The Best Grandpa In The World

Honestly, I doubt I will even be able to find the words to express how much Grandpa means to me. He always made me feel like I was the greatest thing on the earth, and I'm sure all of his grandkids feel the same way. Everytime we were together he always took time out to pull me aside and ask how I was doing and how my life was, and he always listened and really wanted to know. And he always seemed to know just what to say to me at a particular point in my life. Grandpa had a way of teaching that was fun too, he never took anything too seriously and always seemed to be so well balanced in everything. There was always time for fun! Grandpa was the greatest example of love I can think of, well, along with Grandma. :) It's hard for me to think of any memories of Grandpa without also having Grandma right along side. What a love story! Grandma, you will never know what an influence you are in my life! I love you so much!
These words all seem cheap compared with how I feel right now... boy I miss Grandpa so much! Just knowing he was here was such a comfort. I drew more strength from him than I realized. It doesn't seem right somehow that the world just keeps on going like normal. I will always miss him deeply until we meet again. I take comfort in picturing him up with our little Tagg LaMont who is due in Apr/May, getting him ready to come down to us. :) I love you Grandpa!!

Notes from Holly's Talk

We thought it would be nice if the three of us daughters stood here together and shared some of our memories of Dad from while we were growing up. Being the oldest, I guess I’ll start. When I was a little girl I loved wearing Dad’s t shirts as my nightgown. They came all the way down to my ankles and I remember that I felt safe and loved in his shirts. As children Dad would play with us girls. He was so strong. He would give us piggy back rides around and around the family room until he was too tired to keep going. He would also play airplane with us where he would lay on his back and lift us up with his feet and we would hold out our hands and fly. These moments were always filled with lots of love and laughter. Dad always tried to make some time for us each day and he always made us feel special.

Family night was very important to Dad. There was never a reason that was good enough to miss family night. I remember one time when I had a school play rehearsal scheduled for a Monday night. My teacher had said that it was mandatory for all of us to be there – no excuses- and that she would dock the grade of anyone who didn’t come. When I got home that afternoon and told my parents about it, Dad called my teacher. First he asked if she was LDS (she was) and then he explained to her that to him family night was more important than any school activity, that I wouldn’t be there and that she should not penalize my grade for doing what the prophet had instructed us to do. I was so embarrassed at the time, but it really made a deep impression on me about the importance of family and standing up for what you believe in. Dad was never afraid to do what he felt was right.

I also learned about teaching during family night. We had an assignment chart that hung in the dining room. The various assignments were conductor, songs, jokes, refreshments, spiritual thought, games, opening prayer, closing prayer and the dreaded lesson. These assignments would rotate weekly and we had all week to prepare for the upcoming family night. Our parents made sure that each of us kids had something to do for our family night gatherings. There was no excuse to not be ready by Monday night. Mom and Dad would always help us prepare if we would ask for their help. I remember one time when it was my turn to give the lesson and I just didn’t know what to do. I asked dad to help me and his answer was, I’ll teach you how to give a lesson and then you’ll always know how to give one. He taught me that first you pick a topic and then you just need to ask five questions – what, where, when, why and how. These questions give you a basic outline for your lesson and you just need to research and find the answers to each of these questions. When giving your lesson, you ask these same five questions one at a time and then direct the discussion to the correct answers. He explained that by doing this you’ll learn a lot about your lesson topic and be an effective teacher too. I’ve used this method many times over the years and I’ve also seen my father give lessons based on this outline. It works very well.

I’ll always remember the sight of Dad sitting at the kitchen table and studying his scriptures. You could find him there at the oddest hours. If he couldn’t sleep he would get up and study. We always knew what a priority it was in his life.

Some of my fondest memories are from Sunday afternoon scripture reading. All of the family, including friends, spouses as they were added and grandchildren as they came along would gather together in Mom and Dad’s front room. We would begin with a family prayer and then take turns going around the room each of us reading 4 or 5 verses a piece. We would then discuss what we had read and Dad would teach us. We read all of the scriptures several times each over the years and I learned so much from these afternoons. We would always have refreshments afterwards and a lot of times we would play games together too. These weekly gatherings continued until our family group finally became just too large. The memories of these gatherings will be something I’ll always remember and cherish.

Dad was never judgmental. You could talk to him about anything and he had a way of letting you know that he loved you no matter what. He would give the best advice and offer his support. I remember while growing up that there were times I didn’t want to talk to him about some things because I didn’t want to disappoint him. When I talked to him though, he never made me feel like I had let him down.

