graduate from college. He was president of Alpha Zeta, the National Honorary Agricultural Fraternity; a member of the Scholastic Fraternity, Phi Kappa Phi and a Danforth Scholar.

He went onto work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for nine years.

Dwain married Olive Ogden on September 5, 1934 in the Salt Lake Temple, sharing 67 years together. He will always be remembered for the sweet and tender love affair he and Olive shared.

In 1943 he returned to Richfield and joined his brother, Marden in the establishment of a lumber business that eventually grew to be the largest in the state of Utah. Although he claimed to be only a small businessman from a small town, he became a moving force for over 50 years in Utah and the Intermountain West in a variety of businesses.

Dwain was the president of Ideal National Insurance Company. He developed and operated many hotels and restaurants including Travelodge, Hilton and Embassy Suites. Among his many civic duties was his service on the Development Board for LDS Hospital and his position on the Board of Governors for the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. He was a visionary man, a tremendous leader and dedicated his time and energy to countless other business responsibilities without the need for recognition.

Dwain was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, holding the position of Bishop and was a member of the Stake Presidency. He was active in the Church missionary program and was tirelessly involved in Temple Work in his retirement years. His entire life was dedicated to Church service and his family. Dwain always said, “Family is everything.” He was a true example of love and a servant to all in need.

“Dad, you have blessed our lives with your example and we are grateful you are with your sweetheart again.”

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

Lyssie Lou had been asking me for a few days if Grandpa 'A-wain' had gone up to heaven yet.  I kept saying not yet,  but he is resting and getting ready to go in a few days. 

Tyson, Alyssa and I had a good talk on the way over to see him last week.  We talked about how we were all together in Heaven before we came to this earth.  We lived with our Father In Heaven and Jesus.  We talked about how most of us get the opportunity to live a long and full life down here on this earth before we return to Him again.  We talked about how Grandpa was finally ready to go back to heaven and be with Grandma Olive and his parents.  How it is a special and neat thing at his age,  and that it is different to pass away when we are older versus if there is an accident or someone dies young.  It is not as sad for all of us because they have lived with their family for a long time.  We talked about how Jesus and Heavenly Father are so excited to see him again and that Grandpa will continue doing good works up in heaven, and that we will all be together again.

Before Church this morning, Alyssa asked again if Grandpa 'A-wain' was in heaven yet,  this time I was able to say...Yes.

This is a note that my Grandfather had framed in his home.  It is a letter from my Grandmother from when they were in their twenties, back in 1935.  I love that they were together for 60 years and still had this perfect love.  I love that she signed it God Bless you forever.  How awesome for them  to be

together again...Forever! 

THE COMFORT OF A COUSIN

-just documenting some more of my feelings-

As we have spent the past week watching and enjoying all the little cousins running around, I didn't realize how long it had been since I was really able to spend some quality time with my own adult cousins.

As my Grandpa is nearing his final hours, I have been able to go visit him and sit for a few hours at his home with some of my cousins, Aunts and Uncles.  Just being able to feel the love in his home and the spirit about in the air, is such an amazing and humbling feeling.  I am SO blessed to have 9 wonderful female cousins that are only a 6 year span in age.  We were all lucky to have grown up within miles of each other.  We spent many wonderful holidays and summers together.  These are the cousins that I have grown up with and shared my childhood with.  I am blessed to have the opportunity to share more quality time with them through the next few weeks.  Life's responsibilities pile up high at times and the past few years I have definitely lost sight of the great relationships that we have built through the years. 

We need to get all of "Grandpa's Girls" together a little more often.  (Maybe a weekend at the 'famous' Homestead, minus the horsie rides)...what da ya say? ;0)  It's just nice to be in the presence of those who know where you've been, who you come from, and believe in your potential to accomplish this life's  goals. 

With that said:

I am also grateful to be going down to visit my Mother's side of the family as well.  I have 3 incredible girls on that side of the family who are wonderful cousins to me also.  We have wonderful memories of our childhood together with Hart and Jane.  I also have great memories of my favorite cousin, Kerianne, who passed away on Christmas Eve when we were 13.  I know someday I will be able to see her again.  

