Robert South, an English
clergyman said, “If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does,
it must be by what he gives.” Using both of those standards, my grandfather must
need the longest measuring tape available to understand his greatness.
This humble man was born in Malad, Idaho on
July 30, 1933. Things were tough for their family as his father was unable to
work due to an inherited medical condition. His mother, the rock of their
family, carried the burden of providing for their family and she worked so hard
to ensure that they survived. Lyle even said that one summer, they survived on
eggs. There was no shortage of sacrifice and tough times for Lyle’s family
during his youth.
Some tidbits about him during his younger
years are that he thought that his friend Lowell Davis was telling him a tale
when Lowell explained a new invention called the television.
At the age of 12 he worked all summer. This
enabled him to buy a bicycle for $35. He didn’t know how to ride it, but it
wouldn’t take him long to learn.
He milked the cows, fed the pigs, and tended
to the farm each day. This great man knew how to work! (Even my sister Amy
explained in her journal at the age of 14, that Grampie had us moving 25 pound
pipes around his yard when we were 5. My memories are a little different than
hers, but we have learned that legacy of the benefits of work.)
I think that this tough beginning set Lyle off
on a path to do and be better so that his future family wouldn’t suffer. This
seemed to be so important to him.
I happened to find his patriarchal blessing in
his room. I took that as consent to read it because he left it where I could
find it. I would like to quote from it to show that the Lord knew who Lyle was
and that he had a purpose and many talents that would be of use during his sojourn
on the earth. It says, “If it is your desire the privilege, as the years come
and go, will come to you to receive the blessings that are bestowed upon the
faithful saints in the house of the Lord, and you will rejoice in the blessings,
satisfaction, the peace of home and loved ones, and you shall not
want for the necessary blessings and comforts of life, for the labors of
your hands shall be prospered.” He received this blessing when he was 17.
Our Lord knew his son, Lyle. And Lyle fulfilled all that was required of him. I
can see how these blessings were fulfilled, especially when contrasted against the
younger years of his life.
Heavenly Father blessed him with a large
family. He felt that it was his duty and obligation to see that they were
provided for. He often worked 2 jobs to ensure that his kids had the things
that they needed – and maybe even some wants. He built his house, shed, and
later his garage – even being featured in the newspaper. (This was a proud
moment for him and he has several copies of that newspaper article in his room.
I think he even made the front page.) His children had space to run, play, eat,
sleep, and work. This was because of the great efforts of their father and
mother as they raised 6 successful children.
As I spent time interviewing
him about his life, I came to discover that he is so proud of his children and
later his grandchildren and later his great grand-children. Every single one of
them. His wall of frames is filled with all those pictures of these treasured
people. He may not have been able to show affection in the ways of the world,
but he spent time – using the talents bestowed upon him – fixing things, doing
household repairs, tending the cows, watering the field, planting the garden,
and creating and building useful items for each child, grandchild, in-law, great-grandchild,
and even the neighbors and friends. Truly his efforts were magnified and his
hands prospered.
Lyle loved praise, orange crush, cinnamon rolls with pink
frosting, and being fed by a good cook, which he was lucky enough to have twice
in his life – his mother and his wife. He loved to whistle while he worked and
was a happy, quiet man who loved to work, loved life, his faith, and especially
his family. The last part of his blessing states, “[you] will live to thank
your Heavenly Father for your many blessings for his protecting care and for
your accomplishments in life and you shall live to be a comfort to your parents
and will be held in remembrance by your associates for the kindness of your
heart, and your many acts of assistance to those in need of comfort and a kind
word.” This blessing has been fulfilled completely.
I look at all that he has left for us – all these
things that we will remember him by – our step stools, our cedar chests, and
nightstands, the cabin, the shed, his house, the kayaks and the many other
things that he has created with those hands! How many times I have used these
items and remember that my grandfather loved me.
How can I really measure this grandfather of mine? What he
did and what he gave are priceless examples to me of a great heritage that he
has left behind. We are all recipients of his greatness. The potential to be as
great as he is flows in our family’s bloodlines. I hope that we will all live
up to our family name and that when we meet our father and grandfather and
friend again on the other side of the veil, he will be able to say, along with
our Savior and Redeemer, “Job well done.” I love you Grampie!
