R.I.P. Grandpa

I still can't find any words to express all of my sadness about Grandpa passing away. For once in my life I am speechless. It's not that I can't think of what to say, but rather there is so much I want to say and it would take a year to write it all down. It seems selfish of me to only write a paragraph or two about how much Grandpa meant to me when there are so many more wonderful things about this man. Maybe in a few weeks I will regain my thoughts.
ALTON HAYMAKER

Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home

Alton Haymaker, 82, died peacefully on July 2, 2009 at Kadlec Medical Center with his family around him. Al was born on August 10, 1926 in Everett, WA. After graduating from Everett High School he joined the Navy and served 2 years on Guam during WWII. He ran a carpenter crew of Japanese prisoners of war, and when he left they gave him many presents they had made. He attended Santa Monica Technical College in CA, and became a Journeyman machinist. He met and married his wife Joan in 1947.His main love was farming, having spent his summers on his uncles' wheat farms in Waterville. He bought his Block 15 farm in 1954 where he grew many crops before planting his first cherry orchard which later became 'Columbia River Cherries.' He was honored for his conservation practices. The 'Eleventh Commandment' hung on his wall. It said that you never really own land. It is only entrusted to you, and you must leave it in better shape for the next generation. The family farmed for 50 years before he retired at 75 and leased his land to 'J&S Orchards.'Al always stayed close to his old school friends and cousins. He could talk to any stranger he met. He loved to read, to learn and to explain things to his granddaughters. He enjoyed doing research on the computer and corresponding with his email buddy, Sarah. He taught his children good work ethics which they are grateful for today. They always had farm chores and he kept their hours in a little book. They got paid only after the crops were in. He sometimes held down 2 jobs so the family could live a little better. Al is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan, his son Craig Haymaker (Marlene); daughter Gai Larsen (Bart); and three granddaughters, Mary Simpson, Laurie Devine (Richard) and Lisa Gibson (Robert). His great-grandchildren are Kylie, Taylor, Haylie, Addy, Brandi, Levi, Savannah, Devin and Hudson. Also surviving are his sister Harriet Koster (John), sister-in-law Nancy Bowland (John), nieces Cheryl Yeates (Charlie), Kai Scheerer (Bill), several Ludeman cousins and his cat 'Cuddles' who sleeps on his bed, recliner or desk. He was preceded in death by his son Gary Haymaker, his parents Alton C. and Mary Ludeman Haymaker, a step granddaughter Virginia Atkins and a daughter-in-law Carol Haymaker, and many Ludeman uncles, aunts and cousins.We want to thank the many doctors and nurses who cared for him at Lourdes and Kadlec Hospitals. Kadlec Medical Center made our final day with him a very comforting experience. Also special thanks to Dr. Jim Campbell who took care of him over many years, and a hug for Lluba and Amber. Granddaughter messages: Thank you for teaching me the names of the stars, I loved your stories even if I've heard them before and I'll look for a sign from you. Following Al's wishes, a private family service was held on Sunday, July 5 at our granddaughter's home. For anyone who would like to remember Al, he would have liked for you to give to a cause that you believe in, or to the American Heart Association.
www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.
Published in Tri-City Herald from 7/7 to 7/8/2009