Rex L. Maughan Feb 1932- July 2014

You know, a lot of people often complain about "in-laws." You hear all kinds of things that aren't flattering or positive and I can honestly say that I have never been able to relate to those stories. I have the most wonderful in-laws in the world. I've always thought that. Not just Trav's parents (who are some of the best people I know) but his siblings and their families too. I love them. I love spending time with them. I look up to them and do feel very blessed to be a part of their lives. I married the youngest son in the family and am 6 years younger than him so I am at a completely different stage of life than they are but I have so many good examples I can look up to, and fountains of wisdom I can draw from. I love being a Maughan. I am blessed to be a Maughan.

 

But this post isn't just about how great my in-laws are. This post is about my father in law. He passed away on Tuesday, July 29. Just writing these few sentences has already started the tears flowing but I'm hoping this will help me to heal, to write it all out, and to remember. 

Rex was 82 years old when he died but has always been the youngest "old man" I have ever known. In fact, I never looked at him as an old man until he got sick about 4 months ago...maybe a little less than that. We visit both sets of parents almost every Sunday and to see the changes that have happened in the past few months have been staggering. He got very sick and was in the hospital for several weeks and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. A very bad one that can't be cured. But he got "better" and many thought it had to be a misdiagnosis. He was back to fishing, playing latter ball with the kids on Sunday night, gardening, and just being grandpa.

But we knew that this would be temporary and he would go downhill. We didn't know how much time we would have but we knew we didn't have years. So with a little perspective under our belts we got family pictures taken while he was still well. These pictures are just some of the many that we got of grandpa. I'm so glad we did and almost everyone was there (which in an of itself was a miracle.)

Here's their 6 kids with spouses.

 Mom and Dad with kids.

 All the grand kids.

 Kids with spouses again.

 Not only was Rex an amazing Priesthood holder and example, but he always put family first. We got together religiously at least once a month with all of the Maughan's to have family night. Everyone loves him dearly.

 Shirlene has been the most wonderful, supportive spouse possible. I can't even begin to imagine (nor do I want to know) what it's like to watch your spouse, your love, your everything, decline before your eyes when you know nothing can be done. She took care of him better than anyone could have. They loved each other so much and have been married for (I'm guessing) 55 years.

 Grandpa was so good at spending time with the grand kids too. He would call me up and say "I want to take your kids to the zoo" (or park, or fishing, or museum...you name it). He could see when I needed a break or help and wouldn't ask what he could do, he'd just take them for a few hours. Now they have these memories of him that are more precious than anything. I know he lived a good, long life, but my greatest sadness comes from my kids not being able to know him longer.

 This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of him.

 We knew he couldn't last long in a body that can't serve others to it's fullest potential. He's always been busy and cannot sit still. Even after he retired he always had a few part-time jobs just to keep busy. When he found out that the cancer was terminal he kept saying "I just want to go. No treatments. There's too much work to be done on the other side." There was no hesitation, no question to what he wanted. I know he's already busy at work.

The night he passed away one of my nephew's and his grandson (Tyrel) was being set apart as a missionary to leave the next day to the MTC. Rex passed away around 7:15pm and Tyrel got set apart at 8:00pm. We all think he knew that the only way he'd be able to be at the setting apart was to have his spirit there. He wanted to be there but couldn't in a weak body. Mike and LaNa (Tyrel's parents) said the spirit was so incredibly strong they could feel him there the entire time.  He has always loved missionary work and currently has 3 grandson's serving missions.

Trav is the amazing man that he is because of his dad. I can see so many similarities in the two of them that I know that one of the reasons I loved Rex so much is because Trav was so much like him. I am honored to be married to a man like that. I'm honored to be in a family like that, and I'm honored to have been a part of Rex's life.

I love you Rex. We miss you, but I know that we will see you again someday.