"Hurry, clean up the living room before dad walks up the driveway."
Sleepy Christmas mornings.
Helping out in the garden - especially in the Fall before the first snow.
I loved watching dad catch quarters with his hand. I don't know why it was so fascinating OR how he got so good at it, but I was enthralled as a 5 year old.
I loved traveling the Mother Island with him after my mission. It was fun to hear his story of finding the mission home before I could help them around. They gave a fireside for one of my wards on how to have a successful family and the members loved it (I translated for them).
Sports have been a big part of his relationship with me (and all of the boys). I loved him coming to my baseball games and coaching my Jr. Jazz teams. MOST of all, though, I loved playing ping pong with him. He could probably still beat me - bad knees and ankles included.
Memories of dad taking us to lagoon were so fun. I never understood how he could take a nap in an amusement park.
I will always remember my confirmation day and the day dad took me through the temple.
My favorite memories of Dad are hanging out with him on Friday nights in high school. I loved playing 3-handed rook when Cindy was out with friends or watching the food channel and the Jazz/Braves. He would even let me pick out my favorite movies.
Thanks, Dad. Love you and look up to you more than you know.
Les and Bev came down to Provo to take Kevin and I out to Sizzler for my birthday. It was so much fun to talk to them. My favorite part was when Les asked for a box. After the waitress left, he told us that he needed to take something home for Tootsie. Now I know why they call it a doggy bag. I guess that just goes to show the giving nature of Les. He even thinks of the dog.
The first time I met Les was after Janet and I started dating. I came over for dinner and sat down in the front room where Les was reading the newspaper. After about 5 minutes, he put down his paper and asked me what I was studying in school. Then, he casually resumed reading the paper. At the time, I wasn't sure if he hated me along with all mankind, or if he was just the coolest customer I'd ever met. Now I know, he's just cool like that and I'm a big fan.
The many many rook games... The fun trips to get loads of potatoes in Idaho... The first family campout we had in Montana and the many after... Plowing the garden together... The Jazz games both at our house and the ones we went to... Every time we all get group family photos.... And I love every time that we all get to go to the temple together. I love you Les! Have a happy birthday!!!!
Saturday morning grocery shopping at Reams or Food 4 Less. He would usually let me buy some fruit jets or a 10-cent candy. We would park on a hill because the starter didn't work and we needed a rolling start.
Watching Dave's sophomore & JV football games. Dad would buy a rotisserie chicken and a Mt Dew (he was on his meat diet) and we would do our best to fight off the bees while we ate.
I am amazed as to how much 1-on-1 time I spent with Dad. I never felt lost in a crowd of ten kids.
We were visiting our uncle Paul, our mother's older brother, when Les was about three years old and he slipped into the pig pen and was playing with the little piggies. All of a sudden we all heard wild squealing so we ran over there and saw Les riding the old sow,who was 10 times his size, all around the pen. Our dad knew you should not run any fat off an old sow, so he wouldn't have that and reached in and pulled Les right out of there and spanked his three year old bottom. Quite a story, huh! I know my memory plays tricks on me some times and may even make heroes of my favorite people, but I bet I remember this better than Les does. David, Les's tricky memory brother.
Walking on the ceiling, sandman, BYU games(just me and Dad), dates with Dad at the grocery store, working in the garden, many Daddy-Daughter dates, walking through the mall just me and Dad (I think I was 18) and someone asking me if he was my husband, watching and learning his cooking techniques, and the many nights in high school doing math homework. Thanks Dad for always putting your family first. I'm sure your back hurts from doing sandman every night, but it sure was fun. Happy Birthday Daddio!! I love you so much!
Nancy said-One of my best memories of Les is when we rode together with Mom and Don (and Sandra part way) and Lori to California. We had a great time even though I believe it was for Larry’s funeral.
I have lots of great memories of playing baseball and football when we were little – those were great times.
Being here at BYU when Les got off his mission was really a lot of fun. And then after Les & Bev got married – I loved having them here at BYU and I used to go to their apartment all the time. Even though I got hit a few times when I would pitch to Les (they had a diamond close by and he would hit lines drive right at me – not on purpose I hope) – it was still fun.
When we lived in UT we would always go to Grandpas , most of the memories there are picking snails off plants in grandpa's garden! it was so much fun!!