So, here's to continuing a great summer, filled with opportunities to make more memories to last for even more years to come.

AIN'T NUTT'N LIKE A COUSIN

Ok. First, seriously, this picture makes me laugh SO hard.  It is a follow up to the Midget dance from a few weeks ago.  Look at Tyson.  He seriously looks THAT tall.  LOVE IT!  Midget dance...mastered!

We had such a wild & super fun week.  The kids have had a BALL!  They are all so silly and nutty.  We love their cute & crazy personalities.  We are so happy we got to spend some great quality time with some of our great cousins.  Still missing other cousins...hope to see you soon. 

SO, here's our past week in a NUTSHELL.

Long with lots of pics, but the point of my blog is to document the details for our future.  Details always seem to fade away.

1. Sunday Dinner at Grandpa & Grammy's

2. Birthday Bash for Easton at Carson & Ang's slip n slide/bball

3. Cam, Sarah,  & kids spend the night  

4. Swimming with Cam, Sarah & kids

5. VIDEOS, NAPS AND REST FOR TJ & ALYSSA

6. Cousin Jordan comes to sleep over

7. REST FOR TJ, ALYSSA & MOMMY THIS TIME

8. Cousins Abbey & Hailey come over to make cookies & slide.

9. REST FOR TJ, ALYSSA, MONNY & DADDY THIS TIME

10. TJ goes to Narnia with Grammy, G-pa, Jordan, Abbey, Hailey.

11.  TJ & Alyssa sleep over with Jordan, Abbey, &  Hailey.

12. TJ goes to WALL-E with Grammy, G-pa, Jorday, Abbey Hailey.

13.  Dinner with G-pa Clark, G-ma Jami, Ahslee, Ben & cousin Kaden. 

        

AHH--SO MUCH FUN--SO MANY PICS--TIME TO REST--MUST DO AGAIN

  

Lyssa.Easton.Stockton.

      McCade.Chandlie.                             

Twins.Halle.Makenna.                               

Sean.Stockton.

Lizzie.Lyssa.Stockton.

Stockton.TJ.Lyssa.Lizzie.Sean

Cam & Sarah with kids.

Lyssa. Lizzie.

Jordan. TJ.

    

Hailey.Abbey.Alyssa.Ty.

 

Abbey.Ty.

 

Ty.Hailey.Alyssa.Abbey.

Ty.Abbey

Lyssie.Hailey.

LOOKING BACK, PRESSING FORWARD

We went to visit my dear Grandfather a few days ago.  He is failing fast and we are blessed to hopefully have a few more weeks with him.

The thing I loved the most about this visit was that even in his weakening state, his life's priorities, still remained in effect.  The habits that he has built over many many years are very much a part of him even his last days.  He sat with his scriptures by his side.  Along with two or three other books about our Savior.  Of course one of those being The Millennial Messiah.  Anyone who knows him, knows that.  He couldn't even keep his food down that morning, but was still doing his exercises that he has posted on the cabinet door.  He also said he had just gone in to get his recommend renewed a few days earlier.  So that when he was feeling better, he could get back up there to do a session.  But of course, he still watched the NBA finals.  And would never forget to check up on Wall Street, or how the weather is down at the Ranch.  Up until just a bit ago, he LOVED his ROOTBEER and BASKIN ROBINS ICE CREAM.

I asked if there was anything he wanted to tell Tyson this year, while he is getting ready to be baptized.

(I tried to remember close to word for word) since I asked him knowing it might be the last advice he could give).

He looked into his eyes, and this is what he said; 

"Just to follow the Savior.  To be kind.  To love everyone.  Even to the people that are mean to you.  I know it's not easy.  But... if you practice, you can do it."

I thought, How interesting.  How true.  How simple the request.  I loved that he said ...if you practice, you can do it.  That last bit for him to add, is truly where the crossroads between Knowledge and Wisdom meet.  The experience and lessons of a lifetime.

