Howard William Barben - September 25, 1912 - October 16, 2008

Thursday morning Steve's grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was 96 years old. Even though it was sad to hear of his passing we know that there must have been a marvelous reunion for him with his loved ones on the other side. We have so many wonderful memories and joyful times with Grandpa Barben and we will miss him greatly. He was and will always be a great example for us of living life to the fullest.

There are many things that each of the grandkids and great grandkids will treasure about Grandpa - yes, too many to number. But in the spirit of Grandpa's great sense of humor Steve has put together a Top Ten list of things that the grandkids will miss now that grandpa has left us physically, but have become a part of us and will pass on because of our wonderful grandpa.

1. Grandpa's jovial and fun laugh - that communicated his love for life and love for having fun.

2. His big strong hugs that communicated that he loved us more than anyone else - and yet knowing that he loved all his fellow grandkids just as much.

3. His amazing memory to remember my name - no matter how many grandkids he had.

4. His creative inventions - from the tennis ball thrower to his creative camping cars - Oh, how I wish I could have seen the look on grandma's face when he sawed off the back end and roof of a perfectly good car - she must have wondered how it would turn out and yet how impressed she must have been when he completed it.

5. His funny stories of his childhood and mission - like the story of how he was the littlest kid in Jr. High and so he would be sent up a straight ladder (not an A-frame) to change the light bulbs in the gym straight up the ladder while some bigger school mates held the ladder. He said he would climb up the ladder and once looked down to see the school mates, with in whom he was trusting his life scuffling down below and he decided this was not a smart idea. :-)

6. His example of his love for the gospel and love for the Lord .

7. A birthday check from grandpa - an acknowledgement that he remembered me - with a signature in handwriting that was uniquely his and required a urim and thummin to read.

8. His example of giving and generosity.

9. His booming voice that communicated his tremendous enthusiasm and love for the gospel - especially when he was bearing his testimony at a family reunion or some other setting.

10. His telling with conviction, "I am what I am today because God had his way with my life more than I did." And knowing that that was not always easy.