Lindman Legacy Spring 2015

In his later years, Dad would often respond, when I asked how he was doing, I just need to endure to the end. He also told me sometimes that he wanted to endure well.

Whenever I called, he would answer the phone with a cheery voice: Hello, this is Lindman or Lindman here.

How are ya Dad,

There were also a

few other well-used phrases: Still here or Still here, still repenting, or Still on the green side of the grass.

He would sometimes tell grand children or great grands as he was saying goodbye on the phone or in

person for them to always follow our Savior Jesus Christ.

And to nearly every-one, the departing comment, Hang in there.

Then, of course, there was all his Swedish, Tack s mycket or Tack s mycket igen (thanks so much again). Whenever someone would give him a helping hand.

In the last year or so of his life he was ever the optimist, attempting to make the best of his circumstances, never complaining. He didnt seem to mind making several trips up and

down the stairs to make sure the pilot on the furnace didnt go out.

Still loved to tinker, hed make an occasional repair here and there around the house, always loving a good trusty tool to get a job done,

and appreciat-ing a helping hand.

He would also offer advice on

how to fix something when asked.

He loved his daily rides with Jasmine in the Jeep around the circle or to Costco or Reams where he would share a smile or el-bow with eve-ryone.

One of his fa-

vorite places was to visit the Murray City Ceme-tery, where he would tell me hed go to thank his mom for his belly

button. Then he would share how he missed and loved her and his dad. He would always mention his beloved ML and that he would also leave expressions of gratitude to everyone there.

We celebrated his 93rd birthday, but shorty after that, dramatic changes took place in his health

Enduring Well to the End by Suzanne Lindman Hansen

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 A FAMILY PUBLICATION VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1

Reflections

3

The Joy of Serving the Lord

5

8 year olds

6

Homecomings Called to Serve Mothers Day

7

Extra Milers

8

Musical Heritage

9

Our Goodbyes Grads

10

IN THIS ISSUE

At the end of the day, what brings us lasting happiness is what mat-

ters most; and what matters most is what lasts the longest; and

what lasts the longest? Our family ties

with the belief that families really are forever.

Donny Osmond

Enduring Well to the End, continued

Page 2 LINDMAN LEGACY

after he experienced a stroke and was hospitalized for three days and then taken to a rehab center. Alt-hough these life chang-es were extremely diffi-

cult and challenging, he tried to meet each day with a smile, optimism, and gratitude.

As we gathered at our home for a Christmas Eve dinner, we all held

hands, and Michael asked if hed like to say the prayer. He said, Yes, and Dad offered an inspiring and elo-quent prayer, thanking Heavenly Father for His Son Jesus Christ and for the blessings of the Atonement in all of our lives.

He also expressed grat-itude for the blessing of being with family, pray-ing for all of them. I

was touched by his words and deep ex-pressions of love and gratitude.

Although he quietly

observed the rest of the evenings activities, he smiled that famous Dad smile. I savored that moment.

Not long after that I was shocked to learn that Dad had taken a turn for the worse. On December 28th, I was sitting near Dads bedside as he lay very still, and I said, Hi Dad, this is Suzie-annie, and took his hand. He did not open his eyes nor spoke, but he squeezed my hand for the longest time. It touched me

deeply. But I still did not want to believe the end was

coming.

On the 29th, hearing the news of his condition, family came to visit, while others in far distances, utilized FaceTime to say their goodbyes, sharing a song or two

of faith. Sitting near his bedside, I looked on, feeling that the room was filled not only with family, but with unseen visitors waiting to embrace him.

On December 30th, in the early morning, he peaceful-ly slipped into the arms of heaven. And once the news

spread, there was joy that he was now with his be-loved sweetheart, but a large void was now in our lives as we began to mourn our loss.

It seems truly hard to understand how much a person means to us until after that final goodbye. A letter was

mailed to the house, writ-ten just before he had

passed away, that seemed to sum up his life.

Dear Wilford, As I write this I am filled with so

much appreciation and admiration for you and your dear wife, Mary

Louise. We have known you for about 40 years. My memory takes us back to Philmont Scout Ranch

in the 1970s. Then one cold winter when I could-nt get home for Thanks-giving, you invited me to your home so I wouldnt be alone for that holiday, then you drove me back to

BYU in a near blizzard storm.

