My mom called me Friday morning to tell me that my grandpa Healy was dying and might not even live long enough for her to get down there. I was a bit surprised because I thought for sure that he would live for another 3 months. I was sad because we were going to stop by and see him next week on our way to Manti and it has been awhile since I last saw him.
My mom did manage to get down there before my grandpa passed away and he was in a comatose state and she yelled in his good ear that she loved him. He partially opened his eyes and mouthed in a whisper, "I love you too." Those were the last words that he spoke and passed away later at 7:30 p.m. on June 3rd.
The funeral was on Monday down in Orem and it was very nice day. There was a viewing and then a graveside service. That is the way that my grandma did it and that is the way my grandpa wanted it done also. He also asked the bishop not to give any lengthy preaching which the bishop honored and shortened his preaching down to 3 minutes.
I was so privileged to have know and been related to such a great man for so many years of my life. He was 96 when he passed away. He was always so much fun to visit with and was always giving you advice on how to trim you trees and how to grow your garden. His yard was always immaculate and the envy of the neighborhood. His tomatoes were always ready first, his hedges were always trimmed and his roses were always beautiful.
My grandpa always had a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his lips. He was never one to complain even as he was hanging upside down in a tree last year when he fell from pruning. He had a firm handshake and gave you heart stopping foot massages because he pressed so hard. He was very hard of hearing so when you stayed with him you had to put cotton balls in your ears because he turned the T.V. up so loud.
I asked Abigail what she remembered about grandpa Healy and she looked at me, smiled and said "he has my ears!" Zach remembers when he stayed with grandpa after a game and grandpa came in a tucked the covers up around his ears, talked to him and then left him a drink of water by his bed. Hannah was always grandpa's pixie doll. She would cry when she was little whenever he tried to get her attention because she was afraid of him. Grandpa loved the babies. The last time Alan and Hannah visited him he slipped Hannah a 5 dollar bill for her birthday. Melissa and Rachel remembers grandpa's dove that made annoying sounds all night long as you were trying to sleep. The bird got jealous of anyone who talked to grandpa. My grandpa always threatened to take it outside and let it go and it would stop making noise.
We were not too sad when it died in his house fire 3 years ago. They also remember him patting their leg as he talked to them.
I asked Abigail what she remembered about grandpa Healy and she looked at me, smiled and said "he has my ears!" Zach remembers when he stayed with grandpa after a game and grandpa came in a tucked the covers up around his ears, talked to him and then left him a drink of water by his bed. Hannah was always grandpa's pixie doll. She would cry when she was little whenever he tried to get her attention because she was afraid of him. Grandpa loved the babies. The last time Alan and Hannah visited him he slipped Hannah a 5 dollar bill for her birthday. Melissa and Rachel remembers grandpa's dove that made annoying sounds all night long as you were trying to sleep. The bird got jealous of anyone who talked to grandpa. My grandpa always threatened to take it outside and let it go and it would stop making noise.
We were not too sad when it died in his house fire 3 years ago. They also remember him patting their leg as he talked to them.
Grandpa was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing with my grandma when she was alive. He was also an avid card player and we could always count on playing cards when visiting. The people that spoke at the funeral spoke of his continual service to others. He was always out helping his neighbors and was always sending produce their way, pruning their trees, and shoveling their sidewalks. He was a great example of of service to others. He had a neighbor that would check on him frequently and who spoke at his funeral about how he didn't take care of Les but Les took care of him.
My grandpa also had quite the sense of humor. My sister went down to help my mom a week before his passing to set up hospice for him and my mom was telling the nurse how my grandpa was having a hard time getting around. She told my grandpa to get up and walk for the nurse and Angie said that he popped right out of his seat, walked with purpose to the kitchen and then sat back down and looked at them and said, "anything else?" My mom said that he was just showing off. This just brings a smile to my face as I picture him doing that.
I love you grandpa! Save a seat for me on the other side!
Here is a picture of my grandpa's twin Lester and his 91 year old brother Glenn. I cried the most when I saw my grandpa's twin. He looks so much like my grandpa.
The men in black. I love this picture!
My mom had one twin brother Ron and a sister Joyce.
My grandpa loved red roses.
My dad dedicated the grave.
Taylor saw her reflection in the wheel of the hearse.
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