Happy Birthday Dad!

Austin and Grandpa

Saturday, August 20th was my Dad's 70th Birthday. Yes, seventy. It's hard to believe because that number looks and sounds so big, but in my mind he looks and acts so much younger. He is such a wonderful father and husband. I feel so blessed to have to come to earth with such good parents.
We had a fun birthday celebration for him at the cabin and we focused the theme around "70". We had seventy balloons, 70 pictures on a poster of my dad (with everyone who loves him) and a paint can (appropriate for my dad who loves to fix and build things) of "70" things we love about him. His 6 kids, 22 (almost 23) grand kids and my mom wrote them down and they filled the can. He loved it! I wish I could post all 70, they are all so great, but here are a few things they said....

I Love that he taught his sons (and daughters) what it means to work hard, and to enjoy it! - Annie

I Love it when Grandpa makes rockets with us and then we launch them-Sabrina

He is my companion, my partner, my friend and my Love!-Carolyn

I Love Dad’s way of playing with and loving our own children. - Matt

You can always fix anything and everything. If you don't know how...you somehow can figure out a way. It's incredible! ~Emily

I Love you, Grandpa, because you are always happy and you like us to come visit. I also love it that you like to spend time with us. –Jenna

I Love that Grandpa “shares” all his toys and cabin with me, my family and … everyone! -Nathan

I Love the testimony he shares with us of Joseph Smith –Matt

My dad had accomplished so many things over the years and these are just a few of the milestones.
-He was released a few years ago from 18 years of serving in the Stake Presidency in the Fruit Heights, UT Stake (9 years as 1st counselor another 9 as Stake President) before serving in the stake, he served many years as a bishop, counselor (2 times) and ward clerk. He is now the Family History specialist in his ward and loves it! He has worked in the Bountiful Temple with my mom and is a Veil Worker. Many days that I call to talk to my mom he is there and would often go to the temple before or after work.

The biggest change in his routine was about a month ago when he officially retired from Zions First National Bank . After trying to retire for almost 3 years and working there for over 34 years, it was a happy and sad day for everyone. Many parties and gifts were given in his honor and if you know my dad, he is very humble and doesn't like anyone to make a fuss over him or give too much attention, but with all that he has accomplished, programs he created and prestigious positions he has held, we kept telling him that he just needs to grin and bear it. 

I really love my dad and look up to him in so many ways. He has such a giant heart, and great spirit about him and such a wonderful person. Happy Birthday Dad!

A magazine article that featured my Dad-Oct 2007