Bev says-I know this is long-sorry, I couldn't hI have more than 40 years of good memories with you, Les! I’m very glad I married you for a zillion reasons, and my life has been so blessed because YOU have been there!!. (I ‘d like our kids to know these stories too in case they haven’t heard them.) Let me start with my meeting you. Les moved into our fun college ward in the middle of the year, because he’d just returned home from his mission just after Chrsitmas, so he started second semester at BYU. He came to visit Nancy with his friend Neall one day as I was leaving my apartment, which just happened to be next door. Nancy called me over to meet her brother. I remember Les was wearing a gray and black checkered trench coat and I thought he was really cute! There’s just something about a returned missionary!!! Les started teaching a weekly mutual class in our ward and I attended his class. It was kind of weird to me that Les showed up in so many situations! Every month our apartment asked two boys from the ward to come to eat a dinner with us, so we could get acquainted with more guys. In February after Les moved in, my roommates suggested we ask Les Clawson to be one of our visitors. They thought he was a sharp guy. (That actually never happened because Larry & Mary Ann asked his whole apartment to come to eat with them at the same time.) I went to check out some tables for our ward’s homemaking meeting from BYU scheduling office, which I had done before without any problem. After I told them what I needed, the guy said, “You’ll need to go through your ward scheduling person who is Les Clawson.” I left that office thinking, ‘This guy just moved into the ward and I hear his name everywhere.’ I don’t think it was just by chance that I would hear his name so much! About this same time he called our apartment to ask me out. My roommate answered the phone, but instead of saying hello, she picked up the phone and said, “Is Harry there?” (like she sometimes had done before). Other people would usually stammer around and didn’t know what to say, but Les is quick to answer and said, “No, he’s not, but I’ll take a message for him.” That was a joke around my apartment for quite awhile. Then in the spring, after we’d been dating, he got a ward softball team organized and became our ward’s sports’ director. It might have just been a practice game, but I went to watch them. Les is a very good fast-pitch pitcher, and I remember the batter hitting a really high infield fly. Les yelled really loudly. “I’ve got it.” I was surprised because he was so soft spoken, and he was YELLING! But underneath I really liked it because I was from a baseball family and I knew that’s what he should have done! That was the first of MANY games and I really LOVED watching him all those years!! I love you, Les! After we dated a little more, at a ward picnic basket social, all the girls were asked to take a shoe off & throw it in a big pile. The guys were to go choose a shoe and go have dinner with the girl who matched the other shoe, because that girl had prepared their dinner! As I was going to put my shoe in the pile, Les walked up and asked if he could have my shoe beforehand. I decided to give him the shoe! The bishopric noticed and made the comment, “Bev, I didn’t see your shoe in the pile.” It was a fun night. Happy Birthday, Les. I’m mighty glad you asked me to marry you!! elp it!
I have early memories of kissing dad before bedtime every night. I remember stressing as a little girl that I had forgotten and he would be sad that I didn't say goodnight to him.
I remember Dad having a softball game during my daddy-daughter date when I was about ten or so. I watched him play and we were supposed to head over to the church after it was finished. But it went into extra innings and by the time the game was over, everyone had left the church. I felt really bad and tried hard not to cry, but Dad could see the disappointment on my face. He took me out for french fries and hamburgers. We sat outside another softball game and ate our dinner and talked about my classes at school. I remember him telling me that night that he was really proud of me for being so mature. It's amazing that I can hang on to a compliment like that after all these years. Love you, Dad! Thanks for treating each of your children like individuals and developing relationships with each of us. I feel privileged to know you like I do! You are the best dad any girl could ever ask for!
Dave- A lot of my favorite memories with dad are when he came to my little league baseball and basketball games. It was always great to have someone to talk to about the game after it happened. He followed the games so closely that he would always know exactly what I was talking about.
Katie- My first memory with Les was when he came to Provo to take Dave out for his birthday. We went to golden coral. We bonded over how good the mashed potatoes were. I was really surprised how funny Les was. I thought he was hilarious.
My favorite memory is probably when he taught me how to play Rook. Once he was sure I knew what I was doing, he was pretty dominant and my team never beat his. I just like being around his calming influence.
I loved going to the store with dad. A lot of the time the other kids were busy and I got to go with dad all by myself. I don't know why going to the store with dad was so fun, but I would go any chance I could.
I also remember all the road trips. Kevin and I got to go with Mom and Dad to St. George a lot.
Many many memories of playing Rook. Dad taught me how to be a good Rook player.
When I was younger I would ask Dad to make funny faces and after a lot of begging he would finally make a funny face. I would try to chow the other siblings by asking Dad to do it again, but he would never repeat it. Or he would do it again after they left.
When I was a teenager I started asking Dad about when he was little. I loved hearing stories about his dog Ace or about him playing sports.
When Matt and I were engaged, we went with mom and dad to FHE and Greg and Annette's. We were playing a silly game where you make animal noises and do some silly action. Dad made the craziest noise and face and made us ALL laugh so hard. Dad was laughing so hard his face was turning purple. Matt and I talk about that memory sometimes.
