Birth Story: Rachel Grant

This memory was recorded by Dale Grant in March 2015

I guess I was busy trucking on the highway when Rachel was born. I was home for the evening after a long day when your mother went into labor. She had been having false labor earlier and so we wondered at first, but finally decided it was real and that we needed to get to the hospital. I think that my mom and dad were working at the temple that night because we took Deanna up to the Zaugg residence. They were living in Burns Wood’s home at the time and they had a daughter about the same age as Deanna.

It was evening on March 6 1974 when we went to the hospital. It was snowing, actually it was near blizzard conditions, when we went to the hospital. We were not at the hospital for very long before she was born. Oh yes, daughter number 2 was in the family. She was bubbly and cute and fun right from the get go. She was quite athletic and was always on the move.

It is just coincidence but it seems that every major thing that Rachel has done in her life has been done in a blizzard / snow storm. When we took her down to BYU for school in August there was a huge snow storm. We had gone to bed the night before we left and the weather was great, but when we got up the next morning there was about 6 inches of wet snow everywhere. Needless to say we had to build a snowman before we left. And then there was Rachel’s wedding. When we went into the temple for her wedding the sun was shining not a cloud in the sky. It was an absolute beautiful day. But when we came out of the temple a few hours later there was a lot of snow on the ground and it was still snowing and blowing!!!

Another beautiful daughter to raise and have in my life. I am so blessed.

Birth Story: Laura Kathleen Grant

This memory was recorded by Dale Grant in March 2015.

Laura was our beautiful daughter number 3, born on the 15th of February 1975. I do not remember what I was doing or where I was that day. I do remember taking your mother to the hospital in the later part of the afternoon, driving around town and starting home because your mother did not want to go to the hospital any sooner than necessary. When we finally did go to the hospital the nurses were quite excited when they examined your mother. Joan Anderson from Barnwell had just delivered a baby girl and then it was your mother’s turn. I remember the nurses saying that there had been a lot of baby girls born in the last week and so I said that we would break the trend and have a boy. It was not to be. I had always planned on each one of my children being a boy, but I was blest instead to have wonderful, beautiful, giggly daughters. It is really strange that I cannot remember any more about the day. I am just drawing a blank. Laura brought great joy and happiness into our home. She was always very determined and when she set her mind on something. Nothing could deter her unless it was my loud threatening demeanor.

Stories from the life of Dale: Childhood games

Dale Grant recorded his responses to the following questions in October, 2006.

Were you the oldest, youngest, or middle child? How do you feel about that?
I was the second and the middle child born into a family of three boys. I've never really thought about how I feel about my birth position, since I can't change it anyway.

Tell about your favorite childhood games.
I don't really recall too much until I became old enough to venture outside. Then I had several things that I liked to do. I liked to play with the animals that we had on the farm, especially the horses. I would ride them when I could and one time, so I was told, when I was just little, about two years old, the family found me out by the barn, sitting under one of the horses, playing and not even aware that if the horse stepped on me, well I probably wouldn't be writing this now. These horses were big work horses with hooves as big as elephants. The one horse was real gentle though, his name was Skippy, and I loved him. The other horse was a big black called, Cap. He was quite jumpy and nervous and one time when I was older and leading him across a wooden bridge, he panicked and almost trampled me. Oh dear, I do digress. Anyway, I liked the animals. I would play with my dog for hours on end and often came in with my clothes torn because the dog would get a little too rambunctious sometimes.

I had toy construction sets too that I would play with sometimes. Gee, guess what I do now? I had a tractor trailer end dump - hydraulic ram, loader, grader, etc. that I spent many hours out in the dirt with. I would haul dirt when I could in the summer and in the winter I would haul whatever I could in the house. Sometimes I would have a friend over and sometime Barry played with me, but lots of times I could amuse myself for hours on end with my trucks.

Another game that I liked to play was rodeo. I would conscript Barry and together we would play rodeo. I was older, so I could decide what and how to play quite often. We would ride our pretend horses into the arena and parade around, sing the national anthem and then get into the actual rodeo events. We would ride imaginary wild bucking horses, and sometimes even managed to stay on for the required 8 seconds. I liked to play cowboys and indians too. I liked being an indian. Sometimes I would practice being an indian when I was out riding by myself, when I was old enough. I would practice sneaking up on things and people and sometimes I would be discovered and the cowboys would shoot me and I would fall off the horse. It was great fun.