Practice, Practice, Practice....hmmm.

One of the great lessons I have learned from him as well, is that in this life, there is no such thing as PERFECT.  We ALL make mistakes.  We can be wonderful, wise and beautiful people, however...we all still make mistakes. 

To err is human.  To err is human.  To err is human.

WATER LOGGED!

Well, I'm guessing it's was the obvious hike in temperature that caused us to revert to the life of a fish 4 out of the 5 days this week.

SO MUCH SUNSHINE!

We went to the pool with a few neighbors on Monday afternoon, The kids played with friends in the water at home on Tuesday, then we went to the pool with Daddy when he got home. Wednesday we went to the pool with Shelby Lou and her crew. That was a blast! Oh, but Thursday, we hadn't had enough...so we trucked down to the...uh...pool again. Then we came home and took A LONG NAP-me and both the kids. AHH!

Then a' last here comes Friday, and Todd still needed to get in on more of the action, so he wanted to pull out the cricket and headed up to the Lake today with our good ol' friends, Mark and Jess and all our kiddlets. Thank you, Thank you Gramps, for allowing us to borrow the cricket to have a day of fun. It was SO nice and relaxing. The kiddos played and played in the sand and water. The kids took turns riding in the tube with their Dada's. I had Mark and Todd teach me how to drive the boat a little bit. (Papa John, plug your ears.)

WARNING... TANGENT, BUT I MUST WRITE-

The drive was beautiful as always going up over the loop. So many good memories and good times at the Lake. I hadn't been up there for about 2 years. There is nothing like being up on the Lake at sunset, when it tucks behind those canyon mountains. Todd and I spent many summer nights up there with Scott and the crew of our friends and his. We would Ski to our hearts content and Scott ALWAYS brought the greatest music sets to play. We would lite fires on the beach and all talk for hours. We never left until after dark. I also remember Scott having me come up boating one August day with a girl he really wanted me to meet, named Lesa Lake...and the rest is history there.

While Todd was on his mission, there was a group of about 8 guys and girls that went up to the lake at least 3 times a week for a full summer. No joke. Two of my very dear friends fell in love at the lake that summer and ended up marrying those those boys.

Just a little bit of nostalgia there for a minute. Many, many memories.

ANYWAY, here are some fun pics from today.

OWEN.

ASHLEY

ALYSSA WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT DADDY AND TYSON ON THE TUBE. BUT SHE DECIDED TO GIVE IT A TRY. SHE WHIMPERED LIKE A KITTY, BUT REALLY WANTED TO GO IF MARK DROVE SLOW.                                           

 THESE TWO ARE SOO CUTE!SHELBY ASHLEY & MARK

THE SLAMMER

Mom, How do the bad people get out of jail? 

As I took in the question, my first thoughts were, I could go two ways with this,

A) I could explain that they might not all be BAD people, but some of them are probably good people who have just made some BAD choices.  Or,

B) I could just skip that part and explain that depending on what crime they committed they are in jail for different amounts of time.

WELL, after his long pause waiting for my answer and before I could get my first words out, Tyson decides to just plain, give me the answer to his own question, which was...    

"They break off the toilet seat!" 

Oh, really?  I said

Yeah, they just scoot the toilet seat thingy, ya know, that whole thingy, they just scoot it over and it leaves a hole in the floor.  That way they can crawl out!

OH...so let's rephrase the question....

I KNOW...AND IT WILL CHANGE AGAIN.

OK, OK. I know...when it comes to my blog background and title,

I change it like a pair of panties...;0) OK, maybe socks! OK, maybe Shampoo Bottles.

At any rate, I'm sure I'll change it again, but hey the title always says the same thing,

that counts for SOME stability here, right?

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

This picture reminds me soo much of Tyson and Todd. I watch Todd scrouching down all the time to talk to Tyson or to show him something. This goes for Alyssa too.

