Elder Royden G. Derrick

Royden G. Derrick, J's Grandfather, and our 3 daughters Great Grandfather, Pappy, passed away last Monday, at the age of 94.

There is a wonderful tribute to him in yesterdays newspaper. Here is the link:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705350157/Elder-Royden-Glade-Derrick-dies.html

(If anyone takes the Tribune or Deseret News, we would love copies of the obituary.)

We will remember Pappy for his wise advice and observant nature. He always had a twinkle in his eye. J is named after his dad, and his grandfather. J is lucky enough to have Royden as his middle name, after his grandfather. A great legacy to live up to.

This is a picture of Pappy and Mommy Allo at their Birthday party in 2005. Pappy turned 90 that year and Mommy Allo turned 88. They share the same Birthday, September 7, just 2 years apart. We love you Pappy and will miss you greatly!

Pappy

Tonight we were able to spend some time with J's grandparents. Pappy is 94 and Mommy Allo is 92. They have both lived rich, full lives. When J and I were first married, we lived in their basement for 2 years. It was a huge blessing in our lives. They have such radiant spirits about them and helped us to form many good habits. They are both such hard workers and keep everything they have so clean and so nice. It is an honor to be around them. We love them both so much.

In September, we celebrated Pappy and Mommy Allo's Birthday. They share the same day, just 2 years apart. We had a family picnic up in the canyons. We played a Bingo game of their lives and made ice cream (dancing to "Dancing Queen"). My favorite memory from their most recent party however, was Pappy swinging at the Pinata. He used his cane to wack it and it made us all laugh! 94 years old! Look out for Pappy!

On Thankgiving, Kate, J, J's Dad and his brothers and in-laws went to visit Pappy and Mommy Allo. Kate loved sitting on Mommy Allo's lap and seeing them. Now, just a couple days later, we all went to see Pappy. We love Pappy and wanted to see him one final time. He didn't respond to us very much! Ella said, "Hi Pappy" and his eyebrow raised for just a second and one eye opened for just a peak! For just a moment....it was the Pappy we know!
It was a sweet and tender moment. We love you Pappy!