By the time that I was five years old, I was driving tractors and trucks and helping on the farm. Oh, I still had time to play, and lots of time I made my jobs like playing. In the winter, we would get together with some of the neighbours and play hockey. One winter, Jamie Valgardson's Grandpa, made a place by his house and all the kids from the neighbourhood would gather there and play hockey. It was always a lot of fun. Then I got older, fourteen or so, and discovered motorcycles and girls.

The Funeral of Grandpa Larsen (by Katie)

The funeral was very nice. It was very short and only our family was there. The kids and granddaughters sang I am a Child of God. Ben did the life sketch and talked about his memories of fishing with Grandpa and catching his first fish. Then Brad spoke and shared stories from Grandpa's life. The most touching thing he shared was something grandma had said as they sat by his side in the days before he died. She said, "How did I get so lucky to have R.G.?"

Then we went to the cemetery. It was sooooo cold I couldn't feel my toes after a while. Fortunately it was short too. But it was really neat to have the military there. One soldier played taps on his trumpet. Not sure how he managed it when it was so cold! But it was very moving. Then the two soldiers folded up the flag and presented it to Grandma.

Then everyone went out to dinner at Olive Garden. Grandpa had told Brad to make sure everyone got a nice dinner. And while everyone was enjoying their nice dinner I was back at Erin's spending the evening sleeping and running to the bathroom! I had started feeling sick on the drive up that morning and felt really nauseous by the time we got there around 11:30. I knew it was more than just car sickness and was in tears because I didn't think I should go to the funeral in case it was contagious. I was especially worried about grandma catching it! But Kyle & Bowen gave me a blessing and I started to feel better. At least the nausea went away so I decided to go to the funeral and just keep my distance from everyone. I was very uncomfortable though as I tried to sit through the funeral. But I know the Lord blessed me to be able to at least go to the funeral and cemetery.

Before heading to Olive Garden we went to Erin's & I slept a bit and then it hit me really hard. I haven't been that sick in a long time. I was so disappointed to not be able to visit with everyone I haven't seen for so long! But I am grateful for the tender mercy of being able to make it through the funeral. Wish you all could have been there.

Love,
Katie

In Memory of R.G. Larsen: September 4, 1926-January 12, 2017 (Obituary)

This obituary notice was published in Post Register from Jan. 17 to Jan. 18, 2017. Accessed online here.

A video slideshow of photos from the life of R.G. Larsen can be accessed here.

R.G. Larsen, 90, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, at home surrounded by his family. He was under the care of Aspen Hospice.

R.G. was born Sept. 4, 1926, in the town of Monroe (Frogtown), Utah, to Vernon Roderick Larsen and Iva Leona Conder. R.G. was the middle child of five: Wallace, LaRue, Doone and Ann.

His early childhood was spent in Annabelle, Utah, near Kanab. When R.G. was 6, the family moved to Shelley, Idaho. In school, he enjoyed playing basketball and track, where he won many ribbons in high jump, broad jump, sprints and relays. In the summer of 1943, R.G. met his future wife and soulmate, Lillian Ruth Young. R.G. graduated from Shelley High School in 1944. With World War II still going on, he enlisted in the Army Air Force and went directly into the service. He finished a specialized college program for the Air Force Cadet flight training; however, by this time his specialized college program was over, World War II was coming to an end, and they no longer needed pilots. Subsequently, R.G. completed basic training at Shepard Field in Texas, then received B-29 remote gunnery training at Lowery Field in Denver, Colorado. R.G. was receiving additional vaccines in preparation to be sent overseas to the Philippines when orders came through to let all who had enlisted and volunteered for service be discharged from the service. He always felt fortunate for his circumstances and sorrow for those who had to be in harm's way.

On Sept. 7, 1946, R.G. married his high school sweetheart, Lillian, at her parents' home. Lillian and R.G. were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on Dec. 5, 1970. They were blessed with four children: Peggy, Kaleen, Craig and Brad. Recently in the fall of 2016, R.G. and Lillian celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Many family members throughout the country enjoyed visiting with R.G., and Lillian by video communication.

R.G. faithfully served in various callings in the LDS church, including many years as ward clerk of the Idaho Falls 16th Ward.

