We Must Move On

GORDON SMART

August 30, 1951-October 24, 2008

Gordon, we will miss you. A better friend and brother you couldn't be.

We'll miss taking little trips with you.

I'll probably cry through the Rodeo in Las Vegas this year.


Will there be a family event that there won't be a hole in our hearts and an empty chair?

Who hugs better than Gordon? Who will give me that kiss-on-the-lips hello when I gather with those I love, if you are not there?

Who participated in more family priesthood events? The only one you missed for the Salt Lake area branch of the Dickson family was Gracie's on November 2nd. Were you there anyway? The circle was not quite complete.

Would we have spent more time together if we'd known we would have so little left? Would I have laughed harder at your dumb jokes if I had known they would run out?

How can we enjoy Thanksgiving at St George as much without you with us? You might not have been the best player at the family Turkey Bowl, but no one had more fun...

...or made it more fun for others.

A funeral is a time to celebrate a wonderful life. Yours was one of those rare ones that truly lifts so many people and gives us new resolve to be more spiritual, more loving, less self-centered, more thoughtful of those around us, but always have a sense of humor.

Your family is strong and very united and has great support from so many around them. I never saw a larger, better attended viewing, except for a general authority or U.S. President.

The spirit was strong at all the events. I think you were there and helped your family bring comfort and strength to each other and those around them.

Rosemary was surrounded by flowers, family, friends, advisors, neighbors, priesthood leaders, and the Comforter. She is sad but is facing life head on and with courage.

It helps to have a new grandbaby to hang on to. Many things made Rosemary smile through the sadness and pain. She will continue to find things to smile at. We will try to remember to share corny jokes with her.

Those who loved you went to Colton's game the week after you left. It was a symbol that we would try to continue on with living.

You left your family in the hands of a wonderful Bishop. Bishop Beecher drove all the way to Centerville to support Colton and, of course, Rosemary. He is loving, spiritual, and intuitive and present when he needs to be. He had Colton at the 7:30 am Stake Priesthood Meeting as you would have done, the Sunday after we lost you.

Were you at the game as Colton caught the baubled ball and took it into the end zone when time was up and won the game for his team? He seemed to think you caught that ball for him.

It really helped to celebrate something happy after so many tears.

Colton is a wonderful boy and I know you will be able somehow to help Rosemary finish his raising! The other kids are almost there already.

You have raised wonderful children and they will continue to be a legacy for you and a joy to Rosemary. Most of them came to the luncheon following Gracie's blessing. Fast Sunday in your ward was a spiritual experience for all. I am grateful your influence on that ward when you were bishop and in all your other callings was so strong. There is more love, more strength, more reaching out because you set such a good example when the ward was first formed. It will help Rosemary get through this difficult time. Please stay near if you are allowed. They will move forward, but it will be hard without the joy you brought into all our lives. We love you Gordon Smart. See you on the other side.