Dad's Funeral

Thursday was a hard day for us. Poor Mom, who is Dad's ex-wife, flew out here to support her kids, but left most of her stuff at home. So we had to take her to the store to buy some necessities. Then the elders showed up to give Randy a blessing.

The funeral was at Camp Williams up in Bluffdale. The weather was horrible. It had been fairly nice at home, so I didn't bring my coat. Mistake. We were freezing with the wind. But other than that, the ceremony went really well. There were more folks there than I expected, which was a big comfort. The Disabled American Vets did a ceremony for Dad, with a gun salute, a message from the chaplain, and the bugler played Taps. I had been sniffling through the whole thing, but once the song started, I just lost it. Sarah was standing by me, crying, and Randy was crying next to her. It was a very emotional moment.

Then we sang Dad's favorite song, How Great Thou Art. Dad liked the song, because of the words, and because his name was Art. After the song, things got a little better. Randy delivered the eulogy, telling all about Dad's life, his love of musicals and old movies, his favorite foods, his bad cooking, and some of the fun times they had together. Carol also spoke, calling herself 'The Ex-Wife.' Then Vicky shared some memories. Poor Rita tried, but couldn't say much. Ellen spoke and paid tribute to Dad, for being such a great grandpa. I was very proud of her. A few other people spoke, some of his neighbors and someone from Deseret Dairy where Dad worked for the church once a week. It was a very nice ceremony, but so many tears.

Here's the obituary that appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune.

"Art Bohn "Gone 6 Wheeling" Orson Arthur Bohn, 71, passed away March 31, 2009 in West Jordan, Utah. Born March 2, 1938 in Murray, Utah, son of Orson and Mary Moyes Bohn. Married Carol Pennington April 13, 1962 in the Salt Lake Temple; later divorced. He was an electrician and volunteered at the LDS Church Welfare Square Dairy. He loved old movies and the out doors. Survived by children: Michael, Vicky (Keith), Randy (Cindy), Rita, April, Sandra (Scott), Tracy (Evangeline); 13 grandchildren. Preceded in death by daughter, Maria; brother, Richard. Graveside services will be held Thursday, 1:00 p.m. at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 South Redwood Road. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home."