Grandpa Spence

For fall break this year, we spontaneously took the family to Logan.  While there, we stopped in Wellsville to see my Grandma and Grandpa Spence.  The very next week, my Grandpa Spence took a turn for the worst.  He was laid up in the hospital for a week battling blood infections, kidney failure, a bowel obstruction, and pneumonia.  After a week in the hospital, he passed away at about the exact moment we (Brooke, Tyler, Kristen, and myself) walked through the hospital doors.  We missed seeing him by about 5 minutes.  It was a very bitter moment that I didn't get to see him one last time, but very sweet since our visit two weeks prior was such a good memory to have as our last time together.  Above is Grandpa Spence (Alexander Ivan) with his great-grandson, Alexander Edmund in 2010.

Today was his funeral.  It was a very touching day.  His graveside ceremony was very emotional.

Grandpa's pallbearers were all his grandsons and one great-grandson.  It was very impressive to see such great men that his grandsons have turned into.  Grandpa was always very proud of his posterity.

Grandpa served in WWII so there was a 21 gun salute followed by "Taps" on the trumpet.

The pallbearers then placed their boutonnieres on the casket.

Funerals are always very hard, but I'm so glad to have Grandpa as a guardian angel watching over me on the other side.

Right after Grandpa died, we went back over to visit with Grandma at her house for a minute and the first thing I noticed when I walked in was a picture of Grandpa's 4 generations with Grandpa, John, Matt, and AJ.  It was a very impressive picture to see on the table just hours after his passing.  I then realized that I didn't have a picture of the women's 4 generation and made sure to get one today.  I'm glad to have this picture, but even more glad for my ancestry, their example, and everything they have taught me.  I hope I can teach, influence, and enjoy my posterity as much as my grandparents have theirs.  I love you, Grandma and Grandpa.