My Dad's Funeral
The Viewing 9:30 - 10:30am
We gathered at the church on Saturday, November 26th at 9:00am so that we could have a few minutes alone before everyone arrived. The mortuary handled everything beautifully and had flowers in the Relief Society room and in the chapel.
A mixture of smiles and tear stained faces as we greeted friends and family, gathered around grandpa’s casket.
I wondered if I might cry the entire day but I was blessed beyond measure to be able to keep my emotions under control so that I could talk to people and be present without a migraine. It was definitely a tender mercy.
We were so grateful to be supported by friends and family and to see so many friends from near and far that traveled to be there for my mom. Every floral arrangement, card and visit was noted and appreciated. So grateful.
The entire Walton family gathered in front of his casket. There’s a lot of us! Love my family so much!!
The Family Prayer - 10:45am
My mom asked Chris to give the Family Prayer before we followed the casket into the Chapel. He did such a great job speaking eloquently our love and appreciation for our relationships with Dad and inviting the Spirit to be with us as we celebrate his life… I wish I could have recorded his sweet tribute to my Dad and our family. It was definitely a tender prayer filled with so much respect and love.
“At funerals our tears are genuine, but not because of termination — rather because of interruption. Though just as wet, our tears are not of despair but are of appreciation and anticipation. Yes, for disciples, the closing of a grave is but the closing of a door which later will be flung open with rejoicing.”
The Funeral Services - 11:00am
Brother Jeff Bednar opened the service and then Sarah led the music for our opening hymn, ‘Each Life That Touches Ours for Good’ followed by the opening prayer by Elisha.
My Dad’s brother, Bryce gave the Eulogy and did a great job.
And then my siblings and I took the stand. My Dad had been specific that he wanted us to stand up in pairs. Scott and I, Dan and Amy and Mike and Brian. Amy and I joked that it was a good idea and that Scott/Dan could do the talking and we would just do the crying. Team effort. To pull this off we needed to discuss what we were going to say and come up with a sort of outline. Doing so meant that we met up on Friday to have a Sibling meeting. We laughed and laughed and cried and prepped together and it was one of the best memories of the week. And the final result was the six of us sharing memories that were funny, serious, light-hearted, emotional and just perfect. Everyone that we talked to afterwards complimented us on the format and just loved it. My friends Megan and Marilee both said, “Lisa, you were right. Your brothers are funny!” and my cousin Emily said, “That was seriously the best funeral I’ve ever been to. It was just perfect.” And oddly, we felt so too. The perfect way to honor him.
Carly did a beautiful job playing ‘I Stand All Amazed‘ and then my Dad’s youngest brother, Jim stood up to speak about the Plan of Salvation and our Savior Jesus Christ. I admire him so much and it was wonderful to hear his testimony and feel of his love for my dad and for the gospel.
Brother Bednar gave some closing remarks and I was in awe of his compassion, respect and humility as he spoke about my Dad with very specific personal experiences. Another testament to the good man my father was and his reaching influence.
We closed singing ‘Be Still My Soul’ and then Chris Silva offered the closing prayer.
The Processional
Thanks to Amy for getting these pictures of the men carrying his casket to the hearse.
The Pallbearers - Chris, Mike, Brian, Chris, Scott, Dan and Ryan.
A Few More Picture Outside
And Thanks to Dan for these pictures of us gathered around mom. So grateful for my siblings.
“On the other side of the veil, there are perhaps seventy billion people. They need the same gospel, and releases occur here to aid the Lord’s work there. Each release of a righteous individual from this life is also a call to new labors. Those who have true hope understand this. Therefore, though we miss the departed righteous so much here, hundreds may feel their touch there. One day, those hundreds will thank the bereaved for gracefully forgoing the extended association with choice individuals here in order that they could help hundreds there. In God’s ecology, talent and love are never wasted. The hopeful understand this, too.”
Grateful for good friends who came to support. Adam and Marilee, Pete and Ali, Megan, and Doug and Missy.
The Luncheon - 1:00pm
After the funeral we headed into the Cultural Hall where the Relief Society sisters from Mom’s ward had put together a beautiful lunch for our extended family. So good to wander around and talk to family from my Dad’s side. My Wolsey cousins - Lanni, Ja-Ann, Tyler, and Tanner, (my Aunt Janet and Uncle Terry weren’t able to make it because of my aunt’s poor back.) My Dad’s brother, Bryce and his wife Sandy. My Dad’s brother Jim and LeAnn and my cousins Jamie and Marci, My Dad’s youngest sister, Aunt Dianne and Jeff and my cousin, Lindsay. From my Mom’s side… My mom’s sister Susan and Bill and my cousins Katie and Laura. My mom’s sister Jennifer and Mike and my cousins Aaron, Jed, Emily, Adam and Elisa. My mom’s brother Jim and Susan and my cousins, David, Jill, Todd and Tanner — and of course so many of their spouses and children. Wonderful to catch up with everyone!
