Granddad

My Granddad was diagnosed with cancer. He is doing much better, but here's a tribute that I wrote to him as part of a book that was prepared for him.

Memories and thoughts of Granddad by Matt Hyer

Dear Granddad,
I am overjoyed to share with you my memories and feelings of our relationship over the years. I am saddened to hear of the downgrade in your health and can only hope that the best works out. I will always remember our conversations late in the evening normally on a Sunday as you would call and check in on me and my family. While you have lived a full life and have been ever involved in service, you would take the time to check in with your grandkids and make sure we are ok. Many of my memories have come later in my life as we lived away from you and Grandma while we were growing up. My more significant memories though are of your distinguished life of service and honor. I see and respect the life you have lived and served and can only hope I can follow.

My first memories with you take me back to being very young. I remember you and Grandma as the “Grandma and Grandpa on a Mission.” I didn’t realize the significance of your service until after serving a mission myself. How noble and rewarding to show such an example to us grandkids. Because we lived away from Utah most of my childhood, my memories were normally around the holidays when we could visit. I remember Christmas time in the basement of your home with Grandma and everyone getting a Christmas stocking full of fruit and other stuff. We would all sing holiday songs, have a family discussion and then run around and play with our cousins.

I remember getting crab rides around the living room on the black and white rug with oriental characters. Being very young, that was a highlight of visiting Grandpa Hyer. As a kid, the rug just looked like a great big road that was just the right size to drive my toy cars. I loved your home and the mysterious Japanese and Chinese decorations around the house. They were impressive and unique to a young boy who knew very little of that culture, especially the lions that sat in the entry way. I will get those balls out of their mouths someday. Your home seemed so big and endless. There was always David’s room at the end of the hall, which was too scary to go down. Then the room we weren’t supposed to go in, which was I think your office. We would dare each other to open the door. I don’t remember what was in there. I remember looking in your bedroom and thinking how funny it seemed as a kid that that was where you and Grandma slept. It was your place and very distinct in all aspects. I love the uniqueness of your character. The years of study of the many oriental nations reflects in your mannerisms and appearance. I will always remember your blue polyester leisure suits and “boot” style shoes. They are one of a kind.

I remember you always opening your home to young students from China, Japan or wherever and offering them a place to feel at home. It was a reflection of your generosity of all that you had. Having served people of other nations, I can relate to how you feel towards the ones you serve.

My more recent memories come when we moved back from New Hampshire to Utah. We were able to be closer as a family and visit more often. I remember your silver Chrysler New Yorker car. You had left it at our house once as you had left on a trip. I was 16 or 17 at the time. I remember cleaning your car and putting the professional touch on it hoping for a good impression when you returned. I even had a license plate holder made that said “GRANDDAD’S HOT ROD.” I wasn’t able to put that on, but I remember the excitement I had when you returned and saw your car all cleaned up. We had a great laugh as I gave you the license plate holder.

As I served my mission, my interactions with my mission president always made me think of you serving as a mission president. It gave me more insight into the challenges and joys you had while serving as a mission president. I was also very glad to read a series of memories and experiences that you had put together on working with various members and leaders of the Church. Those are family records and journal accounts are priceless in remembering your life. I am grateful to have them and to have a further view into your life.

My desire to learn and study must have come from you. I enjoy reading good books and have been able to read many over the last few years during my commute to work. Each time I pull out a book, your voice echo’s in my thoughts, “Are you reading any good books?” Thank you for the encouragement and desire to show the importance of education in all stages of life.

My last thoughts are as I look to my dad and the respect and excitement he has when talking to you and or about you. He has always spoken highly of you as well as all of your children. I only hope I can leave the same legacy for my children and grandchildren as you have left for all of us. My prayers and love go to you from myself and my family, Becca, Colton, Ellie and Winston.
We love you, Grandad!
Love,
Matt