Ive mentioned once be-fore that to me, with my

family being converts to the Church, you stand out in my mind as the 1st man I ever associated with whom had power in the priesthood. You and Mary Louise were at my moth-

ers baptism, then later at their Temple sealing. Weve always been so fond of your family. When Ive done sprinkler repairs youve always tried to pay me more than asked, besides sending food home at times. These acts of kindness seemed to bring you joyeven a jolly heart. Pres. Heber C Kimball re-marked that our God is a jolly, happy man. I think you are, too. God bless ya. He will do so forever and ever. Your friend and admirer.

Stephen Scrhnaedel We love you.

This letter, along with other tender sentiments and memo-ries where shared at his funeral. An honor guard, with flags in hand, stood at attention as he arrived at the Mur-ray City Cemetery, where he made one last trip up the hill and was laid to rest by his sweetheart, parents, in-laws,

and his grandmother.

William James once said, The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.

And that was so true of Wilford B. Lindman. And he is missed be all who knew him.

Wilfords Reflections on his father, Axel Lindman


Last fall, at

the Fardown

Avenue

homestead,

the carpet

was being re-

moved from

the bedrooms

upstairs and

revealed the

beautiful

wood floors

that Dad had

so expertly

put down in

1957. He

asked my sis-

ters and me,

to help clean

out mothers upstairs office

closet. This

closet included office supplies and many genealo-

gy forms, etc. There was also a file cabinet over-

flowing with all types of statements and papers.

Among those papers was a treasure in the form of

a letter my Dad had typed on his first apple com-

puter in the 1980s.

That afternoon, I told Dad that the letter had been

found discovered.

He said, I remember writing it, and how I felt. He then paused, seeming to reflect

on that time, expressing love for his

father and expressing the regret that

he did not know him better. I then

asked Dad. Id like share it with the family in our newsletter? He smiled and responded. Sure. So with his permission, I share his insights and

reflections here:

Dear Dad,

Im writing this to you, though you have been gone for years

I feel I must say something to you, things I didnt know when I was a boy in your house

Its only now after passing through the long hard school years, only now

when my own hair is gray, that I

understand how you felt.

I must have been a trial for you I believed in my own petty wisdom. Most of all, I want to confess my worst sin

against you: it was the feeling I had that you didnt un-derstand. When I look back over it now, I know that you

did understand; you understood me better than I did

myself.

And how patient you were with me. How full of long-suffering and kindness you were. And how pathetic (I

was). It now comes to me, (that I was resistance to)

your efforts to get close to me. What was it that held me

aloof? I dont know, but it is tragic what walls that rise between a boy and his father.

Wish you were here now, across the table from me, just for a hour, so that I could tell you how theres no walls anymore. I understand you

now Dad, and now I wish I

could go back and be your boy

again

Well it wont be long, Dad, til Im over there and I believe youll be the first one to take me by the hand and help me.

I know that among the richest most priceless things on earth

and the least understood, is

that mighty love and tender-

ness and craving to help, which

a father feels towards his boy.

For I have a boy of my own.

Up there somewhere in the silence, hear me

Dad, and believe me. I love you!!!

Your Son, Wilford

Dad once compared our lifes experience to climbing a mountain. When youre at the base of the mountain your view of your

surroundings is limited. But the higher you

climb, the greater and broader your total

view becomes. With length of life, the

more expansive your view is and the

greater your compassion and understand-

ing of others becomes for those who went

before you.

Robertson Davies, once said:

We tend to think of human knowledge as progressive, because we know more and

more. But a contrary theory is possible:

that we simply recognize different things

at different times and in different ways.

Axel and young Wilford in Montpelier, Idaho

Early 1950s Axel and son Wilford

Photo taken in the 1970s at Wilfords home with

parents Anna and Axel.

Some time after my

fathers funeral was over

and I had some time to

go through his belong-

ings, I went through an

old trunk where he

stored all of his treas-

ured belongings. There

were old family photos,

letters, his paintbrushes,

historical papers, and a

few odds and ends. I sat

there in awe that there

could be so little to show

for a life that spanned

eighty-two years.

And this was all that

was left of my fathers

entire life, and it only

took up the space of a

small trunk. It seemed

so strange

that there

was so

little left

of the

man that I

called

Daddy. I

realized

that I

knew very

little

about

him.