We grabbed a plate of food and sat at tables each decorated with bowls of popcorn. Mike had worked hard on a slideshow of pictures of Dad’s life which played in the corner of the gym. The mortuary helpers moved all the flowers from the Chapel to the cultural hall stage, which was nice of them, and Amy brought all of the Walton family books she has made throughout the years and set them up in between each vase.
Towards the end of the meal, Dan introduced the girls… Annie, Emily, Megan, Leah, Katie and Molly who had changed the lyrics to a well known song to honor Grandpa. It was beautifully written, sung and played… we especially loved the part where the girls sung… “and his favorite child was…” and then they all said a different name and looked at each other in surprise. It was super cute and everyone laughed. Love that these girls have a tradition of writing songs for each of our family reunions.
As we the tables were being taken down we continued to gather and talk. An especially fun memory is when the Polley girl cousins stood around in a corner of the cultural hall and talked. Fun that Chris grabbed a picture or two with his phone. Love my aunts and cousins. I also really enjoyed talking to Jim and LeAnn, Bryce, Sandy and Dianne and Lindsay.
Sarah’s Instagram post after the funeral
David’s funeral was the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was such a beautiful service. There are so many things I want to remember, but mostly how I felt. It was hard to say goodbye, but I was overcome with so much gratitude. Gratitude for the man David was, the family that he raised, the grandpa he was, the extended family we have. So much love and support. It was wonderful to see and visit with so many dear friends and family. The six kids all spoke, in pairs, per David’s request, and it was the perfect combination of sweet memories, tender experiences and funny stories. Everyone loved it. It was the kind of funeral where you come away wanting to be better, to love more, be more present, strengthen relationship, all the things. The six older granddaughters wrote and sang a beautiful song at the family luncheon, continuing a tradition they have done at our family reunions, and it was just perfect.
I am so grateful for all of you! Your kind messages, texts, prayers, gifts, hugs and support have meant the world. Our family has felt your love. We have the best people in our lives.
Most importantly I have felt so much gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ and the knowledge I ahve that death is not the end. Because of Him, we will see our loved ones again, and live together as eternal families. This brings so much comfort and peace.
Mom’s response: Thank you Sarah for that wonderful report. I feel the same and I am very grateful for my wonderful family, gospel and my dear husband.
Aunt Dianne’s response: You said it perfectly!
Gathering at my Mom’s house after the Funeral
After the funeral and luncheon we gathered at my Mom’s house and enjoyed being together. I truly do have the best extended family. So grateful for my Mom’s siblings - Jim, Susan and Jennifer - and SO many of their children. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen some of them and it was so great to be together.
Loved my cousin Elisa’s words on her Instagram stories and had to capture them as I agree 100%. My Dad was an amazing man and I love my extended family so much.
We stayed for the whole evening eating leftovers and a charcuterie board, looking through pictures and dreaming up girl cousin trips. Such a beautiful day. I’m sure Dad was able to peek in on us from time to time. Love you Dad!
A Few Meaningful Cards from Friends:
One life lived, many Lives Touched - Dear Chris and Lisa, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your father’s legacy is reflected in your lives as you serve and love so generously. We are grateful for your example and how your family has touched our family. We hope you will feel peace this holiday season. Love the Jacksons
Dear Friend, I’m so sorry to hear about you dad’s passing. It’s a loss that can take the wind out of your sail. Something I didn’t understand until I lost mine. (I’ll never forget learning about Chris’ dad while we were all out to dinner together - Oh how I wish I knew the feelings he must have been dealing with.) Without a doubt I know the kind of man your Dad has been, because I know the kind of woman you are. I’m sure you got a lot of your precious traits from him. I’m grateful for you and your family. I hope for peaceful feelings to prevail. Much love to you Lisa. Love Melissa Aston
Chris and Lisa - Thank you so much for having us at the lodge, especially with all that was going on with your family. Pete and Anders were so sad to miss. We always have the best time with your family and love how we all pick right back up from where we left each time we’re together. We’re so sorry about your dad and hope you continue to feel sustained with peace and heaven’s help. Thank you again for your generosity, your friendship and examples! And thank for the cute candle. We just love you all. Lots of love, Pete, Ali and family
Lisa - I just wanded to say how much we are thinking and praying for you and your family. This is a hard time of life we are all entering. I was lucky to meet your dad (and mom) a few times over the years. Your dad was always so kind, happy — he had a peace about him. Not surprising that you have those qualities too. Just wanted you to know we are calling on heaven for strength and peace for you and your family. Love Mary
A Week after I got home from the funeral I received a beautiful orchid in the mail with this note:
Dear Chris and Lisa, We are so grateful for your friendship and are mindful of you at this time. Love Mindy & Ryan, Ali & Pete, Megan & Jon.