Grandpa Danes' Funeral

The last Thursday in June was Grandpa Danes' funeral.  It was bittersweet.  We were together as family members, but all grieving in our ways.  We gathered as a family in the multi-purpose room after the viewing but before the funeral actually began. There were final goodbyes and a family prayer and then we all filed into the chapel, Grandpa's casket, then Grandma and their children, then grandchildren and other family members.

That list of people filled three quarters of the chapel and it was impressive to see the number of family and posterity of this great man, and to think of the number of great-grandchildren and handful of others that couldn't be there.  During the service, I had several favorite things.

It was sweet to hear my Aunt Annette recount memories, some of which I'd never heard of, many I knew.  She mentioned his love of music, reminding me of hearing Grandpa sing many times, especially "Hey Good Lookin'" and other old country songs.  She read a poem Grandpa had written and I thought about times he'd shared other poems with me.

I felt for my cousin, Gauchay, who was so touched that while she was singing one of the several songs of the service, "Homeward Bound", she couldn't sing during the chorus for her tears.  But I know that song and think it applies well to my grandpa and think that if I had been in her position, I'd have choked up as well.

Another musical number was 'We'll Bring the World His Truth', sung by any member of posterity that chose to join.  There were a lot - nearly all of the grandchildren and many great-grandchildren that were old enough.  My dad conducted the choir and I accompanied.  It was hugely touching to see so many on the stand that the chapel nearly emptied, and we were so strong; I think Grandpa was proud of each and every one of us in his life and would have been pleased knowing how we love and honor him, together singing that song.

Uncle Jim shared memories about Grandpa's love of the Gospel and doing the right things.  He talked about a lot of things, but I missed a bunch, since Cole started fussing during his talk.  But while I was taking care of my son, I was thinking about when Grandpa and Grandma served a mission and all the grandkids were together and sang another song for their farewell.  (Or maybe it was their homecoming?)   I knew then how much Grandpa loved sharing the Gospel and his testimony and was glad to hear his children talking about it.

After the service, we all went to the cemetary.  It was my first time being in a funeral procession and I hope it's a long time before I drive in another.  It was almost strange to me to see my older brother and several cousins in the position of pall bearer.  Grandpa had eight children and there was a representative of each of their families supporting him.

Since Grandpa served many years in the army, he was given military honors.  It was beautiful to see it in person, especially for someone I love.

After the military had finished their part, those men who had carried Grandpa removed their boutonnieres and laid them on his coffin.  Grandma laid a single rose, as well.  Then Uncle Mark said a blessing on the gravesite and we sang a hymn.  It was all very beautiful and stately way to say goodbye for now.  I loved my grandpa and was so happy to be there, even though I was sad that he had to die now and in the way he did.