JOHN VERSLUIS

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John E. Versluis "Our Hero" John Ephraim Versluis, 68 years old, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend passed into the arms of our Heavenly Father on March 13, 2011 at his home in Sandy, Utah, from a brain tumor. He was born April 2, 1942 to James Adrian Versluis and Esther Virginia Gamble in Salt Lake City, Utah. Married Utahna Rose Asay on November 2, 1962 in the Manti Utah Temple. They have seven children, 20 grandchildren and two great grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and held many callings in the church including serving in the Jordan River Utah Temple. John spent his career in the trucking industry. He worked for REA Express, Roadway Express, Consolidated Freightways, Yellow Freight and most recently as a driver for Deseret Industries, a job he loved very much. He was a very hard worker and lived by the motto that his father taught him, "Always work harder than is expected and take less than you deserve and you will always have a job." He served in the US Army for eight years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, going to the shooting-range and spending time with his family. He will be especially missed by his K-9 shadow, Bear. Survived by his wife, Utahna; his children, Scott (Tiffany), Rob (Marvin), Tony (Brenda), Tahna (Steve) Elwood, Susie (Brett) Dawson, Joe (LeAnn), and Jordan (Crystal); grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Butch (Susan), Mike (Kerri) and sisters, Ruth (Ray) Smith, Eva "Jackie" Leon, Barbara Knowles and Kathleen (Richard) Perschon. Preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tiffany; brothers, Jim and Glen "Barney", and sisters, Margaret and Mary. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 17th at 11:00 a.m. at the Sandy Utah Mt. Jordan Stake Center, 9331 So. 300 E. A viewing will be held Wednesday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Lake Hills Memorial Mortuary, 10055 So. State St., Sandy and Thursday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church. Interment, Lake Hills Memorial Cemetery. On-line condolences at

Dad's release

Our beloved father passed away this morning at 6:46 am.

Rob called me yesterday around 4:00 pm and told me he was having trouble breathing and that I should come soon. We got to mom's and were able to say our last goodbyes. Rob, Tahna and I spent the night at mom's, just waiting and talking and laughing and crying. None of us got much sleep. We were able to be around dad's bedside when he quietly passed.

Oh we love that man! What a wonderful example of joy, dedication and love!

We love you dad!

Susie

Dad's last moments

I just got back from my parents house. My Dad is still holding on, but it will be any time at this point. I was scheduled to go out with my friend Aaron tonight to do a guy hang out. A much needed Guy hangout. But Rob called me about 3:30 and said that the Death Rattle had started. That is basically where the body starts to give in and is preparing itself to be done. So I waited for LeAnn to get home from work and I headed over. His breathing was awful and very difficult to listen to. It almost sounded painful. We were told he was not in pain. My mom continued to give him Morphine just in case.

Brett and I went to go get some food around 7:30. When we got back everyone was a bit frantic. His breathing had changed substantially and he was bleeding from his mouth. Very difficult site. For the rest of the night we were glued to his bed side. We all felt an obligation to be by his side as he passed. This was not to be. Eventually my mother asked us to leave him and allow him to have some peace. Scott left, the gals were headed downstairs so I decided to leave. I know they will call me if things change.

I was supposed to fly out to Phoenix tomorrow but felt I needed to stay with my family. So I had to arrange for a Co-Worker to take my place. Thanks Jody for stepping up.

It is time to go Dad. We will miss you but there is no reason to hold on any longer.
Love you pop.

Joe

I am not sure if it has sunk in or not. On my last post I had mentioned that I was on my way to California. I felt inclined to write a little something about my Father while I was on the plane. Just a few words I think I may use at his funeral. I realize there will not be a lot of time because so many people will want to say something. I got some peace in writing it. Not sure why. I know it is still going to be a tough situation when it arrives.

When I got back on Friday it was nice to go to my parents house and see the entire family. I always enjoy my time with Rob. I wish I could see him more. My kids were so excited to see him too. That is all they spoke of on the drive from T-Ville to Sandy.

My Father has a friend he met while working at the DI. He sings Elvis songs, which my father is a huge fan of if you didn't know. A majority of the time we were there my Dad slept and was non-responsive. However when "Elvis" sang my Dad put his air guitar up and mouthed the words. It was a really great experience. Gave us all a little joy at least for the moment. I still love seeing my kids give Grandpa kisses. Every time we leave Kamryn keeps saying "Grandpa's tummy hurts, and he is sick". It is sad that her and Natalie will never really know there Grandpa John. 68 is too young.

All us siblings met at again last night at my parents house. What a weird meeting. As we all sat in my Mothers room discussing my Dads funeral arrangements, my Dad laying in the other room watching old reruns of All in the family. (I hate that show). It was just a really odd situation. Because at times he seems to be just fine. I have not heard him speak really the last couple times I have been at his house. He is there, but I miss him. It is not really how I want to remember him. I joked a lot at the meeting. Sorry to my siblings. That was probably how I was dealing with the uncomfortable situation.

Tahna called me today to tell me Dad was not responsive for most of the day. Trying to wake him up or give him his meds was not happening. Too many things going on right now this at the top of the list. Life sure can be frustrating. Lucky my father is a good man and taught me that all things happen for a reason. Sure it is tough. And I realize I have taken a lot of frustrations out on my family. LeAnn has been very patient with me. I can only assume I will be a stronger person for it. I guess only time will tell.

Joe

Yesterday, dad was visited by his sisters and brother, Mike. They all love dad so much! We are so grateful for the love and support of his siblings throughout the year. He's got 10 siblings (6 still living) that give him incredible support and love. It was so great to see and visit with them. Thanks you guys!

Peaceful Sunday

Today is a peaceful day. Rob had to leave at 7:00 AM, that was very hard knowing it was the last time he would see dad alive. Mom has soft Sunday music playing. Dad looks so peaceful resting. He's had a couple visitors, but not a lot.

Last night Bear was acting very strange. Usually he doesn't leave Dad's side (as noted in earlier post). But last night he would sit on the couch or floor, stare at dad's bed and wimper; like he wanted to get up on dad's bed, but couldn't. Dad would lift his arm up to the ceiling and say, "Let's go!". We tried to get more info from him, but he wouldn't respond to who or what (if anything) he was looking at.

He said "good morning" to me this morning and gave me a kiss.

Susie

Protected by Bear

Dad's dog, Bear, won't leave dad's side. Ever since dad came home on Tuesday, Bear has been so protective of him. He licks dad constantly, and if you try to hug or talk to dad, Bear comes up and gets in your face. He even growled and snapped at Tahna tonight when she went to hug dad. He knows something's up! He leaves just to potty, but hardly eats or sleeps. Poor Bear!