Big Papa 1932-2010

My dear grandpa passed away on tuesday afternoon. I was at McKay-Dee doing clinicals when I was suddenly fludded with phone calls and text messages. The first text I got was from my mom which said, "Grandpa Canova, no pulse, ambulance to hospital, will keep informed." I was immediately worried but not overwhelmed because he has had some hard times in the past, all of which he has pulled through okay. But once the phone calls kept coming in, I knew something was really wrong and I just broke down. My mind was racing because I wasn't sure if he had passed away but people were frantically trying to get a hold of me. It was seriously THE WORST time to be at clinicals and not be allowed to use my cell phone. When I was finally able to get a break, I called my mom back. Janae answered and told me the news. My grandpa had passed away @ 77 years of age after a long hard fight with diabetes and heart failure. It's so hard to think he is gone. I told some of my family, I can deal with the idea of death, but when I think of the separation (even if its temporary) I just fall apart. I know he is happier now, and in all actuality the Lord was very merciful to him. He had struggled so long with losing his vision, losing a limb, dialysis 3 times a week for hours, oxygen tanks, and heart attacks. He had made an ultimatum with himself that once he lost his vision completely he would quit going to dialysis. He could still see shadows as it was. He and my grandma had just returned home from a regular visit with his cardiologist. She pushed him up the ramp to their front door in his wheelchair all the while talking together and suddenly upon entering their home he slumped over in his chair. 911 and CPR followed, he was taken to the Riverton Intermountain hospital, but he had completed his mortal mission. Heavenly Father knew his pain, and that he was going to have to make some really tough decisions in his future and so he let this happen so that It would be easier for him to go, so that he wouldn't have to be the one to decide when the end of his life would be. He didn't hurt, all seemed to be well. And now he is home. I'm sure he was greeted by his dear mother who he had not seen since he was 4 years old and all 8 of his siblings who preceded him in death. He leaves us behind along with his sweet wife, my grandma. We are sad, we all miss him. But we know we get to see him again soon. The gospel is such a comfort in times like this. It makes death survivable, knowing that its not the last time you will see them. The temple brings so many blessings. Families are forever.

He finished his test, as we all will. Those of us that didn't get to say goodbye to my Grandpa the night of his death, were able by some special arrangements to see him the following morning and say our own goodbyes. Life is so fragile. And I realized that even when that person, who is now gone, knows that you love them. It still will always feel like you never told them that quite enough times. So, I love you grandpa, with all my heart.

Thanks for all the fun memories (impossible wooden puzzles included). I'll see you soon.

This is the most recent picture I have of Big Papa. This was taken at his home about year and a half ago. He is with Chief, Linds, and Hallie Bear.
His obituary ran in the Deseret Newspaper today, here it is.
Norman Ray Canova 1932-2010
Norman Ray Canova, age 77, passed away January 19, 2010 in Riverton, Utah. Born June 30, 1932 in San Bernardino, California to Thomas Raymond and Mary Emily Gould Canova. He married Donna Louise McClellan September 10, 1955 in Riverside, California. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Was a deptuty sheriff in Riverside County, California for 31 years. His is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Don (Susan), Jim (Jamie), Jerry (Debbie), Julie Kemp and Becky (Brett) Davis; 20 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; one brother; four sisters. Preceded in death by six sisters and two brothers. Graveside services will be Friday, January 22, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at the Herriman City Cemetery, 6000 West 12300 South. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.

I want to say that I love my family so much. We're all in this together.
Remember...
"It's not goodbye. It's see you later"

Love, Sierra Canova Coombs