For those who don’t know, I have two sons serving missions. One is in Germany and the other is in Japan. It was a very hard thing to call them and let them know of their Grandpa’s passing. They were understandably sad and we talked with each of them for about one half an hour. They both expressed their gratitude and appreciation of their Grandfather and said what a good man he was. I could tell that they know he is in a good place. My oldest son Zack had his Pday the day after and was able to email us a quick letter. He wrote, “When I heard that Grandpa had passed away it was pretty surprising. I'm okay though. I know that he's off in a better place right now, and that he's doing some missionary work along side me while he's in the Spirit world. Now we have 4 missionaries in the family. “

I also have a young son age 2. He was very much a surprise to our family and when I found out I was expecting him I had some very mixed emotions about starting over. We also found out that he had a birth defect and the doctors prognosis wasn't very good. In talking with Dad, he assured me that Winston would be fine. He would have a hard start but things would work out. Also, that having a child at this stage of my life would be a tremendous blessing to me and my family. He expressed his love for my baby sister and said that even though he loved each and every one of us, he has special memories and experiences with her that he wasn’t able to have with the rest of us because of the demands of life. He told me that he knew my new son would be a special little boy and Dad was right. He really is a tremendous blessing to our family and I’m so grateful that Heavenly Father sent him to us. I think that we all felt like Dad had a direct line to Heavenly Father and we valued his advice.

Dad was always a great example of love and respect to us all in the way he treated our mother. He truly cherished her and insisted that we treat her with the same respect. Dad always referred to mom as his sweetheart. He made sure he told her every day that he loved her and we would always see him hug and kiss her. It made us feel good to see these expressions of love and to know that our parents loved each other so.

There aren’t words to express how wonderful our father was. We have so many fond and loving memories of him. His knowledge and advice was a precious gift to us and he will be greatly missed.

Condolences from Friends and Family

LDennis and Caryll Bateman wrote on Feb 16, 2009 9:12 PM:

" We are shocked to read of your sweet husband's passing and want to extend to you and your family our condolences. We have great memories of meeting you at the MTC prior to your departure to Nauvoo and then seeing you again in Nauvoo as we were heading home from our mission to Kirtland. You were outstanding, loving, and truly spiritual giants. May peace be with you in the days to come. "

Mary Fugal wrote on Feb 15, 2009 11:28 PM:

" Dear Lula and family, We were saddened to hear about the passing of your husband and father. We remember LaMont as a quiet man of strength, wisdom, generosity & kindness. He always wore a smile of encouragement. He was a tremendous example of dedication to family and to the gospel. He has left a wonderful legacy to be remembered by. Our prayers for comfort and peace to be with each of you in the coming days ahead. Love, Tony & Mary "

February 13, 2009, 9:47:25 AM
Joan and I just arrived in Salt Lake to enter the MTC and I read of the passing of Elder Henriksen. I am sad at his passing. I really enjoyed working with you guys in the Long Beach Mission. I hope we can be as good of missionaries as you were. - Jeffrey McDonald

February 13, 2009, 12:20:38 AM
Dear Aunt Lula and Family, We were so sad to learn of the passing of Uncle LaMont. You both have always been such a tremendous example to all of us of dedication to the Lord. Certainly Uncle LaMont will always be remembered for the way he consecrated his life to the church. What an amazing legacy! We love you and will certainly keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. James and Cindy Hilton - James and Cindy Hilton

February 12, 2009, 7:26:05 AM
You are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. It sure is great knowing that life is eternal and I'm sure Uncle Mont will be very busy using his many talents serving on the other side. - Steve and Carla Christensen

February 13, 2009
I served with Elder and Sister Henriksen in Nauvoo/Carthage. I'm so sorry to hear of his departure. I have great memories and pictures of him and Lula. I feel lucky to have got to know him. Take care and you are in my prayers. - Kristi Crockett Snow

February 12, 2009
Elder and Sister Henriksen served with us in the California Long Beach Misison when we first arrived. President Evans described perfectly what a kind, wise, and gentle missionary Elder Henriksen was. I noticed how careful he was to never criticize or complain. He was Christlike in his dealings with the missionaries and with the public. He and Sister Henriksen are a perfect pair. Everything good and noble that could be said of him could be said of her as well. The Henriksen family will be in our prayers during the days and weeks ahead. - President and Sister Sexton (Long Beach, CA)

February 12, 2009
We rejoice in the life of LaMont, his goodness, life-long service to family and church, his scholarship and example of Christ-like living. We loved serving with him in the Long Beach Mission. He was patient with the missionaries and their errors of driving. He taught them how to better take care of their vehicles in a kind and gentle way and the missionaries loved him. He always bore his testimony to them and it was powerful. He taught us how to serve and how to live a Christ-like life. May we remember his example and work to become more like he is. - President and Sister Ron Evans

