Happy 70th.....

SURPRISE!!!!

 We just recently celebrated Grandpa Burke's 70th Birthday!

Aunt Ronda worked super hard to pull off the party of the year!

It was held at Grandpa and Fran's church,

and many people from the family, the ward and lots of friends attended.

Grandpa was extremely surprised and excited when he walked in to the 

gym to hear everyone yell Surprise and sing Happy Birthday to him!

Ronda had made a video tribute of his life, a table display was made showing some of

his treasures and awards.......as well as our Electrolux vacuum......

which we tried to display as beautifully (or seductively, ha ha)

 as he had it at our wedding reception!!

 The party was an Open House from 4-7 p.m.,

with a program at 5 p.m.

Each of Grandpa's kids were asked to come up with a little tribute to him.

Trav shared some words for Grandpa, and then our  

family made up a cute little song that we sang, 

to the accompaniment of Garrett on his guitar.

Many of the family didn't even know he had started playing the guitar.....

that was a fun little surprise as well!

 

Before starting our song.....we loaded Trav and Ty's pockets with papers and pens

high enough to touch your chin.......just like Grandpa!!

Our song was sung to the tune of "Hope You Had The Time of Your Life" by Green Day,

and the words were some of our thoughts, feelings, and memories of Grandpa!.....

You've sold Electrolux for like a million years.....

your name and number on each vacuum still appears.

Our friends and family all know who to call....

if they should need a vacuum, or a service call.

You're something unpredictable, but definitely unique!

We hope you've had the time of your life!

You've hit a moose and rescued one old, sad stray dog.

Fruit Salad is a must or the party's not the same.

Quatch....who doesn't love a Grandpa Burke wrestling game?!!

Car seats hang from trees to entertain the kids.

You're something unpredictable, but in the end gee whiz....

We've all had the time of our lives.....

Thank you for the time of our lives!

Sis then sang Happy Birthday in Chinese to Grandpa, 

and got the crowd to join in singing in English.

Then she told Grandpa she loved him in Chinese.

Several family stood and shared impromptu feelings of Grandpa, 

as well as some of his ward friends. 

Then Grandpa stood and thanked everyone and shared some feelings of his own.

It was quite touching to hear some of the genuinely kind words people shared - 

"I have never heard Gordon say an unkind word about another.

If someone starts to say something unkind about another while in Gordon's presense...

Gordon will come to their defense and change the conversation."

"I call Gordon because I know he will help whenever and wherever is needed,

at the drop of a hat!"

"Gordon is a wonderful listener."

"He is the funnest, and best Grandpa!"

What wonderful qualities Grandpa has and what a great example those qualities

are to his children and grand children!

It was said more than once that night, that this party is something everyone should 

get to experience and to have,

rather than waiting until they are gone to be memorialized and have their lives celebrated.

It really was a wonderful night.

Thank you Ronda for working so hard to make such a wonderful party for Grandpa!

 (Garrett, Ty, Julia and Ethan)

 (Ronda, Heidi, Grandpa, Trav, Jen)

 (Nate and Ronda, Trav and Myself, Gordon and Fran, Heidi and Travis, Jen and Ryan)

 (Grandpa and Grandma with most of the grandkids!)

We love you Grandpa.

Happy 70th!!!