Oh, how

I wished I

could ask

him ques-

tions

about his

life, but

now he

was gone.

The pain

of my loss

was deep-

er than I ever thought it would be. Where had the time

gone, where did the opportunities go to ask the ques-

tions and learn? I really missed my father, and the longer

he is gone, the more I longed for what I didnt havea

close relationship with him. But because of the relation-

ship that he and my mother had, I often heard all the

things that my mother did not like about my father. Years

and years of all the negative talk, and mother had us chil-

dren believing that my father was not worth much.

After my

father was

gone, I

started to

discover that

my father

was a won-

derful man,

and that he

was not re-

ally all the

things that

my mother

had led me

to believe

that he

was.

Daddy

would al-

ways give

(me) the

wise coun-

sel, stay in touch with your brother. I wish I had of

done a better job of that.

The history of Delroy, that was written, was Moms wish

that it be for all those whose lives had been affected by

Delroys lifeespecially for those family members that

bear his Parker name, and the hundreds that will fol-

lowto get to know him better. We are all part of a

wonderful family tree. Daniel Delroy Parker was a gen-

tle, tender-hearted, talented, smart, and honest man

who was at times misunderstood.

Although the tree continues to grow, let us never forget

our roots and the lives that help to shape ours, today.

Let us treasure each life that is sent to our family and

appreciate our differences. May we always look to the past

with a great appreciation.

(From Mary Louise's memories extracted from interviews and her writings

in the Daniel Delroy Parker History written and published in the

1990s )

Mary Louises Reflections on her father, Daniel Delroy Parker

LINDMAN LEGACY Page 4

Daniel Delroy Parker (One of Mary Louises favorite photos of her father. A framed copy was on

the curio cabinet for years.)

l-r, back row, Wilford, Mary Louise, Del, Mor-ris, Jerry. Front row, Diane, Suzanne, Gladys,

and Carol. Photo taken in California at Gladys boarding house.

left or right, Eric Brown, Mary Louise, and Lorene Brown, and Delroy standing at the

home where he once lived, in an area known as Lake Breeze on the west side of SLC.

The Joy of Serving the Lord


Two photo albums that Mary Louise neatly put to-gether graced her bookshelf in the front room. She had shared it with all of us on different occasions, along with the videos taken of her giving a tour of the John Johnson home on their mission. A painting that an artist had done of the John John-son home hung in the hallway along with their mis-sion photo, reminding them of their cherished mis-sionary experiences.

This spring, while going through their house many

random notes were found. On one tiny piece of paper, Mary Louise had jotted down a very important date:

It was the day she and Dad entered

the MTC in Provo in prepara-tion for their up-coming mission.

This was a long-time dream for my mother and she

was especially thrilled to be called to the John John-son Farm were church history came alive for her. And Dad caught her excitement and the spirit of serving, as well. We all received letters from them written

on Dads Apple desktop. He had men-tioned that he kept a journal on that com-puter. Hed been taking adult education classes on working with computers. While technology is wonderful, the rapid changes can create challenges for family to find and keep important data. While

Wilford was willing to learn all about the new technology, it wasnt long before he outgrew his original apple computer. But it

remained in his basement while he tried his hand at a new PC computer. But he never knew how to move and preserve the

data stored on the Apple.

When suggestions were made to give the old computer to DI, I mentioned that I thought that

Dads journals were still on them, and suggested that the data be retrieved from it first. Reynold took on the project and he and Michael Ballard saved the data and it was placed on a floppy disk. For a few years I attempted to find someone who could help retrieve those old apple files off the floppy, with no success.

So back I went to square one, and finally in February 2015 I talked to Michael Ballard about assisting in access-ing all of Dads journal entrees. I felt compelled to find a way to save and preserve them and find a way to access

them. To my surprise, Michael mentioned that hed saved a copy of the files on his personal apple computer.

