Doug's younger brother, Thomas Owen McConochie, was laid to rest on Valentine's Day, an appropriate time for someone so beloved by his children and grand-children. Although it was a cold snowy day, our hearts were indeed warmed by all the comments and anecdotes of appreciation, good humor, and pure affection for this gentle giant which we saw and heard expressed during his funeral. The grandchildren were the pallbearers.
Zona and family launch garlands of helium balloons into the atmosphere as a final wish of good luck and love to Tom. The snow didn't deter her; nothing deters Z. She's always gone for what she wanted-- and people follow, knowing it will be exciting and fun and worthwhile and that she knows where she is going.
Here's one for you!
Tom's daughter Allison with her nephew Bill; Glenna, a very dear family friend, on the side. As you can see, Allison is the ham of the family.
Hold it-- Isn't that Uncle Tom? Nope-- just Tom's grandson, Bill, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his grandpa at that age. He considers it a great compliment, and rightfully so. Both great athletes, 6' 2", curly dark hair, big smile, same McConochie mold. Both handsome dudes.
Two charmers: Cathy and her cousin Allison, Tom's youngest daughter and mother of four blond sons, including "the twins".....
"The love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow,
To see a short video Allison took of the family:
Sweet Lisa, Rod's wife.
Life remains jolly for the kids.
Tom's daughter Diane, a nurse at Utah Valley Hospital, with her son Kendall.
Zona and family launch garlands of helium balloons into the atmosphere as a final wish of good luck and love to Tom. The snow didn't deter her; nothing deters Z. She's always gone for what she wanted-- and people follow, knowing it will be exciting and fun and worthwhile and that she knows where she is going.
Here's one for you!
Choosing a few roses for mementos . Doug is watching from our red car located in the background. Since the wheelchair lacked snow chains, he watched from his ringside seat where he could hear the grave dedicatory prayer because microphones were set up for him. Very thoughtful!
Tom's grandson Doug McConochie and his young son reflect the deep grief the family members and children felt for the loss of their dear "Pa."
Livingstons braved the weather with us. They learned new things about their Uncle Tom-- the fine athlete he was, how smart at math (could do any problem in his head), and how he loved attending all the games and athletic endeavors of his grandchildren as long as he could.
Taking shelter under umbrellas from the very cold snow, which began falling at the gravesite. Zona, Susan, Diane, and Susan's husband affectionately called "Taj" behind them. Below are Susan and our daughter Cathy with me; neither of us had not seen Susan for years. So good to renew that connection!
Two cousins who always come off smiling, even with tears in their eyes.
Hold it-- Isn't that Uncle Tom? Nope-- just Tom's grandson, Bill, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his grandpa at that age. He considers it a great compliment, and rightfully so. Both great athletes, 6' 2", curly dark hair, big smile, same McConochie mold. Both handsome dudes.
Two charmers: Cathy and her cousin Allison, Tom's youngest daughter and mother of four blond sons, including "the twins".....
or as Uncle Tom dubbed them,
" The Bookends."
Tom's son Rod with wife Lisa at the viewing. Rod will miss his weekly phone calls with his dad. Now Uncle Doug will have to chew him out!!
It is interesting how Diane also resembles her Grandma Vi. She made us feel a bit homesick for Viola. Below, Allison and Doug have a moment's reunion after too many years.
Susan and Taj. Wish they all lived closer.
Zona is a most unusual woman of great courage and personal strength. Famous among family and friends for her wit and good cooking, she was zealous and devoted in her care for Tom. He always spoke of her with great love and appreciation.
Zona is a most unusual woman of great courage and personal strength. Famous among family and friends for her wit and good cooking, she was zealous and devoted in her care for Tom. He always spoke of her with great love and appreciation.The family and grandchildren wrote Valentine messages which they placed in the casket with Tom, who would have appreciated them so dearly. How appropriate that he would have his funeral on this day of love and tribute.
To quote from Doug's brief obituary reading at the funeral:
"My brother Tom had a great testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and as long as he was able, he studied to increase his knowledge, and when he could no longer read, he listened to tapes and talks. Through his long trials he never doubted the truthfulness of the gospel.
Tom had a great love for life and a keen sense of humor. He was quick to see the best in others. He was very social, had a gentle spirit, and loved to be around people. Although his health challenges were great, he had a positive attitude and was patient. He passed away on the tenth of Feb., 2009, and was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sandra, and brother Keith."
We will miss our gentle giant.
"The love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow,
and gladdens every heart.”
Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, quorum of the Twelve Apostles, conference address Oct. 2008
To see a short video Allison took of the family:
4 comments:
Those are really nice pictures Mom. First of all, I can't believe how old everyone is like Bill and Kendall! And Bill looks EXACTLY like Uncle Tom. Wow. And Dianne DOES look like Grandma! Wish I could have been there. I sure loved Uncle TOm.
That looked like a really special day. It IS amazing how much his family resembles one another and Grandma V. I can tell that it was a day that will be long remembered, every Valentine's day. Even hard days leave beautiful memories in it's wake.
Thanks for doing a recap on this beautiful day. It is great to have the names with the photos. Is there a way to print this out so you can save it? Love you!
Oh, I miss him!
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