1.09.2009

a sad goodbye but a celebration of life

My wonderful grandpa (Kelly's) passed away very unexpectedly yesterday. He was 83 years old, a pastor, and until recently a professor at Malone College in Ohio. He was very active and still loved his five mile jogs. Here are a few thoughts in memory of him.

Grandpa you were so wise. You shared your wisdom with so many people, especially the young ones who needed it. You were so passionate and dedicated to teaching Christ to other people, and you never gave up being a pastor. You cared for Grandma with such love and commitment and were an amazing companion. You loved your wife, your kids, and grandkids so much. You loved people so much, and were never afraid to strike up a conversation with anyone, even in another language. When I would argue with you, you would argue back but then we would always end up laughing. One of my favorite things is that you were always up for anything—things that come to mind are fishing, swimming, chasing after quails, shopping for bikes, garage sales, or going to Amish country to wander the flea market. You were such a good listener. You always laughed at us grandkids and our strange newfangled generation! You LOVED a good deal more than anyone I know. I remember and love your great outfits and cute little hats. My favorite thing was when I realized how you read your devotions in the morning-- laying on your back with your feet up in the air!! (see picture). You were so strong, active, and healthy, even though you did hate going to the doctor. You had the coolest cars of any grandpa I know. Over the last few years, you were so open to sharing your life’s stories with me. You were always willing to answer my hundreds of questions. I loved your German accent. You were so determined to do what you wanted to do; there was no stopping it. I am so thankful for the special time we spent together last summer, and so happy Jeff was able to see how amazing you were. You lived an insanely courageous and interesting life, and I only wish we all could have heard more from you. I know you are smiling down at all of us from Heaven, and I can’t wait to see you again someday. I love you so much, Grandpa.

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Articles written about him:

http://www.cantonrep.com/homepage/x497784354/Longtime-Malone-theology-professor-dies



a visit to my dad's office building






The week after Christmas, Jeff and I spent a few days in Seattle with my parents. We had a fun New Years Eve with our good friends Kristin and Dan, eating yummy food and catching up. Over the weekend, we visited my Dad's office building downtown and ss you can see, the view is spectacular! The view is the same from his actual office but several floors below. These pictures were taken from the 72nd floor; the Columbia Tower is the tallest building in Seattle.

post-christmas bash





The night after Christmas, Phil (Jeff's little brother) coordinated a party for some Eugene friends, and it was a house full! ;-) Admire Jeff's lovely Christmas sweater.

christmas day




Christmas day was fantastic. We slept in, ate a huge and wonderful breakfast at Susie (Jeff's mom) and Terry's house, and opened presents. After breakfast we headed over to Roger (Jeff's dad) and Mindy's house for a relaxing afternoon. We ate prime rib, played Nintendo Wii, and sat around talking. It was such a great time to catch up with family. Rarely do we get to get away to Eugene for this much time, and it was a treat.

christmas eve in eugene



After a miserable five hour drive down to Eugene due to traffic and snow, we finally made it. Jeff and I spent a relaxing and cozy Christmas eve with his family at his Grandma's house.

cookies



While trapped at home during the peak of the snow storm, Andrea and Mike spent the afternoon at our house, doing puzzles and baking cookies. Of course the pups had a great time also!