A Friend Departs

Our long-time friend Larry Trollope has passed away. His daughter Tammy called a couple days ago to update us and let us know her dad was on hospice care at home and wasn't expected to live much longer. Larry and Betty have been friends, although there has always been miles and miles between us, for ever and ever. Larry and Mike worked together in the valley before Mike transferred up here in 1977. When time permitted, we would go to Larry and Betty's place in the valley ... bordering a dairy farm no less. Larry had decided to be a tree farmer. Seriously. Oh my gosh it was always so much fun to spend time with the two of them!

Larry and Betty adored our kids. They were Grandpa Larry and Grandma Betty to the kids when they were young. Jodie loved to make pies with Grandma Betty!

A few years ago Larry suffered a stroke. During his recupe time, Larry ended up having to retire from his job with SRP. The recovery was just too long to keep his position. He busied himself by being creative - welding and making garden art. Betty has cared for him during all this time. Mike & I have visited with them by phone, occassionally visiting at their home. Mike went down for Larry's 60th birthday bash a while back. Betty had thrown a surprise party for him and invited tons of friends. Mike had a great time.

When our friends moved to Apache Junction we visited out there. Larry was so please with the work he had done on the place. They liked living out there. We enjoyed visiting. After Tammy's call the other day, I told Mike spring break was coming up and I wanted to go down and visit Larry and Betty. He wouldn't be able to make the trip because of his work schedule. I wasn't able to go sooner because of TJei's preschool schedule.

I'd contemplated contacting Jacob to see if he could pick up a fruit basket and make a visit to their home but talked myself out of asking him because he is already doing so much to help Quentin.

Now, the call from Vicky, another daughter, to let us know our friend has died. His pains and struggles have ended. I hope his family can find peace in celebrating his life.