Some of my best memories growing up involved being with Pops in the outdoors. Fishing trips to Alaska, hunting trips to Utah, Idaho, and Mexico and family trips to Pine Valley are a few of the places that created these memories. While the hunting and fishing were fun, the greatest part was being together. (Steven)
Poppy is the kind of teacher that I strive to be like everyday. He was that
teacher that played basketball with his students at recess. He was that coach
that pulled you aside and pitched 100 extra balls to you after practice. He
always gave 100% of himself to his students and players and 150% of himself to
his children. I now can appreciate the one-on-one attention he gave me while
doing math homework in the living room with 10 pieces of lined paper and a
sharpened #2 pencil!! (Karen)
A father's greatest legacy is the impact he has on his children. Pop's, unquestionably you have had the greatest impact on my development as a professional, a husband and most importantly a father. Your diligent efforts to instill in me a sense of honesty, integrity and hard work are the same traits that I regularly attempt to teach my children. (Charles)
My greatest memories of Poppy include morning drives to Poly. He was always asking about my classes, giving advice, and enjoying the time we spent together. At the beginning of every school year, he would say the same thing, “Do your very best, be honest, and try hard. I will never be disappointed in you if you remember those things. I love you and I am so proud of you.” He believed in me and supported me through many difficult academic years at Poly. (Jennifer)
When I was about 10 years old, I asked Poppy if he would come to Sacrament Meeting. We had Sacrament last and I came into the chapel excited to sit with Poppy. When I got there, he wasn't there and I was a disappointed. About half way through the meeting, Poppy came and sat next to me. He was hot and a bit sweaty! Apparently, the car wouldn't start when he got ready to leave so he rode Steven or Charles' bike about 5 miles in the summer heat. It says a lot about the kind of father Poppy was because he never wanted to disappoint us. (Alisa)
Just as memorable was the crystal clear fall day that we played Pebble Beach together. A perfect afternoon walking the fairways along the spectacular Monterey Peninsula is a memory that I recall often. This round of golf and the hundreds of others that we have played together are some of my greatest joys. I love you Pops.
(Charles)
Nobody loves nature more that Poppy. His father taught him to appreciate the
beauty that surrounds us and he has in turn taught that to us. I was always
amazed that he could drive our jeep in a straight line even with his head
turned, looking for deer "just beyond the thicket"!! Our vacations growing up
taught us to appreciate nature and enjoy it with those you love! (Karen)
When I was little, I never tired of hearing the story of the night I was born. Poppy already had 2 boys and was hoping for a girl. When I arrived, he said that he drove down Colorado Blvd with the top down on the little sports car yelling, "I've got a girl!!!" From that day until now, I have always felt that I held a special place in Poppy's heart and that he would do anything for me! (Alisa)
The summer afternoon, seven years ago, at the Pine Valley Chapel that you eloquently blessed Charlie was particularly memorable and emotional. Though unconventional, for you to officiate that important family event in a place that meant so much to your father made it all the more special. (Charles)
Pop’s passion for athletics has been contagious. I always appreciated the countless hours he spent teaching, coaching, and just watching all of us play sports. One of my favorite days ever was when we took the 7am boat from Maui to Lanai to play 36 holes of golf. After we finished the final round, we boarded the boat back to Maui and sat together on the top deck as the sun set and talked about the day. I love that he continues to show interest in all the grandkids and their many sports and activities. (Steven)
I was lucky enough to spend three years at home with mom and poppy all to myself. Poppy and I took full advantage of that with our yearly trips to Panguich. What a dream to spend an entire week with Poppy all to myself. Driving, eating out, fishing, and laughing. We even set out a day to rent some waverunners and explore Lake Powell just the two of us. I remember that day with great fondness. Memories of quality time were not just included in that one week though, they were frequent throughout the year, including Islands, Basketball and Softball games, Baskin Robbins, Wheel of Fortune episodes, and the dreaded math help. (Jennifer)
Happy Father’s Day Poppy. We love you!
Love,
Charles, Steven, Alisa, Karen, and Jennifer