This last semester when I was engaged to Matt, many times I needed a ride back to Provo late on Sunday nights and Dad would take me. We had a lot of fun talking in the car. Or if we weren't talking the silence was enjoyable.
A little while ago when dad was taking me to Provo I asked about when he proposed to mom. He told me about it and then without telling me where we were going he took me to where they lived in Provo. I will never forget those special times with you Dad.
Happy birthday!!! I love you so much :) Thanks for being such a great dad!
I have a lot of memories of when I was little. I used to love to be with Dad no matter what he was doing. (that hasn't really changed.) I remember staying up late and watching MASH with him. I remember him giving me math problems to do in my spare time. He would help us walk on the ceiling.
When I was a teenager, Dad took the four girls with him to California where he was working. We had such a good time with him! We had car problems on the way, but Dad was so patient. He always hated road trips, but always took the family on them anyway.
Dad has always taken the time for each of us - that's hard to do with so many kids!
We were playing softball at the school baseball diamond as a family. Dad was up to bat and I was playing first base. He hit a line drive right towards me...it was going so fast I didn't get out of the way or think to put my mitt up and it knocked me right across the jaw. I fell over and looked up to see everyone surrounding me. After that we called it a game. Dad felt so bad. When we all got back home he went and bought me treats...pop cycles (of course) and I also remember a candy bar with a cherry in the middle. Dad always knows how to make YOU feel important! I really enjoyed all the fathers blessings I received from him as a child and adult. I always felt Dad's love for me and the Lord's. Mom always encouraged the blessings. Thanks mom! There was one time while away at college I was really struggling and called home in the middle of the day expecting to talk to mom but dad answered instead. I was so glad that someone answered and that I got the wisdom of my father. He just told me that everything would be okay and encouraged me. I don't remember that much of the conversation but I remember how I felt and I have compared that story to the availability of our Heavenly Father and how he is always there to listen. Thanks dad for being there for all of us when we needed you. Happy Belated Birthday!! Sorry it took me so long to comment. I'm so glad you are my earthly father. Thanks for everything you do for me. I love you, Debbie
17 comments:
"Hurry, clean up the living room before dad walks up the driveway."
Sleepy Christmas mornings.
Helping out in the garden - especially in the Fall before the first snow.
I loved watching dad catch quarters with his hand. I don't know why it was so fascinating OR how he got so good at it, but I was enthralled as a 5 year old.
I loved traveling the Mother Island with him after my mission. It was fun to hear his story of finding the mission home before I could help them around. They gave a fireside for one of my wards on how to have a successful family and the members loved it (I translated for them).
Sports have been a big part of his relationship with me (and all of the boys). I loved him coming to my baseball games and coaching my Jr. Jazz teams. MOST of all, though, I loved playing ping pong with him. He could probably still beat me - bad knees and ankles included.
Memories of dad taking us to lagoon were so fun. I never understood how he could take a nap in an amusement park.
I will always remember my confirmation day and the day dad took me through the temple.
My favorite memories of Dad are hanging out with him on Friday nights in high school. I loved playing 3-handed rook when Cindy was out with friends or watching the food channel and the Jazz/Braves. He would even let me pick out my favorite movies.
Thanks, Dad. Love you and look up to you more than you know.
I loved playing with you too, Cindy. :) I just remember playing 3-handed rook more than 4-handed during high school.
Les and Bev came down to Provo to take Kevin and I out to Sizzler for my birthday. It was so much fun to talk to them. My favorite part was when Les asked for a box. After the waitress left, he told us that he needed to take something home for Tootsie. Now I know why they call it a doggy bag. I guess that just goes to show the giving nature of Les. He even thinks of the dog.
The first time I met Les was after Janet and I started dating. I came over for dinner and sat down in the front room where Les was reading the newspaper. After about 5 minutes, he put down his paper and asked me what I was studying in school. Then, he casually resumed reading the paper. At the time, I wasn't sure if he hated me along with all mankind, or if he was just the coolest customer I'd ever met. Now I know, he's just cool like that and I'm a big fan.
The many many rook games...
The fun trips to get loads of potatoes in Idaho...
The first family campout we had in Montana and the many after...
Plowing the garden together...
The Jazz games both at our house and the ones we went to...
Every time we all get group family photos....
And I love every time that we all get to go to the temple together. I love you Les! Have a happy birthday!!!!
Saturday morning grocery shopping at Reams or Food 4 Less. He would usually let me buy some fruit jets or a 10-cent candy. We would park on a hill because the starter didn't work and we needed a rolling start.
