Celebrate Life!

"The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present."

Friday, January 20, 2012 we "celebrated" the life of a wonderful man...my 2nd Father, Arvel Don Dean.  It was actually his funeral...probably a tearful day for many, but for him it was a celebration!  He got to hear all his kids speak and tell many fond memories of him.  Scott and Dennis both left slightly subtle messages of "you better shape up" to many family members who Dad loves and hopes they want to be with him as much as he does with them.  Stephanie and Jessica played a beautiful hymn medley of "I Feel My Savior's Love", "My Heavenly Father Loves Me", and "How Great Thou Art" - Stephanie on the piano and Jessica playing the flute...Jessica commented that Grandpa never got to hear her play her flute while he was alive; well he finally did...just in the spirit!  The funeral ended with Dad and Mom's song - "Always".  It was all sooo beautiful!  And the military honors at the graveside made the service complete. 

Thanks to the Relief Society of the Roy 31st Ward, the entire family was fed well!  It was a bittersweet "celebration" but I think Dad Dean enjoyed it!  Too bad we couldn't have put together a nice barbershop quartet just for him!


Papa Dean was a loving, spiritual, faithful man who endured to the end. He loved serving the Lord and I am positive he is still serving the Lord but in a different capacity.  He loved the gospel and extended that love through serving a mission and financially helping many young men serve missions also.  He now gets to watch over his numerous prosperity through heavenly spectacles so we better be doing our best!  It was great to visit with family and friends.  Now why is it that we have to wait for a marriage or death to get us all together?!  



Papa Dean passed away around 9:20 p.m. on Saturday, January 14.  My "I Love Grandpa" Daughter, Tiffany was right beside his side making sure he was comfortable as he left this world.  It was she who knew death was near and made sure his wife and children were by his side.  Tiffany always had a special place in Grandpa Dean's heart.  Many of Grandpa's grandchildren were able to visit him that day before his journey to his next life.  All of his children were by his side except Janis, who barely missed his passing.  The support of his ward was awesome as in just a short time of his passing a member of his Stake Presidency, the High Priest Group Leader, ward friend, Relief Society president and Bishop were there.  It was a bittersweet time but we know he is now healthy and happy and can finally breath free from pain and difficulty.


President Segmiller, from the Stake Presidency, shared this scripture with the family following Dad's passing:
“ Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

   And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.”  Alma 40:11-12

Papa Dean is in paradise and finally resting from all his troubles, care and sorrow.  

Thank you Dad for your wonderful life!!  I celebrate you and your example!

I will miss you until we meet again!