Sterling and Marilyn Spafford - Canada Calgary Mission

Merry Christmas - December 2011

2011-12-01T12:59:00.001-08:00

December 2011
As we come to the end of the road in 2011 we are truly amazed at the blessings we enjoy. This 1995 Jaguar still only has 19,000 miles on it, but Sterling treats it like a toy and we decided to feature it on our Christmas card this year as he turned 80 and still likes to take it for a spin once in awhile. We put a lot of mileage on our regular car throughout this year. We drove to Palm Springs in February where we enjoyed some warmer winter temperatures. Our daughter, Susan and Dale Buxton added air mileage to come and join us for two weeks.

In March we drove to Salt Lake to witness the convert baptism of our grandson, Adam Spafford, age 24. For Mother’s Day, Susan and Dale spontaneously flew to St. George and we enjoyed their company. It is good to report that Dale has shown some small signs of improvement in his health this year. In June we welcomed Jake Spafford, our missionary grandson, home, who served faithfully in Korea. In July miles were driven to Laguna Beach, California where we both experienced birthdays and family gatherings. Sterling turned 80 (that seems like a lot of miles) on July 19th and the family who could make it, celebrated at the Peking Dragon in Dana Point, California, for Chinese food and then back to our condo for some gifts and tributes. Thanks to many of you who contributed to the Surprise 80th Birthday Book. It is a treasure to have these words and thoughts on paper.

Susan flew to Laguna Beach and drove us back to our home in Washington, Utah, the first week in September. Another road trip to SLC was taken when we welcomed Sam Spafford, another missionary grandson, home from the California Los Angeles Spanish Speaking Mission. A great event occurred in September when a group of old Galbraith and Green professionals gathered in St. George for a reunion. Many traveled from miles around and we enjoyed great dinners and catching up.

We have watched our children and grandchildren put mileage on vehicles and airplanes this year. Brent Caldwell joined the army and graduated from boot camp in South Carolina. Brent, Nichole, Carter and Abby moved to Arizona and on August 11th our great grandson, Max T. Caldwell was born. Our grandson, JD and his wife, Kallie, were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. She graduated from nursing school in March and they flew to Thailand for a belated honeymoon. Jen Hallam, our granddaughter and her family moved from Thayne to Afton in Wyoming. Our son, David Spafford, uses the airlines almost as much as he uses his car. Serving as bishop of a single’s ward he has been diligent about returning from wherever he is to be with those youth on Sundays. He and Susan took their family to Israel, Egypt and Jerusalem in October. Our Colorado Grandchildren, Shae, Derek and Liz have enjoyed travels to Laguna Beach. Mitchell graduated from BYU and entered Law School in the fall.

It truly is amazing that we have this much mileage on our bodies but we seem to be enduring the aging process with some ability; always wishing for more agility, but grateful for the positive aspects of this life. No trips to the hospital or rehab this year. Yea!! We never dreamed we’d be this old!

We hope your day’s travels are meaningful and may you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are grateful for the true meaning of Christmas in our lives and friendships with you through the years we’ve traveled together in this journey called life.

Love,
President and Sister Spafford

Happy 80th - July 19, 2011

2011-07-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

President Spafford turns 80 years old today! Surrounded by family members, we celebrated at a chinese restaurant in Dana Point, California. We are staying for the week in Laguna Beach and are enjoying some great time making memories. We have compiled a book of birthday wishes, tributes and memories with President Spafford. If you want to still add to the book, email your thoughts to me, their daughter, Susan Buxton (Spade@allwest.net) I'll slip it in his book. Thanks to those who wrote something already. It is a treasure to him.

P.S. Sister Spafford turns 78 on the 23rd. Coincidence they are born within a few days of each other two years apart!

Christmas Wishes - 2010

2010-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

We all love this special holiday season every year that inspires us to have kind feelings for our fellow man and to hope for peace and joy.

We are counting our blessings this year as we’ve had no hospital stays - we’ve been known to say that we are thrilled for a seemingly boring year. YEA for boring!!!! My knee has behaved well and become fairly strong again. I am walking with no pain in that leg and that is terrific news for me. On the other hand, Sterling decided to scare us when the painful sore on top of his head revealed Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The doctor removed a small section the first time, but needed to remove a larger section the second time to get all of the cancer. We were both relieved when the tests came back that the second skin graft was cancer free.

Our picture shows us at our lovely condo in Palm Springs. We enjoyed February and March there this year. It’s a beautiful place where we see spectacular flowers, palm trees and lots of sunny days. We found numerous restaurants awaiting our visits who happily took our money but left us extra poundage.

The thrill of the year came with the birth of a beautiful great granddaughter, Ellie May Hallam, on May 18th (our Susan is the Grandma!!). Further excitement came in June when three of our grandchildren (Shae Whitney, Adam and Tynette Spafford) graduated from college. And in July our grandson, Derek Whitney, from Denver got married. Our son, David and his wife, Susan, arranged for Sterling and me to fly from Laguna Beach with them to attend the wedding. David was called to be the Bishop of a student ward in our church. He will be very busy for a few years. We are very proud of him and his wonderful family. We also love having two grandsons (Jake and Sam Spafford) still serving in the mission field.