R.G. attended Montana State College, University of Utah and other special photography schools. In 1949, R.G. was hired by the Atomic Energy Commission, AEC, (later known as the Idaho National Laboratory site) as the 37th employee. He worked in security until 1952, when he was transferred and hired as a photographer to start up the photography department. While still working at the site, R.G. started a part-time photography studio in Idaho Falls which became his full-time employment when he left his job at the site. In 1951, he expanded his photography studios to Blackfoot and Pocatello. R.G. enjoyed taking pictures of weddings, family groups and portraits. R.G. retired from photography in 1982. In 1988, he purchased the Artists Colony Art and Frame Gallery. He expanded the art gallery, and in 1993, he sold the gallery and retired forever.

After retiring from photography, R.G. and Lillian enjoyed traveling together. Some of R.G.'s favorites were camping and fishing trips. R.G. and Lillian enjoyed packing up their motor home and searching for beautiful country and warm weather.

R.G. was preceded in death by his parents, Iva Conder and Vernon Larsen; sisters, LaRue, Doone and Ann; and his brother, Wallace. R.G. was the last surviving child. R.G. was very proud of his growing family. He is survived by his dear wife, Lillian Ruth Larsen, 88 years old, of Idaho Falls; four children, Peggy Grant, Kaleen Burke, Craig (Tammy) Larsen and Brad (Carol) Larsen; 10 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Aspen Hospice, especially Julie, Emily and Jasmine. In keeping with dad's wishes, private family services were held Saturday, Jan. 14, at Coltrin Mortuary. Burial was in Taylor Cemetery. The family would like to say thanks for all the kind thoughts, words and messages that were shared.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.

Memory Tidbits of my Life by R.G. Larsen

My Memories of Grandpa Larsen (by Kristi)

Here are some of the memories I have of my maternal grandfather, R.G. Larsen.

Grandpa always had a smile for me, even if he didn't talk a lot. He would sit in his chair close by the t.v. and follow the conversation in the room. He grew beautiful roses in his yard.

I remember taking walks with Grandpa around the large beautiful yard of the house on the hill. I also remember fun times sledding on the hill. I remember at least one Christmas (maybe more?) that Grandpa made a snowman out of branches to decorate the front lawn.

Front of the house on Comish Drive

Back of the house on Comish Drive

I remember Grandpa holding and walking the baby cousins (like Morgan and Kylee). Grandpa always knew how to soothe the babies!

Grandpa was a photographer for his profession. He took this picture of me when I was 4 years old. I remember that he set up a studio with the lights and backdrop at his home. I also remember not wanting to have my picture taken, but in the end he was able to coax a smile out of me.

Kristi, 1984

I remember eating salmon that Grandpa had caught and prepared. I don't usually like to eat fish, but I did like that meal!

I remember visiting the art gallery that Grandpa owned.  Whenever we visited he would let me pick out a small poster/postcard. When he was getting ready to sell the gallery I got to pick out a larger poster, which he then framed. I chose a poster of Girls at the Piano, by Renoir.

One time I remember driving to Palisades with Grandpa and Grandpa and cousins and having a picnic lunch near the water. We roasted marshmallows for a treat. On our way home we stopped for ice cream at The Dam Store.

I remember how excited Grandpa was to show off his RV home.

In the year 2000 we had a Larsen family reunion. I believe that is the last time we had everyone together.

The Larsen Family in 2000 

Grandma and Grandpa with some grandchildren and great-grandchildren in 2000.

I attended school at Ricks College, which was a short driving distance from Grandma and Grandpa's home in Idaho Falls. I often spent school vacations in their home (Thanksgiving, summer days, General Conference weekends, etc) and I always felt welcome and loved there.

Thanksgiving, 2001.

Grandpa and Grandma helped me move my things out of my apartment in Rexburg, and drove my stuff to Provo, Utah when I began attending school at BYU. What a blessing and help that was to me!

Grandpa and Grandma drove to Utah to attend my wedding in May of 2004.

At the Salt Lake City Temple, May 4, 2002.

Jared and I lived in Utah in the early years of our marriage. Trips home to Canada meant an overnight stay with Grandpa and Grandma to break up the 12 hour drive, and we were always welcomed with love.

Jared, Kristi, Lillian, RG, 2003

 I have spent the last nearly eleven years living in Florida, and sadly, opportunities to visit have been very few. I was happy to see both Grandpa and Grandma in 2010 and in 2014, and have the opportunity for them to meet my children.

July 2010

The Tanner Family with Lillian and RG in July 2014

Grandpa and Grandma celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past year (September 2016).  We were able to Skype with them for a few minutes, which was a special treat. I think they thought that technology was pretty neat!

50th Wedding Anniversary

I will always remember Grandpa and Grandma Larsen with love and fond memories.