We are excited for Father's Day. Todd and I were supposed to go with some other couples tonight to dinner and a movie, and instead, Todd wanted to finish the stairs on the deck he has been building. He has worked so hard on this project with his father. I was very surprised when he gave up a steak dinner and movie to finish this for our family. Tomorrow the kids and I have a little treasure hunt planned for him to give him his gift. Tyson has made 6 treasure boxes out of Legos for him to find that contain clues to find others. I am excited because I think this will be the FIRST year ever that I can surprise him with a gift. I have NEVER been able to do this with something that I know he really has wanted. I think this is the year. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it's a hit. After church we will grill his favorite steaks and other menu items of his choice. Hopefully it will be a nice relaxing day for him!

We are so Thankful for Todd. He is such a thoughtful and caring Dad. He is always thinking of what he can do with Tyson and Alyssa. Playing and teasing and teaching them. I am so proud of him and all he does for our family. We love you, Todd. You are the strength and support that binds our family together and we look up to you always for your ever happy attitude and content nature. Thank you for being such a great example for your children. They are so blessed to have you. I am too.

Todd and I are also very Thankful for our Wonderful Father's and Grandfathers that have been in our lives. We have learned so much from them through the years. Each one of them has given of their gifts and talents in many ways. We are thankful for their unique abilities and attributes that they have passed down to us and the kids.

WHEN GOD MADE A FATHER

When God was creating fathers, He started with a tall frame.

An angel nearby said, "What kind of father is that? If you’re going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put fathers up so high? He won’t be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping.

" God smiled, "Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?"

And when God made a father’s hands, they were large and strong.

The angel shook her head sadly and said, "Do You know what You’re doing? Large hands are clumsy. They can’t manage diaper pins, small buttons, or rubber bands on pony tails- or even remove splinter caused by baseball bats."

God smiled, "I know, but they’re large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day…yet small enough to cup a child’s face in."

Then God molded long legs and broad shoulders. The angel nearby said "Do You realize You just made a father without a lap? How will he pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?" God smiled, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle or hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."

God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain herself no longer. "Do You honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a small birthday party without crushing at least three of the guests?"

God smiled, "They’ll support a small child who wants to "ride a horse to Banbury Cross" or scare off mice at the summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."

God worked throughout the night, giving the father few words but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that see everything, but remain calm and tolerant. Finally, He added TEARS, then turned to the angel and said, "Now are you satisfied that he can love as much as a mother?"

The angel said no more.

erma bombeck

FUNNY THE THINGS THAT TOUCH MY HEART

Todd took the kids to a Movie, Home Depot & PETCO, and said to relax & enjoy some rest.  He went out of town last week, and is going again next week.  So THANKS TODD for giving me a quick break before your Father's Day weekend.

Anyway, I decided to crawled into my bed and turned the TV on.  I flipped through the channels and came across Larry King Live.  The discussion was on the death of Tim Russert.  I flipped through other stations and then came back to it for a second since nothing caught my attention, and I had no DVR's ;0( .   I was struck by what a few journalists were saying about him and his life.  Especially about what a wonderful father he was, and what a wonderful father he had.  a few minutes before the end of the show, they aired a clip of  Tim speaking to Larry King on a previous occasion.  I was very touched by what this man was saying.  I rewound and pushed record so that I could write this down for Todd and Tyson.  I think Todd will really like this, as well as Tyson in the future. 

This is what he said...

"...I always missed that (spending time with my Dad) when he was off working, so I'm always grabbing [my son] and roughing him up a bit and telling him how much I love him, and I say to him, Hey look, and his mom always says it to him as well, "you are always always loved, but you are never never entitled.  There is no sense of entitlement.You are not just going to walk through this earth thinking that it revolves around you.  You have an obligation to understand there is something bigger than yourself.  To whom much is given, much is expected.  When he went off to college I wrote him a little note, and I said three things. 

Work hard, laugh often, & keep your honor. 

That's the only advice I'm going to give you.  And it's something I try to live in my own life, not always succeed, but it's my best shot.

Larry King finished his show with the words of Tim Russert's epilog from his book, "BIG RUSS AND ME" Father and Son, lessons of life. 

