Grandpa Andersen

My sweet grandpa Andersen passed away at the beginning of June.  His physical and mental health had been deteriorating for some time.  He had become increasingly forgetful, and toward the end his body just stopped working the way it's supposed to.  My grandma had been taking care of him at home, and we all started to worry about the toll that was taking on her.  My mom went down to St. George to help her find him an assisted living home that would be able to provide some medical care. However, before they could even get him to the assisted living facility, he became ill and was admitted to the hospital.  After several days there, he did make it out, but for only a short time.  He passed away one night shortly after leaving the hospital.

I have so many wonderful memories of my grandpa.  He and my grandma were very involved in our lives as kids, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to have that kind of relationship with them. They came to everything we did....games, performances, graduations, weddings, etc.  And Christmas at their house was truly a sight to behold!  My grandpa was always so sweet to me and I mostly picture him with a smile and a laugh (and maybe an inappropriate joke or two).  Although, we all knew enough not to cross him!  I have so many memories of doing fun things with my grandpa....RV trips, their cabin in Star Valley, going with him and my grandma on trips to St. George, and just him always being there!  And he was even willing to let Kacee and me live at their house for a year in high school.  (Imagine willingly taking in 2 high school girls!)  He also loved his animals!  He was such a great man and will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

I found some great pictures of him....starting with him as a young man and then just some favorites of him with all of us growing up.  And lots of great pictures of him with his whole big, crazy family!
And then a couple pics of us at his memorial service.  Love you, Grandpa!