Yes, we finally made it to Laguna Beach after three years’ absence. Can you believe we were actually cold at the beach this year? Temperatures in July were below average and the sun only came out a few days. August made up for it, however, and the sun was our companion once again, and we warmed up a bit. Back home to St. George on September 1st found us really warming up, temperature-wise. The weather in Utah was above average and we were hot.

Christmas is just around the corner, where it is time to remember our Savior and His precious gift of eternal life that He gave to us. May we strive to be worthy of His blessings as we enjoy this special season and send best wishes for the New Year.

Mom and Dad

Marilyn and Sterling

Grandma and Grandpa

November in Washington, Utah

2010-10-31T15:07:00.000-07:00

A warm hello from Washington, Utah

October, 2010

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

A very happy Mother's Day to all. This was taken today in Washington, Utah. Here are the Spafford's outside the church.

Christmas wishes 2009

2010-01-29T21:41:00.000-08:00

As we make preparations to celebrate the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" we remember the Most Important Reason of the Year. We celebrate the birth of our Savior, which was the beginning of such an extraordinary life. His life has been the benchmark of all that is exemplary in our lives. How we love Him!
This past year has shown us that we can love life and enjoy each other even though we spent most of our year pretty close to home. We spent February and March in our Palm Springs condo, where we had special friends and family visit us.
In April I had cataract surgery on both eyes, which was no big deal, but found out you do have to follow instructions for total success (and I did and it was!!)
We planned to meet our total "Spafford Family "in Laguna Beach in July for our bi-yearly time of fun and frolic in the sand. But, two days before Sterling and I were to leave, I was taken to the hospital in St. George with another bout with infection in my right knee. It was decided I needed to be in Salt Lake under the care of the physicians who previously replaced my knee.
In Salt Lake, the knee was cleaned out from a serious infection and the spacer removed, followed by a couple of days with an open incision. Then a new spacer was inserted and I began the recuperation process at St. Mark’s Hospital. I struggled through rehab and after ten days we were able to come back to Washington (my joy!!!) Sterling became my nurse as he administered the antibiotics via IV for five weeks - twice per day.
While we were in Salt Lake, our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were basking in the sun and frolicking in the waves of Laguna Beach. It was a reunion, of sorts, with the Spaffords, but without us. They had a great time and said they missed us. When we think of how close our timing was (the "knee experience" occurring just two days before we would have been in Laguna Beach), we were counting our lucky stars we were still in Utah. I’ve had a long recuperation period. It has been tough, but once again, Sterling has been my great care giver and supporter. I am one very fortunate woman.
We had a grandson graduate from high school, a grandson’s wife graduate from college, and two of our grandsons left for missions this year - one to Seoul, Korea, and one to Los Angeles, California - Spanish Speaking, so our buttons of pride are popping off the chest. Another grandson became engaged - always something exciting going on in our family.
We are mindful of many of you who are struggling with ill health, and our wish is for complete recovery and restoration of good health. May the joy of the season lessen the pain and may we all remember the wonderful legacy given to us with the birth of this very important Son of our Heavenly Father. May 2010 be full of happiness and joy.
Mom and Dad ~ Grandma and Grandpa
Marilyn and Sterling Spafford

For anyone checking

2009-08-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

For anyone checking in on this blog, Sterling and Marilyn Spafford have had a crazy July. Sister Spafford awakened on the 4th of July and could not stand on that right knee (replaced for the third time on July 25th last year-2008). To the ER in St. George on the 5th, she went by ambulance and after tests were done, infection was found, she was ambulanced to St. Mark's Hospital in SLC on Friday night. Susan flew down to St. George and drove President Spafford to SLC where they both spent until Monday, July 27th at the Hospital (a night or two in ICU, a few nights on the orthopedic floor and the remaining days on the Rehab floor. More details are on our daughter's blog. (http://susanbuxton.blogspot.com) But antibiotics are being administered til the end of August, and we're all hopeful the knee will be responsive.

President and Sister Spafford supporting each other always

President Spafford's darling sister, Marianne came to do Sister Spafford's hair. What a beautiful act of service.

Celebrated birthdays (July 19th and 23rd) in the Hospital!

Sister and President Spafford with RS President

New Mission President

2009-07-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

July 1, 2009 Alan Archibald (with wife, Pamela)

called to serve as President in the Canada Calgary Mission Alan Lee Archibald, 57, and Pamela Jo Banning Archibald, four children, Bloomington 6th Ward, Bloomington Utah Stake. President Archibald is president of the St. George Utah College 1st Stake and is a former bishop and counselor, high councilor, counselor in a stake Young Men presidency, gospel doctrine teacher and missionary in the Oregon Mission. Retired automobile franchise owner. Born in Brigham City, Utah, to Clain and Carma Archibald. Sister Archibald is a ward Relief Society teacher and a former ward Relief Society president, counselor in ward Young Women and Primary presidencies and Cub Scout leader. Born in Los Angeles, California, to James Willis and Ruth May Banning.

