Over the last year, our lives have changed pretty significantly. To begin the year 2008, we found out my dad was sick with pancreatic cancer and knew that he wouldn’t be with us much longer. My wife then had our 3rd child, Henry in February 2008 just after we found out the news of my dad. We named him Henry Rodger Scoville, after my dad and Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency of LDS Church.

My dad loved Henry. He said to me that Henry had come as a blessing from our Father in Heaven to cheer my dad up during this stressful and painful time as his life winded down and the cancer became more severe. I know Henry cheered my dad up. My dad loved babies and children. He was eager to help calm crying babies and kids down. He did that for all of our children at one point or another.

My dad was also a very hard worker. He worked many late nights at the office in his attempts to take care of our family and also repay his debts to society that he had incurred. He was honest and kind.

He loved us very much and showed us more than he told us; but I don’t remember many swim meets where my dad wasn’t in the stands or a timer at the side of the pool supporting myself or a sibling. He also loved to watch us play water polo. My brother Spencer and I were the only ones in the family to play. I was grateful he was there and often holding our old video camera so we could watch the videos later. Hmmm. I wonder where those old tapes of ours are. It would be nice to see them transferred to DVD.

My dad also loved his rich heritage from farm life in Southern Alberta Canada. He lived in many small towns there but to name a few Magrath, Medicine Hat, and others. My grandfather was a rancher who worked the farm for most of his life until he worked for Goodyear (I believe) until he retired. My dad loved telling stories of his childhood and also hunting and shooting guns. I went out with my youngest sister and her fiance to shoot guns at the Delta shooting range a few weeks ago and it brought back many memories of shooting with my dad.

As I have received emails from my siblings over the last week or two, I’ve been reminded of the great example my father was for all of us. I literally cannot believe that it has been over a year since my father passed away from the cancer. I still remain glad that he didn’t have to suffer long with the intense pain he was experiencing, but it doesn’t change the fact that I miss him. I’m sure my siblings do too as well, and more so, my mother. We want the very best for her. She has managed life well and seems to be enjoying life in Delta for as long as she would like.

I began a full-time job at that time; working for Outback Therapeutic Expeditions. I really enjoyed my year with them. I love wilderness therapy. I believe that working with adolescent youth is a crucial time period where influence to help boys and girls at the age is more effective than waiting until they are young adults or adults with their own families to learn to overcome their challenges and problems.

I am now in the process of finishing up my dissertation and comprehensive exam revisions. I know my dad would be proud of me and that is not related to my success but that he’d feel that I’m getting closer to knowing what I want to do with my life and pursuing it. He was a great supporter of getting as much education as possible.

I miss my dads hugs. I know I’m thirty, married, and father of three children and I love all the hugs I can get, but there is something different about getting a hug from your father or mother.

I’m grateful to be a part of a loving family. We had a great weekend in Richfield with my brothers and oldest sister and their families with my mom for Memorial Day weekend. We returned home last night but this weekend is special. I know he didn’t serve in any war, but I’m wanting to honor him and the great legacy of hope and faith that he has left for me and for my family. I hope that his example will be remembered by his siblings, my siblings, and all others that knew him.

I was reading scriptures with my son, Oscar, on the topic of Malachi when he was discussing the hearts of the children turn to the fathers and the hearts of the fathers to the children. He asked about Grandpa Scoville and said that he missed him. I told him I did too and I became choked up so we talked for a time about the role that grandparents play in our lives and then how we’ll have the opportunity to see them again. I’m grateful for the knowledge that we can see one another in the next life.

I hope my children can remember me with more fond memories than just me being upset with them for not putting away their toys or not getting ready for school fast enough. Makes me stop and think what are the messages I’m sending them about what is important in life and where does our focus need to be.

Happy Memorial Day to all those who are remembering soldiers who have died while serving our country and the cause of freedom throughout time. Thank you to all serving in the armed forces now.

My dad’s funeral was Tuesday. The proceedings were wonderful.

Here is a copy of the program [I've got to find my copy and then I'll post it]*.

Here is also a copy of my remarks for the Life Sketch for Rodger Lorin Scoville, May 20, 2008. This was an honor and privilege to talk about my dad. Also it felt healing to think about him and the good that he did throughout his life.

I have also included links to see the photo I took of my dad’s obituary in the Deseret News. It was the same in the Salt Lake Tribune. I have also located the written text so you can read what it says.

Dr. Rodger Scoville
Delta
1945 – 2008

Dr. Rodger Lorin Scoville, age 62, was born November 2, 1945, and raised in Alberta, Canada to Ellsworth Earl and Annetta Gibb Scoville. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the French East Mission and was a faithful member throughout his life. He married his beautiful bride, Mary Michie, on October 2, 1969. He studied French and German at BYU then obtained a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Logan College.

He practiced Chiropractics in Delta, Utah since 1984. He was actively involved in the community and state in many different capacities from Delta City Council to the Utah Chiropractic Physicians Board. He was very proud to serve on the Delta City Fire Department since 1986, including Fire Chief for several years.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he passed away May 16, 2008, after a short struggle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife: Mary; children: Juliette (Aaron) Muir, Smithfield, UT; John-Paul (Mary Ann) Scoville, Gilbert AZ; Spencer Lee (Jonene) Scoville, Richfield, UT; Amie (Mathew) Levine, Asheville, NC; David Phillip (Marlene) Scoville, Provo, UT; Sarah Scoville, Mesa, AZ; and Rachel Scoville, Mesa, AZ; grandchildren: Alex, Shaelea, Abigail, Oscar, Mackenzie, Isabella, Lilly, Max, Ian, and Henry; brothers and sisters: Earl (Celanie) Scoville, Medicine Hat, AB, Canada; Mary Ann (Randy) Lewis, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Jane (Bob) Milner, Medicine Hat, AB, Canada; Stewart (Gail) Scoville, Price, UT.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 11 am at the Delta 1st Ward, 222 W 200 N, Delta, UT. Friends may call Monday evening, 7-8 pm, at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 S Center Street, Delta, Utah, and at the church Tuesday, 9:30-10:40 am. Interment at Sutherland, Utah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Perpetual Education Fund or a charity of your choice in Rodger’s name

Published Obituaries: KUTV Website, Utah Tributes.com, Deseret News, Salt Lake Tribune, Millard County Chronical Progress (For a week or two).

