Claude's Generosity

I have a great father-in-law. He is one of the most kind and generous men that I know. His generosity was greatly demonstrated when I met him for the first time.

Michelle is obviously the youngest of 8 kids and it appears that by the time I arrived on the scene Claude was more than ready to have the house to himself and Joyce. Anyway, when I saw Michelle and her parents at a church function, Michelle and I began to get reacquainted—we had known each other a little before the event. Michelle then introduced me to her parents, and her dad said something like, "So you’re in college Matt?" "Yes," I replied. "Well," he generously offered, "Michelle here is done with school is working full time and not dating anyone—she teaches math at a junior high. You know if you married her she could put you through college." Who could refuse such an offer. A few months later, Michelle and I were married. What bonuses: a great wife and mother, a financial support during school, and a math tutor to boot.

Another example of his generosity is how he maintains and keeps a small red 1989 Toyota truck. He thinks that every family should have a truck so that each member of the family can use it for those "truck necessary" tasks. Well, each year he pays to tax, license, and if necessary, repair the truck. That little truck has helped each of his children's family.

--Matt Crawford

Missionary Service

Dad always wanted to serve a mission. He and mom planned to go after he retired and their children were married. Dad was offered early retirement at the age of 62 and he was very excited about serving a mission. The only problem was that I was not married. When I decided to serve a mission also, dad was thrilled. We all sent in our papers and prepared for a mission at the same time. We went into the Missionary Training Center (MTC) on the same day. I loved being in the MTC with my parents. We saw each other at the devotionals and they would come over from the senior MTC to visit me on p-day's.

I also enjoyed serving at the same time with my parents because, since we were all missionaries, we could empathize with each other--although I did think that it was a little unfair when they got to go to the Epcot Center while they were attending the dedication of the Orlando Florida Temple. I occasionally wondered if they were on a mission or on a vacation. Mom and Dad were wonderful missionaries and they set a great example for me.

--Michelle

Dedicated Athlete

Deseret News Marathon 1979

Nowadays, Dad has a real struggle getting around. However, before his leg started giving out on him, he was a very dedicated athlete. As many of you know, he was a state wrestling champion. He was also on the state all star football team. I obviously was not born when he was in high school and was not a witness to any of those events. But from what I have heard, my Dad's athletic skill was widely known.

However, I was witness to at least one post high school athletic performance by my Dad. I don't recall what year it was, but I think it was while I was in high school which would be in the early 70s. At that time, Dad had dedicated himself to running. He decided that he was going to run a marathon. He signed up for the Brigham City Marathon which ran from the west of the city into the city itself. I have no recollection some 30 years later as to what his finishing time was. But I know for a fact that he finished that first marathon in Brigham City. If I remember right, he ran other marathons as well. But I surely can say that I was most proud to see him finish that first marathon. And, he continues to remind us kids, when he gets on his bike every day, that although he may not be as strong as he used to be, that he has not given up the will to fight the good fight and to finish the race.

--Mike

Bulk Shopping

Dad has always been (and still is) a bulk shopper. One is never enough. Whenever there was a sale, there were always instructions for Mom to stock up. He definitely never wants to be without. I 'm sure it has to do with growing up in the depression and the prophets counsel to have a year supply. That being said, I was never sad when Pop Shoppe went on sale because, of course, that meant we would buy some in mass quantities. I would take advantage of this situation (and I know I am not the only one) by going down to the storage room and taking a Pop Shoppe. It was a treat I always enjoyed! Thanks Dad!
--Lisa

Grandchildren memories

I remember you love me. I hope you have fun on your birthday. I love you so much. --Rebekah (age 8)

I like to hear your stories. I remember you would tell us nursery rhymes that didn't rhyme. I like to ride with you in your wheelchair. I love you grandpa. --Spencer (age 5)

I like to play eensy weensy spider with you. I remember grandpa is always afraid of the big bad wolf. Happy birthday grandpa, I love you. --Jane (age 3)

Bedtime Stories

As a girl, I didn't hear bedtime stories about Winnie the Pooh or even adventures about some make believe character. When Dad told us stories at bedtime, they were about his childhood. These stories were not always the most cheerful stories, because Dad didn’t have a blissful childhood. But I will not forget a boy that accidentally threw his candy bar into the fire instead of the wrapper, or when he rolled down a hill inside a tire. Pouring gas into the motor of a vehicle as it was moving, and having an antelope as a pet. I loved hearing the tales of Dad’s childhood and would ask for them again and again.
--Lisa

80 Great Years

As Dad's 80th birthday approaches, we thought it would be meaningful to compile memories of his life to share on his birthday. This blog will serve to capture your memories of Dad and should provide a nice place from which to view them.

If you have a memory you would like posted you can email me at knockonwood.lisa@gmail.com and I will post your text and any pictures you send. If you would like to become an author on this blog site, email me as well and I will make you an author. You can then make your own blog entries.