— Wayne Dean Taylor passes away — May 1979 —
I remember well the week that my father passed away. He had suffered for 3 to 4 years with prostate cancer. Sunday, May 13, 1979 was Mothers’ Day, and our father was in a semi-comatose state due to the high doses of methadone he was receiving for his pain. Mom called me Tuesday afternoon, May 15, to tell me that Dad had died in his sleep, his passing away being very peaceful. I drove down to American Fork and all of our family planned the viewing and funeral at that time. I spent the night with Mom and then Wednesday, we made all the necessary arrangements for the funeral. I don’t enjoy viewings prior to funerals, but I was glad that my father did not look gaunt or wasted, but handsome and proud as I always remembered him. I was overwhelmed by the expressions of love and the great outpouring of friendship that we felt at the viewing and funeral. All went well. The service was magnificent, with Mackey Boley and Preston Gledhill giving wonderful remarks. At my suggestion, our family did not watch as the casket was closed and sealed. I love my dear father with all my soul and am grateful for the assurance that I will see him again and enjoy association with him for the eternities. He was such an excellent provider and father. His patience, love, concern, and generosity are the traits I will always remember. What a great man he was. The passing of my father was a tremendous challenge for my Mom, and she has suffered sorely for many years, but through it all she has been firm and collected.
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