I've been putting this off for 2 weeks now because I feel my words are inadequate to describe the emotional ride I've been on, or to create a tribute good enough for my grandpa. But my best is all I can do, and I know that's always been enough to make him happy.

My dad called me early in the morning about 2 weeks ago to tell me that my grandpa died. That was the last thing in the world I was expecting. All my life my Grandpa was seemingly immortal. I never thought of him as an old man because he was always riding, roping livestock, roping grandkids, working, joking around, trying to get all of us on some crazy horse, setting calves out to chase us, and working some more . Even the day before his passing he was out roping and doing his typical farm work. I don't think that a single person who knew him, including himself, would have visioned his death a quiet and peaceful one, but such was the case as he passed away quietly in his sleep.

Life just won't be the same without him. He and my sweet grandma lived in Idaho, so life here continues seemingly normal, but I know that our next family get-together will be very bitter-sweet without him there. There will always be a huge part missing. He always made our family reunions interesting to say the least! Never did we part without our traditional water or mud fight, with grandpa right in the thick of it. Of course the most memorable, or the most crazy, was the time that grandpa tied dollar bills to the tails and horns of a whole arena full of calves (not all tiny, sweet, little calves either, I might add) and then set all us kids loose to see who could come up with the most loot. Grandma's job was to sit back and pray that we all made it out alive, which we somehow did! I very clearly remember spotting a $20 on the tail of one, and was so pumped when it came running my way. I happened to get lucky by cornering the thing and getting a tight grip around the tail, but to my dismay my hand just slipped right off and I got a handful of extremely fresh manure as my prize. I think I opted to just watch after that!

A few years ago, Jess and I drove to Riverton to see grandpa in a roping. It was the first time since I was young that I actually got to see him in action, and, especially now, I'm so glad that Jess was able to come and watch with me. That was when Jess was just starting to get to know him, and I'm so glad that we have that memory, because as an adult, I'll be able to hold on to it longer. I still remember the way he looked as he rode, which is important to me because that's a huge part of who he is. He's a cowboy to the bone! Even though I don't remember what prizes he won, I remember that everybody I talked to had so much respect for him. When his name was announced for his turn, it seemed that everyone stopped to watch. Even those who's attention was lost from sitting all day seemed to pause and watch.

My most recent memory, and now, one of the most cherished, was just a few short weeks before he died. I was able to drive with my parents to our family reunion on my grandma's side. Grandpa has an Amish buggy and a trotter horse, and he sat for four hours taking every single person who was there for a buggy ride. We could see how exhausted he was, and sitting and doing one single task for four hours is out of character for him. I think he must have somehow known his time was short and he wanted to be able to make some last memories with all his family. Later that night, after everyone had left, Jack, Jayci and I were eating dinner with grandpa. He was just sitting in his usual chair at the counter with his newspaper, talking and joking with Jack. I'm so glad I went because the last time we had seen my grandparents was almost a year ago on Thanksgiving. Even though my kids probably won't remember it, I'm grateful that we saw him and have that last memory with him. Ironically, when I got home I told Jesse that that was the first time in my life that my grandpa ever looked old and tired.


On the cover of the funeral program was a qoute that was perfectly fitting for my grandpa. It read, "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a well preserved body...but rather to skid in broadside, used up, worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "Wow, what a ride."

He certainly didn't make it to the grave in a well preserved body. In his life history he states, "I only have vision in the left eye. I have limited use of the left hand. The wrist is fused together, and has absolutely no movement. I cannot close the hand but can touch the hand to the index finger and that is a plus. I keep my hair cut entirely off just so I don't have to take care of it. A few teeth are missing and I have caps in the front but no false teeth. I also have never had a toothache." He did skid in broadside, used up, worn out, proclaiming, "Wow, what a ride!" His life was a testament of faith and hard work, but also of much fun and laughter. How many funerals do you get to go to where you laugh so hard your sides hurt because of the stories that are shared? And then the next minute the spirit is so strong it brings flowing tears. It was incredible.

It was only fitting that his horse was there waiting at the end of the funeral!


My mom and my aunt Vickie were asked to give his life sketch. As they were working on it, a good friend of my grandpa's came in and said, "If anyone who didn't know Blane really well read his history they would think they had picked up a book from the fiction section, not an autobiography". My mom did an amazing job. I love her so much! If you knew my grandpa, you'd know why my mom is the incredible person that she is. She is a rock in the gospel, and the hardest working woman that I know. My grandpa said that his greatest accomplishment and loves are his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren.

Here is my grandma with her 7 children; grandpa is resting behind them

Here is a picture of my grandma at the viewing looking so cute and beautiful! I never knew what a strong woman she is until now. She is such a sweet, kind, soft-spoken lady. Much of what was said at the viewing and funeral was devoted to her. Everyone knows that behind a great man is a great woman! Even though grandpa got most of the attention, grandma was always working just as hard in a much quieter, more humble way.

As sad and heartbreaking as it was, the funeral was the most amazing I have ever attended. The spirit was strong, as were our family ties. All the grandchildren sang a medley, which ended in 'Families Can Be Together Forever'. We all were 'branded' before the funeral began. This was something that grandpa used to do. He'd threaten to brand us like his horses and cattle, but settled for a pen instead. There truly aren't adequate words to describe it, but I left wanting to be a much better person. I have much to live up to, but have the best example to follow.

After the services, Kayli, Jenna, and I went to his farm to take pictures on the haystacks. Growing up we'd climb haystacks about every time we we're together there.
His final words in a letter he wrote to his grandchildren were, "I love you and if I'm gone when this letter is read don't leave me alone. Get ready and come see me as I'll be waiting".

I love my family so much and I am SO PROUD to be a part of it! I miss you grandpa and look forward to seeing you (although I don't know if anyone will recognize you :) ) and hearing your jokes and stories again!

A picture speaks a thousand words; this one speaks for itself!