MY BROTHER RALPH'S FUNERAL

We had another funeral in the family. My brother, Ralph, who lived in Virginia, became ill there and his son drove back and brought him and his mother Laura back to Spanish, Utah. He was placed immediately into a hospital where studies showed he had suffered a large stroke from which he did not recover. This came on the same day that Elder Wirthlin died.

His kids came into town and we had the funeral last Tuesday. His two sons spoke and gave tender tributes to their father.

Ralph had served as a missionary in the Cook Islands years ago. He learned to speak Mauri and developed a love for the people and their traditions. He kept his language up and also contact with members from the Islands.

A Samoan chorus was there and sang several songs and it was touching. I spoke and talked about his missionary work and about his stint as an ordinance worker in the Washington Temple. I also told some tales from our childhood.

As they were wheeling the casket out of the chapel, a member of he Samoan chorus broke out a Ukulele and the group sang "Goodbye Dear Friend" which is a song they used to sing to missionaries going home. That pretty well emptied the lachrymal glands of the family.

He had spent many years on the army Reserve and apparently, that qualified him for a military burial as well and there was a military ceremony at the grave site including a four gun salute.

It is tough to see a younger brother go but in his case, it was a release. I recited this little poem:

After the clouds, the sunshine,

after the winter, the spring,

after the shower, the rainbow,

for life is a changeable thing.

After the night, the morning,

bidding all darkness cease,

after life's cares and sorrows,

the comfort and sweetness of peace.

I will remember him as a missionary and as a faithful temple worker and all the good times our families had together.

Alles Gute, Dad