Watching Dave's sophomore & JV football games. Dad would buy a rotisserie chicken and a Mt Dew (he was on his meat diet) and we would do our best to fight off the bees while we ate.
I am amazed as to how much 1-on-1 time I spent with Dad. I never felt lost in a crowd of ten kids.
We were visiting our uncle Paul, our mother's older brother, when Les was about three years old and he slipped into the pig pen and was playing with the little piggies. All of a sudden we all heard wild squealing so we ran over there and saw Les riding the old sow,who was 10 times his size, all around the pen. Our dad knew you should not run any fat off an old sow, so he wouldn't have that and reached in and pulled Les right out of there and spanked his three year old bottom.
Quite a story, huh! I know my memory plays tricks on me some times and may even make heroes of my favorite people, but I bet I remember this better than Les does.
David, Les's tricky memory brother.
Walking on the ceiling, sandman, BYU games(just me and Dad), dates with Dad at the grocery store, working in the garden, many Daddy-Daughter dates, walking through the mall just me and Dad (I think I was 18) and someone asking me if he was my husband, watching and learning his cooking techniques, and the many nights in high school doing math homework. Thanks Dad for always putting your family first. I'm sure your back hurts from doing sandman every night, but it sure was fun. Happy Birthday Daddio!! I love you so much!
Nancy said-One of my best memories of Les is when we rode together with Mom and Don (and Sandra part way) and Lori to California. We had a great time even though I believe it was for Larry’s funeral.
I have lots of great memories of playing baseball and football when we were little – those were great times.
Being here at BYU when Les got off his mission was really a lot of fun. And then after Les & Bev got married – I loved having them here at BYU and I used to go to their apartment all the time. Even though I got hit a few times when I would pitch to Les (they had a diamond close by and he would hit lines drive right at me – not on purpose I hope) – it was still fun.
When we lived in UT we would always go to Grandpas , most of the memories there are picking snails off plants in grandpa's garden! it was so much fun!!
Bev says-I know this is long-sorry, I couldn't hI have more than 40 years of good memories with you, Les! I’m very glad I married you for a zillion reasons, and my life has been so blessed because YOU have been there!!. (I ‘d like our kids to know these stories too in case they haven’t heard them.) Let me start with my meeting you.
Les moved into our fun college ward in the middle of the year, because he’d just returned home from his mission just after Chrsitmas, so he started second semester at BYU. He came to visit Nancy with his friend Neall one day as I was leaving my apartment, which just happened to be next door. Nancy called me over to meet her brother. I remember Les was wearing a gray and black checkered trench coat and I thought he was really cute! There’s just something about a returned missionary!!!
Les started teaching a weekly mutual class in our ward and I attended his class. It was kind of weird to me that Les showed up in so many situations! Every month our apartment asked two boys from the ward to come to eat a dinner with us, so we could get acquainted with more guys. In February after Les moved in, my roommates suggested we ask Les Clawson to be one of our visitors. They thought he was a sharp guy. (That actually never happened because Larry & Mary Ann asked his whole apartment to come to eat with them at the same time.)
I went to check out some tables for our ward’s homemaking meeting from BYU scheduling office, which I had done before without any problem. After I told them what I needed, the guy said, “You’ll need to go through your ward scheduling person who is Les Clawson.” I left that office thinking, ‘This guy just moved into the ward and I hear his name everywhere.’ I don’t think it was just by chance that I would hear his name so much!
About this same time he called our apartment to ask me out. My roommate answered the phone, but instead of saying hello, she picked up the phone and said, “Is Harry there?” (like she sometimes had done before). Other people would usually stammer around and didn’t know what to say, but Les is quick to answer and said, “No, he’s not, but I’ll take a message for him.” That was a joke around my apartment for quite awhile.
Then in the spring, after we’d been dating, he got a ward softball team organized and became our ward’s sports’ director. It might have just been a practice game, but I went to watch them. Les is a very good fast-pitch pitcher, and I remember the batter hitting a really high infield fly. Les yelled really loudly. “I’ve got it.” I was surprised because he was so soft spoken, and he was YELLING! But underneath I really liked it because I was from a baseball family and I knew that’s what he should have done! That was the first of MANY games and I really LOVED watching him all those years!! I love you, Les!
After we dated a little more, at a ward picnic basket social, all the girls were asked to take a shoe off & throw it in a big pile. The guys were to go choose a shoe and go have dinner with the girl who matched the other shoe, because that girl had prepared their dinner! As I was going to put my shoe in the pile, Les walked up and asked if he could have my shoe beforehand. I decided to give him the shoe! The bishopric noticed and made the comment, “Bev, I didn’t see your shoe in the pile.” It was a fun night.
