Celebrating Grandpa Fay's Life

Last month, we had Grandpa Fay's "Celebration of Life" service. For a glimpse into the 91 years that he lived, worked and loved on this planet, click here for my "Hayin' in Heaven" tribute. He would have loved the day, "his day", as we remembered how much he loved each of us and what a truly great man he was. We had pictures of him all over the stage driving and farming with his team. My cousin, Kim, but together an amazing picture slide show complete with hymns as background music, giving a wonderful glimpse into his life and bringing back so many good memories. 

More pics of Grandpa farming with his horses. So much horse knowledge was forever lost when he passed from this world. Everyone talked about his incredible sixth sense when it came to horses.

My sister sang "When It's All Been Said and Done" while my Aunt Esther played the piano.

                                      
Here is a short video of my dad's friend, Duane Nelson, who is an amazing cowboy poet. He recited the comic "Horse Trader" poem because it was Grandpa's favorite. Grandpa was a heck of a horse trader himself. He had us all laughing and smiling. Thank you, Duane!

Duane was kind enough to read my dad's tribute to Grandpa for him. All the tributes were very special.

My Aunt Linda read a poem she wrote about Grandpa and then read a tribute for her husband, my Uncle Amos.

My Aunt Ada's friend read her tribute for her as well. Just easier that way. 

 After the service, some of our immediate family went up to Knebal Springs to spread Grandpa Fay and Grandma Mary's ashes. We used to camp here all the time with our horses while growing up. So many great memories! Here is a picture of my kids and Stacie's just before their ashes were spread in the meadow.

 Lily and Hailey are cousins who just love to tell each other secrets.

 My nephews, Marcus and Josh, both teenagers now, are growing up so much. Josh is wearing Grandpa Fay's shirt and coat.

 My cousin, Jay, with his mom who is also my Aunt Ada. They are standing and visiting with my Uncle Amos, whom we have affectionately dubbed, "The Cowboy Mountain Man".

 I love this pic of my BIL, Steve, explaining about what the ashes are and where Grandma and Grandpa's souls are now. Such a precious moment.

 The grandkids took turns reading sympathy cards to the family. Thank you for your sweet thoughts everyone!

My step-mom, Diana and Dad volunteered to spread Grandma and Grandpa's ashes together in the meadow. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

 Afterwards, we stood around and chatted while the kids explored the campground a little. I love the way all the guys were comparing hairlines.

 Oh, the hours we spent playing in and around these corrals while growing up.

 My dad and his older brother, Amos, talk so similar and even stand the same way. So glad I managed to capture this moment between them.

 This is the beautiful Knebal Spring. Same trough that was there as when I grew up. Couldn't believe it was the still there.

 I wanted to get a pic of Grandpa's surviving children who are my dad, Russ, and his siblings, Ada and Amos. Grandpa was proceeded in death by four of his children.

In lieu of flowers, we had asked everyone to bring a pie to his service, which was Grandpa's favorite dessert. In fact, you would ask him what his favorite pie was and he would always say, "More Pie!". The next day, our immediate family got together for some leftover pie from Grandpa's funeral and used it instead of birthday cake to celebrate all the Sept birthdays in our family. Here are the goofy birthday boys!  

A huge thank you to the approximately 200 people who came to support us and celebrate the fact that our dear patriarch is gone from this earth to a paradise where there is no more pain, no more tears, only goodness, love and paradise. It still doesn't change the fact that we miss Grandpa greatly, but it certainly does make it easier knowing we will see him again. "O death, where is your sting?" 

When it's all been said and done

There is just one thing that matters

Did I do my best to live for truth?

Did I live my life for you?

When it's all been said and done

All my treasures will mean nothing

Only what I have done

For love's rewards

Will stand the test of time

Lord, your mercy is so great

That you look beyond our weakness

That you found purest gold in miry clay

Turning sinners into saints

I will always sing your praise

Here on earth and in heaven after

For you've joined me at my true home

When it's all been said and done

You're my life when life is gone.

- By Robin Mark

God Bless,

Jackie