In Loving Memory.

"For every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die........."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 Raymond Douglass Easton - "Red"
October 14th, 1920 - May 27th, 2006


On Saturday, we lost our Grandpa (Dad's step-dad). He was a very special person to us all, and his death has been a hard blow. His health has been decreasing over the past few years, struggles with cancer and diabetes all have taken their toll on him. After having a knee replaced in 2002, he became mostly immobile, and things have gone down-hill from there.
In the past 6 months it seems like his health had become worse and worse. On Tuesday last week, he was admitted to the hospital for breathing problems. He stayed in the hospital until Friday night, when he went home with oxygen. Saturday afternoon, he became restless and shortly after 2:00, he passed away. He went quickly, with no long or drawn out pain.
Uncle George and Aunt Nancy (Grandma's brother + sister-in-law) were up for the week-end, so were able to be with Grandma. It was such a blessing, and deffinetely God's hand that had them there. Grandma could have been alone, and suffered from the tremendous list of "what ifs", but with Uncle George & Aunt Nancy there, they were able to give CPR, and do everything possible.
Grandpa was home for his last night, which is exactly what he wanted. He didn't like being in the hospital. His 4 children, Doug (Kansas), Victoria (California), Steve (Colorado), and Barbara (Nebraska) had all been to see him just a week and 1/2 before.
The Lord has truly been our strength this week-end. We had been planning and preparing for weeks for this week-end, with a schedule packed so tight you would not believe it! And everything was going to get set into motions at 2:00, Saturday afternoon. So exactly as our company arrived, we got the phone call saying that Grandpa was gone. What a blow!!!
The Lord gave us such grace and strength. Andrew and Rebecca had planned to come up Sunday and Monday, and were able to stay for the funeral this morning.
We will miss Grandpa. The birthday cakes, the card games, the hugs, the deer hunts, the tractor rides and the moments when he would read to Silas or Phoebe. Grandpa was a one-of-a-kind man, He has left a lot of memories that we can cherish.
Please hold our family up in prayer as we grieve the loss of Grandpa. Also pray that we can be there for Grandma when she needs us.
(Note; Please pray especially for Esther, for it has been hardest on her.)