I was thrilled to know they were safe. He mentioned that hed create a drop box file for me to access. Once home from Idaho, I perused the files. As I read through the many journal files, I found the entry, below. Truly it was as if Dad was reaching beyond the veil to encourage and bear wit-

ness to us all. I was filled with deep gratitude for their faith and testimonies and their willingness to make a record of

their mission. It read as follows: JOHNSON FARM, 1997

We, Elder Wilford and Sister Mary Louise Lindman arrived in Hiram, Ohio, April, 1997 from our home in Salt Lake County, Utah. We were thrilled when we received our call to the old home during our service. One of our special benefits about serving in the home is learning and relaying the background and history which is so closely intertwined with the restoration of the gospel and the direction given to the early saints. In particular, we loved telling others about the

76th section in which the testimony of the Saviors life is once again affirmed in those grand words He Lives! What a blessing it was to sit and contemplate things while in the spirit of that great Revelation Room. We truly felt the Saviors presence there. Our testimonies of Him and of His love for all grew during our time there watching that

same process in those

whom we taught brought us tremendous joy.

We remember specifi-cally the tour buses of the wonderful youth of the Church that came through, and their de-sires to learn. Notwith-

standing the great number of them, sev-eral of their faces and personalities are still

very fresh in our minds. They felt the

influence of the Holy Ghost and responded. Non-members also felt

the influence of the Spirit and asked us what made us dif-ferent.

We were able to share the truths that have been so essen-tial in the lives and with the honest in heart. In a crowning mission event, one gentleman even came back, after the missionaries taught the lessons to him, and asked Elder Lindman to baptize him because of the tremendous spirit he

Clayton and Melanie McGee with Mary Louise and Wilford in the John Johnson farm house

kitchen. Clayton later asked Elder Lindman to baptize him.

...continued, next page.

Joy in Service, continued


felt at the Johnson Farm.

We had a wonderful baptism, many tears were shed. We wish we could better explain or convey to our grandchildren the wonderful blessings we received as a result of our service. Our desire is to live in a

way that our lives will testify of our love for the Lord, that after we are gone they will know what marvelous things he did for us during our lifetime.

We are grateful for the gospel and what it has given to us and we feel privileged to have served in such a

wonderful place.

Our testimony of Him and of His love for all mankind grew during our time there watching the same pro-

cess in those whom we taught brought tremendous joy.

To have this testimony and know that our roots run deep, and knowing Jesus Christ, the name whereby all can be

saved: this is to have the rich-est of all blessings and herit-age. These treasured Journals have now been compiled along with some of the photos Wilford

took, as a record of their entire

mission experience just as Wil-ford would have wished his children and posterity to have them, and will soon be made available.

8 year olds

Joshua Reynold (Josh) Williams celebrated his 8th birthday on May 25th. He is the youngest of Lorenes and Dave Wil-liams children. He was baptized at 10:00 am, Sat-

urday, June 6, 2015 in Las Vegas, NV. He was baptized by his big brother, Ben, and con-firmed by his father Dave

Williams while surrounded by friends and family, which included his grand-

father, Reynold Brown

whose name Josh also has as part of his.

Also, Krissys and Ryan Clares third daughter Sydney Marisa turned 8 years old in May, on the 22nd. She was also bap-

tized, but on June 13th with family and friends sur-rounding her. Her mother posted photos and the following comment on Facebook. So proud of this sweetie pie, she chose to be baptized

by her amazing dad, Ryan.

The NEXT 8 Year Olds The next ones to turn eight

are John Axel, the son of Janalynn and Roger Pear-

son who will turn 8 on July 8th. John Axel is name after another famous family member with the name Ax-el.

Meg Eden Brown is the daughter of Ben and Dawn Brown and her 8th birth-day is coming up Oct 4th.

Andrew Grant Olson the son of Vivian and Russell Olson will be 8 on Novem-ber 13th.

Elizabeth (Ellie) Brown daughter of Amy and David Brown will end the year with her birthday on Decem-ber 19th and will be able start the new year in a won-derful way.

Parents: Please email photo and info so they can be spot-lighted in the next issue: [email protected]

Joshua and big brother, Ben

Sydney Marisa Clare

Wilford and Mary Louise

Lindman serving at John

Johnson Farm 1998

Joshua Reynold Williams

Sydney Marisa Clare

LINDMAN LEGACY

As 2015 arrived some of our mis-sionaries headed

homeward. Sister Lindsay Williams arrived home from Japan on February 7th and was wel-comed by her par-

ents and three sib-lings.

