Sunday, June 13, 2010

A Fond Memory of Poppy

Poppy was my Mom's dad. He actually died when I was six, but his death was one of those times that solidified my testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I remember the last moments of his life. Nanny and I picked him up from the hospital. We had some colored glass in the back of the Cadillac (he made wonderful stain glass lamps and other things). Nanny and Poppy's dog, Brownie was with us because we were going out to the Lake (their summer trailer home) for a week or so of fun and relaxation. We were all sitting across the front seat. I loved sitting between my Nanny and Poppy in that Cadillac. As we were driving Poppy suffered another heart attach and died. It was devastating, but was also a chance to learn that death is not the end. I know I will see Poppy again!
Poppy was a good man. He was a Stake Patriarch and on one occasion I remember being at his house when someone came for their blessing. I was too young to understand what was going on, but I do remember the added peace that day. I am grateful for Poppy's righteousness!
I also remember that Poppy was the camera man at Christmas! I remember that when we went to the trailer, the squirrels would eat out of his hand.
Poppy was a plastic surgeon. I remember when I was little I would go hang out at his office. I felt so cool being behind the desk. I would pretend to file papers and type. It was great to experience those days! Looking back it is even more impressive that a boy who grew up as a potato seed farmer in Kuna, Idaho became a respected plastic surgeon in Detroit, Michigan. He also left a legacy in that he trained many residents that became wonderful plastic surgeons also.
Those are just a few of the things I remember about this great man!

2 comments:

vicki said...

Wow. He was in the delivery room when you were born, when Nilsy was born he was ten minutes too late, but for you he was there all night and then went to work in the morning. He loved his little princess and enjoyed taking you to the lake and to Soup. He spoiled you as well as Nanny. I need to find a picture of the 2 of you that you can put with this. Thank you!

Billjohansson said...

I remember several times when he willingly stitched up the Johansson boys at his kitchen table. I remember the rock tumbler, and ice cream parlor/soda fountain, accordion wall, and awesome library in his basement.
I remember the several times that your dad brought me over to teach me the value of service cleaning the pool,doing yardwork, or hanging Christmas lights.
I remember the pig floating in the pool at your parents Luau reception, also remember the pigs head falling off the hood ornament of the Plymouth Volare station wagon as they pulled out of the drive.
Most recently I remember the pride I felt in being sorta related to Doc. Newby when Mario Fascioni spoke of your grandpa giving him a chance for honest work after finding him sleeping in his car at the stake center parking lot.