Hollis Norval Service - born: 11/23/1908 - passed: 8/21/2007
Yesterday was one of the saddest days in my life.
My 98 year old grandfather passed away suddenly. I spent most of the day in the emergency hospital room at St. Marks hospital with my uncle Gary, aunt Linda, cousins Mindy and Chris and my cousin-in-law Allison. We all watched as my grandfather passed peacefully.
He went the way he wanted to go. Even at the ripe old age of 98, he was still living independently, driving and even golfing with me this summer. Last Wednesday, during our last lunch together, he was even a little worried because his driver's license was going to expire this year and he was afraid they wouldn't give him another. We all know he would have passed the test with flying colors.
There aren't enough words in the English language (that I know of) to explain what a father, grandfather and GREAT grandfather he was - emphasis on GREAT. I already miss him dearly. It is going to take a long time for me to get a new Wednesday lunch routine that comes remotely close to the good times I was able to share with him over the last two years. I cherish every moment I spent with him and consider myself the luckiest of his grandchildren to have that time.
I will continue to post stories and "Hollyisms" as they come to mind. Speaking of "Hollyisms" my cousin-in-law Allison remembered another one while we were sharing time in the emergency room. I've added it here .
My grandfather was a man who will be talked about, quoted, and admired for many generations to come. The State of Utah and the city of Salt Lake will never be the same again.
In loving memory of my grandpa Holly, who to the great joy of my beloved grandma Myrtle returned to his Heavenly Father yesterday.