Grandma and Grandpa Brown

along with Ben and

friends made their way to Las Vegas to be a part of the celebration and to hear her homecoming

remarks in Sacrament Meeting.

Sister Meagan Williams arrived safely home on

March 6, 2015 as her family waited to welcome her home.

Homecomings Called to Serve

A Very Special Mothers Day! Any family who has had a missionary cant wait for Moth-ers Day, especially a mom who gets that special call from her missionary. We have several family members serving far away in the world.

One can appreciate the bless-

ing of the internet and being able to see and chat with El-

der Jacob Brown.

Facebook post: Got to skype with Elder (Jacob) Brown for Mother's Day. I just love this

guy! He will be home in 79 days, not that we are counting or anything:) We also got to talk with the other Elder (Colten) Brown who is in the missionary training center. They both (with the help of a

Page 7

Norris and Carol Webb re-ceived a call to serve on their second mission on March 6, 2015 and will serve in the

Philippines Area Welfare Of-fice as Area Welfare Special-ists. They will be leaving in July. Congratulations. Erics and Julie Browns son Colten earned his Eagle

Scout Award, then shortly afterward was accepted to

BYU, and shortly af-ter that received his Mission call to South Korea (their 3rd mis-

sionary) on March 17th. He and his par-ents attended the Dallas Temple and he was set apart to be a missionary and then left on April 21st for

the Provo, Utah MTC. Congratulations!

dear friend) got me a corsage to wear to church, today! Lots of happy tears! I love

them dearly. We are very proud of their desires to serve 2 yrs. of their life to the Lord.

Note: Colten entered the MTC before he graduated from high school. His Mom

wanted graduation pic-tures and sent a cap

and gown. Later Colten arrived safely in Seoul, Korea on June 24th.

Sister Lyndsey Wil-

liams was able to send her special Mothers Day greeting all the way from Norway, as an excited family looked on.

Aaron Brown Family and Jacob

Elder Colten Brown MTC

Elder Calvin Brown on a web cam

Sister Williams and other missionaries in Norway.

Extra Milers


It was also another histori-cal coincidence as Jay-cees dad, Eric, also served as a Student Body

Officer at Taylorsville, and was on his mission when Julie served.

Mark and Kerrie Wil-liams family also had an

historical event. Its the second time around a daughter was elected an SBO. Hannah followed the Meagan tradition and was elected to serve at Mountain Crest High. Mark mentioned, She will be serving as the Social Exec Officer. Very fit-ting for our social butterfly!

Eliza Ballard took 1st place in the high jump at her

school in Rexburg. Joslynn Jensen received the school years Lions Club Leadership Award and The Presidential Award for her academics and Chinese language skill. Ayla Anne Clare was awarded membership in the National Juniors Honors Society in May.

Many of our family members have done well in school this past year. This is just a smattering of a few who have been on school honor roles and some who were elected to serve in their schools as Student Body Offic-

ers during 2015-2016 school year. Julie and Eric Jensen and their family live in Taylors-ville, Utah. Jaden decided to run for a Student Body office at Bennion Junior High School. With stiff competi-tion Jaden campaigned hard and was thrilled when he was elected a Vice President. About the same time,

Jaycee Jensen decided to run as a write in candidate for Historian at Taylorsville High School. With the sup-

port of family and friends she put on a full court press, not knowing if there was

even a slight chance of success.

The day it was to be announced, Jaycees family eagerly awaited

the results. To Jay-cees surprise, her name was read as the

winner! All were thrilled. Julie shared this: Crazy to believe that exactly 20 years after I was the Student Body Historian at Tay-

lorsville High, my daughter is too! Wa-hoo!

Mountain Crest High old and new Student Body Officers for

2015-2016

Hannah Williams and the former

"Social" Exec Officer

New Student Body officers at Bennion Junior High School 2015-2016. Jaden is on the far right end.

Jaycee after the

announcement assembly

Eliza Ballard

.continued on page 10

Ayla Clare Joslynn Jensen

A Musical Heritage


The Legacy and Love of Good Mu-sic continues. Mary Louise and

Wilford made certain that their children had a chance to develop musical skills. Jer-ry and Diane took piano lessons

starting in Califor-

nia.