Then I’ve added a portion of the Guest found on the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune to document the remarks made by others about my dad and messages to my mom and our family.* This is just a portion of them up until May 20, 2008.

Deseret News/Salt Lake Tribune Guest Book

for Dr. Rodger Lorin Scoville

May 20, 2008

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family Mary. I remember the Scoville’s from years gone by when our family lived in Raymond. May Father in Heaven Comfort each of you at this most difficult time.
With Friendship and Love,
Mary (McGilvary/Hancock) Phillips (Murray, UT)

May 19, 2008

Mary and family,

It was such a great surprise to see you and Rodger at your “Aunt Illa’s” (my next door neighbor) a few months ago. I was saddened when Illa told me that Rodger was ill.

You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Michelene Jex
Michelene Jex (Salt Lake City, UT)

May 19, 2008

Our family loved Rodger and will miss knowing he is in Delta and available for Gibb reunions and family connections. We loved your visit in March 19th, and lasting memories of Rodger and his love for genealogy. Ronald sends his love and Marilyn and Lorraine and I will attend the funeral on Tuesday. We love you Mary and pray you will find peace in your home and with your children.

Aunt Ila Gibb (Ken)
Ila Gibb (Salt Lake City, UT)

May 19, 2008

Dear Mary:

I was so saddened to hear of Rodger’s illness and passing. I have so many fond memories of his parents and your family.

Please accept our condolenses and know that you are in our prayers.

Love,
Barbara Gibb Bell and family (San Clemente, CA)

May 19, 2008

Dear Family

Sorry on Lost of Roger. He was Great man. It was fun say to Hi to him Angels Are Watching. He was my
Neighbor down the Street. Love Jenny Timothy

Jenny Timothy (Delta, UT)

May 18, 2008

Dear Mary and Family,

Kind thoughts and sympathies are sent across the miles from North Carolina to all of you. May the love of friends and family always be a source of comfort to you. Truly a handsome picture of Rodger, looks like when we were all together at Mat and Amie’s wedding in Colorado.

Love and hugs to all of you,
Naomi and Ron Levine (Weaverville, NC)

May 18, 2008

Dear Mary and Family,

Just want to say how much we will miss Roger he was a great and wonderful guy. Mary you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. Lots of hugs.

Love Jennifer Wilkes Hickman and the kids.
Jennifer Hickman (Delta, UT)

It was wonderful to so many familiar and new faces as we spoke to those who knew my dad and a common refrain that I heard over and over again. “Your father was a good man.” “He helped me so much.” At the family history center, chiropractic office, fire department, people felt that this was the least they could do for such a wonderful man. I love you, Dad!

Additional comments have been made on my previous blog post about my father’s passing. Check them out, friends from Provo and Delta, and cousins. Another section with a comment from the Pruitt’s.

We’ve received flowers, food that has taken care of us for days, many cards and notes, visits. It has been wonderful. Thank you.

Good News: I wanted to let you all know that I’m staying in Provo for at least another year if not more because I just started a full-time job at a wilderness therapy program in Lehi, UT.

Not-so-exciting/down right sad news: Also on a sad note for those that may not have heard a recent update about my dad. He is deteriorating quickly. He may last a few more days but he cannot eat because the cancer tumor has blocked his intestine completely and he hasn’t been able to for the last week. The IV has been removed and he is using the pain medication and nausea meds to help alleviate much discomfort. This has progressed so much more quickly than I anticipated. He pretty much is unable to get out of bed and is getting a bit incoherent.

It is kind of sad to see the man you grew up idolizing so sick and you just want to see him happy again. Although he is amazingly not complaining and continues to be patient as the cancer progresses.

A few things to rember: Grandpa was very tender to our children. He loved them and was always willing to show it and was excited to see them.

Even at this delicate time he is always trying help the family yo be happy and content. He expressed his testimony to me about the most important thing that we can pass on to our children and families is our testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I’ve been amazed at the extent for good that my dads influence has extended. So many people have comee to visit and let us knopw how much they love our dad and mom. He trully is a ‘giant’ in Delta. He leaves a legacy of love, service, family, persistence, dedication, faithfulness, strong, happy, content, lover of people.

I am proud to be his son. I am grateful for the open arms that he has always extended to me, my wife Marlene, and our 3 kids: Oscar, Lily, and Henry.

I wanted to document here my love for him. I also wanted to express joy in having been able to attend many general priesthood meetings and meals with him. I was able to eat his last meal with him and I’m thankful to have seen him happy and not hungry at that moment. Also he came to my last priesthood session with me.

He also attended Oscar’s first T-ball game and I know he was in pain but he went anyway and held Oscar, Lily, and Henry and was able to tell them he loved them very much. He was so willing to say ‘I love you.’

I hope in some way I can follow in his footsteps.

I love you, Dad.