I didn't realize I forgot a picture of Grandpa. Here he is with Lydia. Babies just adored him, he could always soothe his grandkids/great-grands!
His beautiful obituary that describes him so perfectly.
A spiritual, gentle man, Warren Gene Eyre, 74, did not go gentle into that good night, but raged against colon cancer these last 8 years until the dawn of Saturday, the 27th of August, passing away next to his once teenaged bride. A true renaissance man, with his broad fund of knowledge and the wisdom of the ages, he became a perfect sounding board for those seeking his counsel. A poet and a scholar, he had an insatiable appetite for the well-written word, turning his home into a library, with dog-eared books on every wall. He was an educator who taught us to appreciate the lovely and the beautiful in all its forms in nature and the arts. A kind, compassionate wise, Christ-like physician who retired just last year, his patients adored him, and his colleagues held him in high esteem. His three sons also became physicians largely due to his example. Honorably discharged a Commander in the Navy, he served his country with heroic strength and dignity for 13 years.
He was born to Sherman and Lasca Osborn Eyre, August 18, 1937 in Escalante, and was reborn every time he was surrounded by red rock, or was mounted on his horse. A consummate love story, he and his beauty queen sweetheart, Gretha, eloped to Fredonia, Arizona at 15, and then he gladly chose to become a father while serving as student body president at Panguitch High. He was accepted to the University of Utah Medical School after three years at Utah State University. Through a tremendous work ethic and sacrifice, he earned his medical degree at the age of 24 with three children in tow, and a rank of Lieutenant in the Navy. He distinguished himself during his residency in Dermatology at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, and upon graduation, was immediately asked to join the staff and help educate other young dermatologists.
Warren enriched the lives of his family and friends with his personal relationship with God. He found the divine everywhere from the aspen groves at the foothills of Mount Timpanogos in his back yard, to the slot canyons of the Escalante wilderness. To see nature through his eyes brought you closer to God. He retired the first time at 52, so he and his beloved could explore the world. Ever the students, they researched their destination, immersed themselves in the culture, and explored on their own. It was a metaphor of their life - taking the road less traveled. He became a poet in Paris, an archeologist in Egypt, a genealogist in England and Scandinavia, a connoisseur of the arts in Italy. A cowboy at heart, he was more comfortable at his practice in his boots, and at home in his wranglers and spurs. He and his Panguitch bride loved to explore the desert southwest and the alpine Wasatch Mountains from the vantage point of a saddle. He was particularly honored to aid in the extension of the Great Western Trail from Provo canyon to Dry Creek, due to his knowledge and conservation efforts in that area.
After being diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer, Warren calmly proclaimed he would do all he could to prolong his life, to serve his patients, advance medical science, and to share special moments with his family. You would never know the physical agony he endured while witnessing him care for patients through the last years of his life.
He will live within us always. We thank him for the strength of his character, his wisdom and his insight, his humor, his dedication, his courage, and for his love. Words are poor substitutes for the melodies of a heart which has inhabited a life with such grace and power, and whose rhythms have extended into the lives of so many.
He is survived by his wife, Gretha Marie Woodard; his siblings, Anthony (Karen), Harmon (Julie), Steven (Rona), Marjorie (William Call), Douglas (Lannice); his children, Russell (Becky), Fran (Todd Sweeten), Steven (Pixie), Linda Eyre Nelford, Greg (Margaret); 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
Todd and Fran Sweeten Family minus our 3 girls. (Thanks Allegra, I stole this from your blog!)
Ethan and Aspen paying their respects to a wonderful Grandpa.
The bagpiper.
The Naval Officers.
Ethan and Grandpa Chatterton before the amazing service.
Everyday I think about Grandpa. It seems as if he is still here. It gives me chills to know he is in a better place helping others who needed him more than we did. He was an example to all. I feel so blessed to be a part of his wonderful family, and to be married to his grandson. His legacy will live on. He is sorely missed. I miss his genuine concern and interest. I miss seeing him and Granny together, the most tender love you'd ever know. I miss his medical advice, always having a solution to our children's skin issues. For Scouts Ethan had to have a story to share with his troop on someone helping the world. He typed up the story of when "Grandpa saved Dad's life by cutting off his skin cancer on his lip." Lydia prays that when Jesus comes again, Grandpa will come too. I feel like we have another guardian angel watching over our family. I know we will see him again.
I've never been to Bear Lake in September. Let me just tell you how amazing the water is, no other boats/people, perfect weather, it doesn't get much better than that folks. Bear Lake has always been one of my favorite family vacations since I was a little girl. This trip was no exception.
I love how Ethan is trying so hard to smile. Lydia just idolizes (is that even a word?) her big bro. I love how great they play. It is fun to listen to them talk and make deals with one another.
Not sure if this is Saucy sauce or Ruby-Q. I am thinking Ash. Either way she is enjoying Grannie Frannie's love, excitement, and attention on the swing!
I laughed so hard when I walked into the garage to see this. It totally tells a story of Jared. First, his motorcycle=freedom. Second, his little mini me bike for his boy=memories. Last, his pink barbie jeep for his 3 little girls=sensitive, caring, loving Dad. I love how he is always so prepared and thinks of any item we could possibly need for any occasion, whether it is going on a drive up the canyon or going on a weekend getaway. He is always prepared, always.
Ash on left, Belle going in for a hug. Since reading The Help book, I always tell them how kind and smart they are, especially when they are being naughty! I guess I need to instill how important they are as well. I just loved Aibileen in that book and how she made all her children feel so special. I hope my kids know how much I cherish and love them.
Brielle with her cute cousin Micah, along with Denny's adorable dog. Just relaxing and enjoying a nice boat ride.
Beautiful Gma Sweeten and Kandi. They are 2 of a kind. So patient and loving, and experts at making you feel special.