Happy Birthday, Les. I’m mighty glad you asked me to marry you!!
elp it!
I have early memories of kissing dad before bedtime every night. I remember stressing as a little girl that I had forgotten and he would be sad that I didn't say goodnight to him.
I remember Dad having a softball game during my daddy-daughter date when I was about ten or so. I watched him play and we were supposed to head over to the church after it was finished. But it went into extra innings and by the time the game was over, everyone had left the church. I felt really bad and tried hard not to cry, but Dad could see the disappointment on my face. He took me out for french fries and hamburgers. We sat outside another softball game and ate our dinner and talked about my classes at school. I remember him telling me that night that he was really proud of me for being so mature. It's amazing that I can hang on to a compliment like that after all these years. Love you, Dad! Thanks for treating each of your children like individuals and developing relationships with each of us. I feel privileged to know you like I do! You are the best dad any girl could ever ask for!
Dave-
A lot of my favorite memories with dad are when he came to my little league baseball and basketball games. It was always great to have someone to talk to about the game after it happened. He followed the games so closely that he would always know exactly what I was talking about.
Katie-
My first memory with Les was when he came to Provo to take Dave out for his birthday. We went to golden coral. We bonded over how good the mashed potatoes were. I was really surprised how funny Les was. I thought he was hilarious.
My favorite memory is probably when he taught me how to play Rook. Once he was sure I knew what I was doing, he was pretty dominant and my team never beat his. I just like being around his calming influence.
I loved going to the store with dad. A lot of the time the other kids were busy and I got to go with dad all by myself. I don't know why going to the store with dad was so fun, but I would go any chance I could.
I also remember all the road trips. Kevin and I got to go with Mom and Dad to St. George a lot.
Many many memories of playing Rook. Dad taught me how to be a good Rook player.
When I was younger I would ask Dad to make funny faces and after a lot of begging he would finally make a funny face. I would try to chow the other siblings by asking Dad to do it again, but he would never repeat it. Or he would do it again after they left.
When I was a teenager I started asking Dad about when he was little. I loved hearing stories about his dog Ace or about him playing sports.
When Matt and I were engaged, we went with mom and dad to FHE and Greg and Annette's. We were playing a silly game where you make animal noises and do some silly action. Dad made the craziest noise and face and made us ALL laugh so hard. Dad was laughing so hard his face was turning purple. Matt and I talk about that memory sometimes.
This last semester when I was engaged to Matt, many times I needed a ride back to Provo late on Sunday nights and Dad would take me. We had a lot of fun talking in the car. Or if we weren't talking the silence was enjoyable.
A little while ago when dad was taking me to Provo I asked about when he proposed to mom. He told me about it and then without telling me where we were going he took me to where they lived in Provo. I will never forget those special times with you Dad.
Happy birthday!!! I love you so much :) Thanks for being such a great dad!
I have a lot of memories of when I was little. I used to love to be with Dad no matter what he was doing. (that hasn't really changed.)
I remember staying up late and watching MASH with him.
I remember him giving me math problems to do in my spare time.
He would help us walk on the ceiling.
When I was a teenager, Dad took the four girls with him to California where he was working. We had such a good time with him! We had car problems on the way, but Dad was so patient. He always hated road trips, but always took the family on them anyway.
Dad has always taken the time for each of us - that's hard to do with so many kids!
We were playing softball at the school baseball diamond as a family. Dad was up to bat and I was playing first base. He hit a line drive right towards me...it was going so fast I didn't get out of the way or think to put my mitt up and it knocked me right across the jaw. I fell over and looked up to see everyone surrounding me. After that we called it a game. Dad felt so bad. When we all got back home he went and bought me treats...pop cycles (of course) and I also remember a candy bar with a cherry in the middle. Dad always knows how to make YOU feel important!
I really enjoyed all the fathers blessings I received from him as a child and adult. I always felt Dad's love for me and the Lord's. Mom always encouraged the blessings. Thanks mom!
There was one time while away at college I was really struggling and called home in the middle of the day expecting to talk to mom but dad answered instead. I was so glad that someone answered and that I got the wisdom of my father. He just told me that everything would be okay and encouraged me. I don't remember that much of the conversation but I remember how I felt and I have compared that story to the availability of our Heavenly Father and how he is always there to listen.
Thanks dad for being there for all of us when we needed you. Happy Belated Birthday!! Sorry it took me so long to comment.
I'm so glad you are my earthly father. Thanks for everything you do for me. I love you, Debbie
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