After the move to

Utah, Diane had

the opportunity to perform often, singing while Jerry accompanied her. Some of her favorites were Jesse Evens Smith song, He that Hath Clean Hands or I Walk today Where Jesus Walked. Parents and grandparents were very

proud of them.

Both Axel

and Anna partici-

pated in choirs. Anna took time to

share her experi-ences in albums she made (see photo above) of

the choirs and groups shed per-formed with.

As a family we would gather around the old upright piano as Jerry

played and we sang together. As Carol improved her skills, then she would ac-

company the family

as we sang around the pi-ano. Mother wanted our home filled with good music.

When the next generation came along, Mary Louise and Wilford were thrilled as they observed grandchildren

excelling in music, dance or theater. Grandpa Lindman often attended concerts and productions, and knew Gary

(Doc) Jensen, Jaycees oth-er grandpa, who also was her teacher and head of the music department at Taylorsville High School, where

Jaycee attends. This spring, she was awarded Outstanding Junior in the Orchestra Award. She loves playing the cello and per-forming.

Bennion Jr. High pre-sented Peter Pan, and Jaden

Jensen was chosen

as Pan. Grandpa Lindman was on the

front row watching. He com-mented on what a great job theyd all done.

Joslynn Jensen plays the pi-

ano and the flute and goes ear-ly mornings to band practice. Jared her youngest brother has also started playing the piano.

Kristine Ballard posted Isaac played like a profes-sional at his first recital. The Dan Webb family has always loved music. Now

Rebecca is teaching sons McKay

and Elijah. Feel free to share with us how mu-sic is a part of your life, as well.

Grandpa Lindman and Jaycee after

Christmas Choir Concert Dec 15, 2015

Joslynn Jensen after her band

concert at Calvin Smith

Elementary School

Jaycee and Grandpa

Jensen with her award

Isaac Ballard and cello

teacher Becky Lyman

Suzanne, Mary Louise, and Diane looking

on as Anna shared old coral group photos

Jaden Jensen as Peter Pan

Rebecca, McKay, and Elijah playing together Grandpa (Doc) Jensen presents an

Orchestra award to Jaycee Jensen


Memories and emotions ran deep for all of us as the Lindman home at 2251 East Fardown was

sold. It seemed a bit shocking to see the for sale sign at the end of the driveway.

Its one thing to say goodbye to parents, but

when the place youve called home for decades, goes up for sale, its also sad, another level of

grief. No longer will any family have access to the home. In every corner of the

home were rich memories. After the move in, Mom had to cook on a camp stove, because the kitchen had not

yet been built. Mom and Dad were continually sanding and painting walls and woodwork. They planed every detail, trying to make the house our home.

Once it was determined to sell the home and it was

placed on the market, the first time it was showed, a full

price offer was made, and accepted. Then came the task of empty-ing the home and going

through all things our parents treasured in their nearly 57 years of living there. It was a monumental task.

Thanks to all those who

helped in any way to help move out and clean it. Those efforts were greatly appreciated.

As the last items were taken from the home, many gazed at the

treasured home for the last timeat Moms and Dads house, knowing that soon it would be-long to someone else. But the memories we have will be forever a

part of us.

Our Goodbyes

Grads

Aaron and Shannon Brown had another grad. Sarah Elizabeth Brown graduated with the class of 2015 from

Lone Peak High School, Thursday, May 28th at Utah Valley University, as family cheered her on.

Felicia and Ray Hanoseks oldest daughter Camille

graduated on June 13th from Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, NC. Her im-mediate family was in attend-ance. She started at BYU June 22 and expects to major in Applied Mathematics with

an eventual goal of complet-ing a master's degree in me-teorology. She loves weather science!

Amy Brown posted this photo of her gymnast daughter Ellie who won three medals at the competition she was in. Congratulations!

Jared Jensen was excited when he received an award of excellences at his schools award assembly. Hell be in his 4th year of the Chinese Immersion,

Extra Milers, continued from page 8

and loves learn-ing.

Another entre-

preneur in the family, Katelyn Brown started her own busi-ness doing Princess Par-ties. Its a hit! Check out her Facebook page:

Katelyn at a Princess Party

Elizabeth (Ellie)

Jared Jensen

Christmas 1957

Relator's sign at the end of

driveway

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Princess Party/467068033446733

Documents

Lindman Legacy Spring 2015