Dad worked in the coal mines as a neon apprentice until 1950 in and around Rock Springs, Wyoming. Those who worked with him were impressed with his precise and methodical way of working, and with his ability to read and commit to memory precise directions, including measurements down to small fractions of an inch. Dad was working once with Carl Rees Boyer, Mom's brother-in-law and the two disagreed over a measurement of a particular part of what they were building. The disagreement continued until Dad suggested to Uncle Rees that he go and check the plans. When Uncle Rees checked, he found, of course, Dad was right. Uncle Rees chuckled later as he retold the story as an example of Dad's good memory for details.
Moving to Portland, Oregon in 1950, Dad worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad for the next 22 years, retiring in 1972 because of stress built up during the war and never completely released.
In December 1955, he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was subsequently ordained to the office of an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood. He served as a member of the Sunday School Presidency, and as an adviser in the Young Men's program, and as an instructor in genealogical research.
At various times in his life, Dad enjoyed camping, needlepoint, computerized strategic games, mountain climbing, travel, writing poetry and doing genealogical research.
Dad gave many things to his children, including desire for education, a love for genealogy, an ability to work precisely and diligently, and his constant loyalty and encouragement to do right. his love of poetry, and for writing, are some other gifts to us. Some of them are passed on unawares. I have two sons who write constantly, filling notebooks with long and involved stories. i used to wonder where they came by such an urge.
Dad's own unquenchable loyalty was his gift to those he held dear. His closest friend all his life, and the only one who returned to him the kind of loyalty he offered, was his wife, Elda. We are all thankful to her steadfastness and faithfulness to Dad and all she did for him. During his last years, they traveled together, enjoyed scenery in Mexico, Hawaii, British Columbia and the western United States, and visiting friends and family.
Dad's health has not been good for years. high blood pressure along with the strain of his heart, had caused his life to loose much of the quality it once had. Mom bore much of the strain of caring for him, and though his last years were physically difficult, she did her best to make him comfortable. |