It says this...

Dear Luke, (his son)

I wrote this book for your grandpa, as I finish it, i realize how much of it is also for you.  Luke man, along the way you will hit some hurtles and experience some set backs , but I'll always be there or you, as Grandpa was for me, but remember while you are always, always loved, you are never never entitled.  As grandpa likes to say, the world doesn't owe you a favor.  You do however owe the world this something.  To live a good and descent and meaningful life.  And would be the ultimate affirmation in Grandpa's lessons and values.  The wisest commencement speech I ever heard was all of 15 words. 

The best exercise of the human heart,

is reaching down and picking someone else up.

I'm so proud to be your father, pursue everyone of your dreams, they really are reachable.  As big Russ would say, "what a country".  Love Dad

I thought this was wonderful.  I came down to the computer and looked up the book he wrote.  I had no idea that he had also compiled a book titled  Wisdom of our Fathers   lessons and letters from daughters and sons, from all of the numerous letters he received in response to Big Russ.

I would like to get these two books and read them.  He sounds like an incredible man with wisdom and insight that I think would be valuable to learn about.  I loved the description of the book Wisdom of our Fathers (link above) It is more of a collection of responses to his love for his father, and others wanting to share theirs.

How interesting it is to me, that he would pass away on the beginning of this Father's Day Weekend.  Although, young.  The timing of the holiday, seems rather fitting, from what I've read. 

ALYSSA'S LATEST BUZZ

While driving in the car...

Lyssie Lou says:

"Mama, can you buy me a princess bumblebee costume?"

I say:

"A princess bumble bee costume, does one of your friends have one, have you seen one before?"

"No, I just thinked about it myself.  Please?"

Then Tyson pipes in saying:

"Uh, mom.  I think she's saying she wants a princess bee costume, because I told her earlier that there's a Queen Bee at our house."

96 YEARS OF WISDOM

My Grandfather just turned 96 yrs old! He is our only Grandparent still down here with us. The Pearson family has a big celebration for him each year. We were unable to attend this year, but I have been thinking of him all week. He has a wonderfully large posterity to look after him. He has 7 children & 1 foster daughter. His children have managed to add on 32 grandchildren and we have now added apx. 65-70 great grandchildren to that number.

His big brown eyes have always been filled with tenderness for his "girls" whether it be daughters, granddaughters or great granddaughters. It is an honor for me to be one of them. I wouldn't know where to begin with the story of this man. He is truly a mark of wonder. A self made example of hard work, dedication and unconditional love for everyone. If I could sum up his life in one word, through ample faith & a lifetime of labor, it would be SUCCESS.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA DWAINE !!

WEEKEND IN THE COUNTRY

     Todd went out to Milwaukee for work this weekend, so the kids and I headed down south to visit the country folk.  Our drive was absolutely beautiful.  The sky was dark with thunder clouds.  The fields were lush green or freshly plowed rich brown and the mountains were deep blue and purple.  The smell in the air was amazing and fresh from the rain.  Sometimes just the drive is worth the trip.  The kids love pointing out the cows, horses, sheep and pigs along the way as well.

We had a great time with Grandma Suzie & Grandpa Dallis.  We saw Grandma Jami and Christian and we got to play with cousins Sean, Lizzie & Stockton at Uncle Cameron and Sarah's house.  We also got to see Lizzie dance in a pageant on Friday.  She did a great job.  We love them so much, and always enjoy the easy nature of the crowd down home.  There's nothing like the Ideal Dairy's Cherry Slush and Red Raspberry Sherbet ice cream to remind me of days gone by.  We also loaded up on their famous punch bags to bring home for summer drinks.

 

  

Grandma Suzie's backyard

Alyssa loves Grandma's makeup and scrap booking room

with LOTS of paper and stickers

Sean and Tyson monkey'n around on the old Ogden tree.

 

 

 

Sean, Tyson, Stockton & Alyssa

Stockton, Tyson & Sean.  Sean was teaching them the midget dance.

Alyssa  and Tyson at the park in their jammies.