February 12, 2009
I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Mont! He was such a great man! You two did so many good things together! You always were so good to us, and so good to call Mom often. We love you all! - Gayle and Les Andrews (Mesquite, TX)

February 12, 2009
I'm so sorry. Elder Henriksen was a pleasure to know. I always kind of wanted to pick his brain at the vast amount of church and gospel knowledge he had. My thoughts to you, Sister Henriksen, and your family. It's always so hard on those who are left behind, but makes us so thankful for what we know. Love to you all, Roeann Harper (Mesa, AZ)

Memorial Art Monuments wrote on Feb 13, 2009 9:01 AM:
" We would like to extend our deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. "

Devin Johnson wrote on Feb 12, 2009 9:27 PM:
" I love to see that so many people had the opportunity that I was fortunate enough to have, by meeting, associating with, and learning from Elder Henriksen (Grandpa). I know first hand as his Grandson that our family will miss dear Grandpa greatly!. I am thankful for all the people who have taken time out of their lives to post comments about Grandpa and the wonderful memories that we can now share from your comments.We love you Grandpa and will miss you greatly until we meet again.-Your Grandson - Devin Johnson "

Karyn Takke wrote on Feb 12, 2009 2:52 PM:
" Dear Lu, Bruce, Russell, Dana, Doug, Holly, Heidi, Lauriann and families: I have never known a man like LaMont. His quiet faith, strength, leadership and integrity have been such an example to me. I think often of him and of the things he has taught me. I think you will not know in this life the depth and breadth of his influence. I am sorry for the loss of his daily presence in your lives. Love, Karyn "

Gayle Pence wrote on Feb 12, 2009 1:53 PM:
" I am the daughter-in-law of Harvey and Mary Louise Pence from rural Eldora, Iowa. I have heard many stories about Elder Henrikson over the years. I know that the Pence family and many others will be truly indebted to Elder Henriksen for his faithful service as he helped pioneer the Marshalltown ward, in Marshalltown Iowa with Elder Eldean Holiday. We know that he was a mighty servant and appreciate knowing him and of his great life. "

Leon Darlie Hunsaker wrote on Feb 12, 2009 10:56 AM:
" Lula, We just read where your sweet husband passed away. We are so sorry. You both have been such lovely, faithful people. May your heart heal quickly. We are in St George for the winter. May our Father in Heaven bless you with HIS love and comfort at this time. "

MyrleneTippetts wrote on Feb 12, 2009 10:26 AM:
" Your dear husband has been an example to each of us. You are a great lady Lu. I truly send you my love and hope you know our hearts are with you. thank you for your great sons Dana and Bruce. They are such great men. They have given me so much joy and peace. I pray our Heavenly Father will bless you with all the blessings you need at this time Love you "

A. La Mont Henriksen

May 27, 1931 ~ February 10, 2009
A. La Mont Henriksen, 77, of Lindon, UT passed away on February 10, 2009. He was born May 27, 1931 in Logan, UT son of A.F. Henriksen, Sr. and Leatha Jenks. He grew up in Downey, CA, served a mission in the Northern States Mission, then was drafted and served 2 years in the army in Germany as a company clerk. He married Lula Marie Hilton in 1955 in the Salt Lake Temple. He graduated from BYU with a degree in Sociology, by then he also had a thriving Commercial Construction business. He served in Priesthood leadership positions all their married life—in 5 Bishoprics, and as Bishop, 2 full terms on Stake High Councils, teacher, temple worker, and Patriarch. He wrote 5 books, filled a term on the Lindon City Planning commission and 10 years on the Utah County Draft Board. Together with Lu he served as a Service Missionary at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, the Conference Center, and as trainers at the MTC. They also filled a 2 year Mission as Country Directors for LDS Charities in the Philippines, an 18 month mission at Nauvoo and Carthage, IL, and an 18 month mission in the California, Long Beach Mission Office.

He is survived by his wife, Lula Marie, his 7 children and their spouses Bruce (Debany), Russell (Cindy), Dana (Cynthia), Doug (Ashley), Holly (Brad), Heidi (Tobias), Lauriann (Perry), 26 grandchildren and 4 ½ great-grandchildren.

The family is asking that in lieu of sending flowers, well wishers make a donation to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 13, 2009 at 12:00 noon in the Lindon Ninth Ward Chapel, 1050 East 100 North, Lindon, UT.

A viewing will be held on Thursday evening, Feb 12, 2009 from 6-8 pm at the Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove and from 10:45-11:45 am prior to services on Friday. Interment will be in the Lindon City Cemetery with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post 72. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com