Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Last night my sweet Granddad passed away. He was 91 and so ready to be reunited with my Grandma who died over two years ago. I've been trying to gather my thoughts and put into words how he has affected my life, but I don't know how to do it. We have so many fond memories of spending time at their home on holidays and after General Conference and of going to their cabin in Midway with all of the family. He'd always tell Olivia that she had a beautiful name, just like Olivia de Havilland, the actress. When I was in an Institute class (Teachings of the Living Prophets) at USU my instructor said that Elder Wirthlin's talks were always so much better in written form because he struggled with delivery and wasn't that good of a public speaker. If he had only known how much Granddad disliked that teleprompter. I agree though, that reading his talks always brought further insights and understanding. He then tried to teach us that he was married to Eliza Rogers--and while Eliza is a beautiful name, it wasn't hers. I raised my hand and told him it was "Elisa" and he tried to insist that it was Eliza... when I told him of my relation to her, it dawned on him that that made me Elder Wirthlin's granddaughter. He tried to backtrack and say that Elder Wirthlin was in fact a great speaker, and it was pretty comical. One comment this morning on ksl.com said that he must have died a happy man, because Utah had won their last football game against the Cougars. He was a Utah man through and through (his nickname was either "Speedy" or "Swifty" when he played there). When someone we love dies, it seems that life can't possibly go on without them, and my Granddad was certainly a strong force in our lives. He leaves behind a legacy of steadfastness, righteousness, and hard work. We love him and will miss him, but I can't help but feel extremely happy to know that he is with my Grandma again and is at peace. I feel so blessed that I am a part of his family and that I have had so many opportunities to be with him and learn from him. I know that I am a better person because of my relationship with him.