Treasure from Him: Remembering Grandpa

Grandpa Walter Louis Coats with Elizabeth - 2000

Last Tuesday Melody and I flew to Idaho for my Grandfather's memorial service. Grandpa went to be with his savior after 97 years of life. He had lived at home until just a month before his death. It was such a blessing to be there to celebrate Grandpa's life.

The Memorial services were Thursday, Aug. 12th. The graveside was first and we drove down from Midvale with my parents for that. As we drove into the cemetary and I saw the casket adorned with flowers, I got a sick feeling in my stomach. Though I already knew Grandpa was gone, that sight somehow made it a reality. The casket was simple and seemed very fitting for Grandpa. The service was short and fitting as well. We sang Amazing Grace and Grandpa's pastor gave a short message. The pastor made a comment about Grandpa's use of Absorbine Jr. to heal his body both inside and out, which received much laughter. Grandpa was known for his Absorbine.

Melody and I at Grandpa's Graveside

A Memorial service was held later that afternoon at Grandpa's church. My parents had put together a slide show of Grandpa's life and it was fun to see those many years of memories before the service began. We sang "Mansion Over the Hilltop," "How Great Thou Art," and the Pastor sang "Life's Railway to Heaven." I love to hear the hymns that were beloved by my Grandfather.

There was quite a number of people there to remember Grandpa. It was a tribute to the many lives he touched. Grandpa didn't just love his family, he and Grandma loved on others as well. I enjoyed seeing cousins I haven't seen in over 10 years. 7 of the 10 Grandchildren were in attendance and 14 of the 36 great-grandchildren were there. We were also blessed by the many family friends that came to remember Grandpa with us.

At the close of the service was a sharing time which was one of the sweetest memories of my time there. To hear people share their memories of Grandpa. One story was told of some men in Grandpa's church going to Grandpa's house to deliver wood. They thought Grandpa was standing too close to where the trailer was driving by and knew Grandpa couldn't see well. However, as the trailer drove by, Grandpa grabbed the back of the trailer, stepped on, cane and all and rode to the shop where they would unload the wood. Yes, he was just that spry, even in his 90's.

Many shared of how Grandma and Grandpa were always together, "you never saw one without the other." Someone even shared that Grandma went to Men's breakfasts with Grandpa and then went out to breakfast with several other ladies. They shared how they taught Sunday School into their 80's and several former students and parents of former students shared. Grandpa was remember for how knowledgeable he was, his strength and ability to work with his hands. Someone shared how he carried 2 x 4's around the edge of the church building when it was being built. Grandpa was well-known for his story-telling and for his playfulness.

I remember my Uncle Roy talking with me and saying, "Grandpa has a doctor appointment next week. I don't suppose he'll make it!" That is the kind of humor Grandpa would have had, too. Though we laughed at how he blamed Uncle Roy for all the power tools that have gone missing from his house over the past few years. My Dad said Grandpa was playful to the very end. When the physical therapist would throw a ball to him, he would throw it off into the corner!

Walter and Mary Coats - at our wedding - July 1994

Especially emotional times during the sharing were when my Father talked about his Dad and my mother read my brother Steve's rememberances of Grandpa. The most powerful memory for me of Grandpa was how he always asked about Melody. Though had never met her and had a tendency to forget some things, he never forgot "the little one." His youngest Great-Grandchild somehow captured his heart. How I wish she could have sat on his lap just once. I believe that he remembered her often in his prayers.

I am so thankful that Grandpa now resides in heaven with Grandma. He is no longer in pain. He is rejoicing with the Lord. It is hard to imagine life without him. He has always been there in his little house in Emmett, ID. As I watched my Dad and his siblings I realized that no matter how old you are it is never easy to lose your Father. We are abundantly blessed by the heritage passed down to us by my Grandparents.

Melody and I outside Grandma and Grandpa's House

On our way home from the Memorial service we stopped by my Grandparents home. It was a bit surreal to walk into their home where little had changed. To feel like they should be there, but know they are not. To know I'll never return to the house looking that way again. To realize it is the end of an era. I was glad to be able to visit there one last time with Melody. Though she never met her Grandparents I was able to take a few special pictures.