In Memory of Hal Aveson Ludlow- My Beloved Poppy

The funeral for my Poppy was on Saturday. What a wonderful day in spite of the reason we were all gathered together. The funeral was wonderful- filled with a lot of memories about Poppy. I learned a lot about my Poppy that I didn't even know. He was such a special man who was very caring, thoughtful, honest, and always put the Lord first. I was touched to hear that Poppy's only regret was that he owed someone something. Back when he was working as a driver he purposely took a longer route that added an hour onto his commute. He felt horrible about it and told his employer about it and offered to pay them the hour that he took. I only hope that I can live my life in a way that my only regret is that I feel that I owe someone something. It was fun to hear all of the good memories of him how he always drove so fast- "like a bat out of hell" as his neighbor put it, and that he was a little forgetful and drove through his garage door twice! Us grandchildren sang a song during the funeral "Oh what Songs of the Heart." The graveside was wonderful my Uncle Hal dedicated the grave, there was a 3 gun salute, and some members of the Coast Guard were there. I have never seen a flag folded up close. It was really interesting seeing how crisp they were and how one guy would bend a corner really fast before they folded the flag. Makes you wonder if each movement symbolizes something. Thankfully through all of this Emily behaved really well and did not have a melt down. To catch a glimpse of his life I have included his obituary:

Hal A. "Flash" Ludlow 1925 ~ 2010 Hal Aveson Ludlow, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, returned home with honor on October 20, 2010, surrounded by his family, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born in Salt Lake City to Ralph H. and Josephine Aveson Ludlow, he is preceded in death by his parents; siblings; Chess, Bo, Marge, and daughter Lisa. He is survived by his dear wife Inger, children; Kris, Karen, Terrie, and Hal, sister Joanne, and a numerous posterity. As a youth, he raised prize pigeons, and enjoyed his pet bobcat "Champ". He could shoot a basketball equally well with either hand, earning him the nicknames "Flash" and "Hot Shot Lud". He enlisted in the US Coast Guard after graduating from East High School, and served aboard ship honorably for three years during World War II. Following his service in the military he fulfilled an honorable LDS Mission to Denmark. Hal was married to his sweetheart Inger Pedersen Ludlow, in the Salt Lake Temple on October 12, 1951. After marrying, he worked for Pehrson Hardware, Ludlow Plumbing, and then retired form the LDS Church Security Department after nearly 20 years. His family and the gospel were always his highest priorities. He loved missionary work and would share his testimony of the Gospel with anyone, anywhere in the world, and his life was a living example of being the Lord's 'go-to-guy' he was dependable and could be counted on to do anything he was asked. He served faithfully as a ward clerk, teacher, home teacher, and Ordinance Worker in the Salt Lake Temple for 18 years. Hal and Inger served a two year LDS mission in the Stockholm Sweden Temple. Fearless, even in death, he always let his cares "roll like water off a ducks' back". His motto was "Okay, let's get going". Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ackerly, Dr. Hardman, Maryanne, Linda, Bonnie Lee, Clithane and all those who cared for him at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, IHC and Vista Care and other providers. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 at the LDS Willow Grove Ward, located at 8539 S. 2200 W., West Jordan, Utah at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family may call Friday, October 22nd at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and prior to the service from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.