Thursday, January 8, 2009

DAD and GRANDPA

My Dad was one the best people I have ever known. I looked up to him so much and admired what he did for his family as well as for strangers. I will always remember my Dad being there when I needed to talk. He was always so sweet to my Mom and treated her like a Queen. Growing up my parents always made sure we went on family vacation every summer, that we had family dinners together and always had what we needed. Now having my own family I admire that so much. After my Mom passed away he did so good at remembering all the birthdays and calling me almost every Sunday to say hi and see how my family was doing. Even when he started getting a little sick several months back he was always so positive and never wanted us to worry about him. I am so glad that I went to Utah to visit him the week after Thanksgiving while he was in the hospital, he was always so happy and positive, he would always tell us he'll be home in a few days. He was such a wonder father, father in law and most of all Grandpa. The kids loved having Grandpa Hunsaker come and visit or us going to meet him at his cabin in Utah. The kids would sit forever with him and a magnet board asking him draw different pictures for them. He loved to tell them stories and read to them. He always had a big imagination. Even though they won't be able to remember everything about him they will always know how much he loved them and how he can't wait to see them again. I am so glad to know that my family can be together forever and that I will be able to see my Dad and Mom again. I love my Dad and will miss his so much.



A little bit more about my Dad
Weldon Reuel Hunsaker 1942 ~ 2008 Weldon Reuel Hunsaker, age 66, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle returned to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on December 15, 2008 from a sudden respiratory illness.He was born February 5th 1942, in Salt Lake City, to Reuel and Zilpha Cox Hunsaker. Weldon lived his life in service to others, and his optimistic and cheerful nature endeared him to those he served. He was often heard to say, "Just love 'em." When he was a young boy his family moved from Salt Lake City to the family farm in Draper, Utah. It was there he learned to farm with his father and work in the plastering business. He graduated from Jordan High School and after served a mission to Tokyo, Japan. He attended BYU, and then met his sweetheart, Pauline Boggess. They were married March 17th, 1967 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had six children, three daughters and three sons. For over 35 years Weldon worked at the Tooele Army Depot as a Mechanical and Environmental Engineer. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in stake and ward auxiliary positions. For 12 years he served as a counselor and Bishop in the Draper Third Ward. He then served as First Counselor in the Draper Utah Eastridge Stake Presidency for 10 years and then as Bishop at the Utah State Prison. He also volunteered in the prison Family Home Evening program for over 20 years. Weldon served in many district and council positions with the Boy Scouts of America and received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. At the time of his passing he was serving as a member of the Orem Sharon Stake High Council and a member of the Sharon 5th ward. After the passing of his beloved Pauline on November 14, 1999, Weldon later met and married Ann T. Meyers. Together they spent several years in loving support of each other and their families. His testimony of Jesus Christ and His eternal plan was the central and most important part of his life along with his love for his family. His spirit and inspiration had a great influence on many people, and his hope for his family was that they would make Christ the center of their lives. He always enjoyed hunting with his boys, and family trips to the cabin and Lake Powell. He is survived by his wife Ann Meyers Hunsaker, children Stephanie Baker (Drew) Larkspur, Colo., Garrick (Linda) Hunsaker of Herriman, Utah, Bryan (Carolyn) Hunsaker of Draper, Utah, Jason (Kim) Hunsaker of Woodland Hills, Utah, Joylyn (Ernie) Kinnie of Parker, Colo., and Katrina Hunsaker of Pleasanton, Calif., as well as Ann's Children Angela Meyers Seaman, James T. Meyers, Jonathan T. Meyers, Alison Meyers McGown, Stephanie Meyers Christian, David T. Meyers, Jared T. Meyers, Robert T. Meyers, Jerome T. Meyers, 33 grandchildren, and two sisters Bonnie Shoemaker of Draper, Utah, and Jacqueline Walkenhorst of Draper, Utah. He was preceded in death by his wife Pauline and his parents.

4 comments:

Eric and Melissa Bringhurst said...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad.

Steph said...

Joy~ What a beautiful tribute to your dad. He was such a caring person, and always seemed to have a smile on his face. I am glad I knew him....
Lots of love!
Stephenie

Jamie said...

We also miss him! Jon has wonderful memories of Uncle Weldon. He was/is a wonderful example to all of us.
We hope you and your family is doing well and continue to have the best memories of your parents.
Love you guys!

Julie said...

Joy! That was a very sweet tribute to your Dad. I am so sorry that you have lost both of your parents. I can only imagine. I am sure it is not easy. Please call me if you ever feel like you just need to release!! I am so so sorry for your loss!!! We love you all dearly!