Lynn Porter update

2009-03-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

On 1/30/09, our 16 year old daughter Hannah (oldest child), was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer. She will undergo 2-yrs of chemo therapy treatments. To help keep you better informed of Hannah's treatment and progress, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahporter CarringBridge website that we created for Hannah.

We try to keep this current and you are welcome to share your comments and feelings with us.

Thank you so very much for all your love, prayers, concern and service that has been granted in our behalf.

Sincerely,
Lynn & Karen Porter family

Elder Riley

2009-03-05T15:21:00.000-08:00

I am attaching a photo from the summer of 08. It was taken in Yellowstone. Our son Spencer just received his mission call. He has been called to the Lansing Michigan Mission and enters the MTC on May 13th. One of my greatest desires is that Spencer can establish a relationship with his mission president like I did. What a blessing in my life!

Elder Robison

2009-02-25T14:41:00.000-08:00

Here's a family photo from Elder Robison!

The Horlacher family of Layton sings in cabin at This Is the Place Heritage Park as part of the annual Candlelight Christmas celebration

2008-12-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas past: Family of 11 re-creates pioneer holiday
By Nicole Warburton
Deseret News
Published: December 15, 2008
After a stormy day, the night was still.
Fresh snow clung to the tips of tree branches and blanketed the rooftops in white. Just a few people were outside, working to clear the walkways leading to the historic homes at This Is the Place Heritage Park.
They were preparing for visitors to the park's annual "Candlelight Christmas," which runs until Dec. 23 this year. The park's historic homes are open, and the public can participate in holiday activities and learn about pioneer life.
Suddenly, a group of young voices broke the silence. The Horlacher family, all dressed in pioneer clothing, arrived en masse at the old Gardiner cabin, with older siblings taking charge of their exuberant younger siblings. "Should we start a fire?" one sister asked.
"Someone close the door — we're freezing," another sibling said.
It's a study of organized chaos. The Horlachers are a family of 11 from Layton, with children ranging from ages 16 to three months. They are volunteering a few nights this holiday season to re-create pioneer life inside the old Gardiner cabin, which is 13 feet by 22 feet and was home during the 1800s to a family of 12 living in the Salt Lake Valley. "It gives you a perspective of what it was really like here," father Zann Horlacher said. "Our family is close to the size of the family here."
About two weeks ago, they settled in for a three-hour shift at the cabin, which has no electricity. Younger children were bundled up in blankets and coats while sisters Olivia, 16, and Raychel, 14, took turns watching the family's baby, William, 3 months.
Zann Horlacher helped start a fire, while his wife, Teena Horlacher, managed to give an interview while keeping an eye on Adam, 2, and Caroline, 4, who were seated near some candles on the table. "I love for my kids to be able to see the pioneer way of life," said Teena Horlacher, who has volunteered at This Is the Place for eight years. "Our home is like 15 times the size of this."
During the evening, they cooked an authentic dinner with sausage, potatoes and carrots. A few weeks ago, the kids made paper chains to decorate the cabin, which is one room filled with a small bed, fireplace and table. There is also a small loft where the Gardiner boys once slept.
The Horlacher children said they love being at This is the Place because they can play and be with family. Home can often be busy, Raychel Horlacher said.
"This brings us together as a family," she said.
Holly Curtis, volunteer coordinator for This Is the Place, said she would encourage people to attend "Candlelight Christmas" because of its emphasis on family and heritage. It runs every night but Sunday, and various families such as the Horlachers will re-create pioneer life throughout the park.
"This is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of what modern-day Christmas has become," Curtis said.

If you go:

What: "Candlelight Christmas" at This Is the Place Heritage Park
Where: 2601 E. Sunnyside Avenue
When: Monday through Thursday, 6-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6-10 p.m. Ends Dec. 23
Cost: $8 for adults. $6 for children (ages 3-11) and seniors (55 and older)
Web: www.thisistheplace.org
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com
Photos taken by Tom Smart

Merry Christmas from around the world

2008-12-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

Elder Udy family 2008Elder Porter Family ~ 2008

Sister Capson Marries November 1st

2008-12-05T13:12:00.001-08:00

No place like home for the holidays

2008-12-02T14:08:00.001-08:00

December 1, 2008

We have left Palm Springs and enjoyed the month of November there with warm temperatures, blue skies, sunshine, palm trees, beautiful flowers and a quiet condo. We had our daughter and husband, and Sister Spafford's Sister and her husband visit during the month. We had an unpleasant journey home through construction and traffic in Las Vegas, but today is a new day and we're enjoying the Christmas decor in our home and looking forward to receiving the Christmas letters, cards, and pictures that arrive from now until Christmas. There really is no place like home for the holidays. This year we plan to arrive in Salt Lake for a family Christmas party and maybe celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary too. So we'll see how the weather treats us. Isn't it glorious?

Dale and Susan

The Spaffords

Palm Springs

Families are growing and changing!

2008-12-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

.....And getting olderSister (Womack) Bartlett Family (2008)

Sister Brey (2008)

Elder Harris' Children (2008)

Sister (Chappell) and Elder Wade
Family on a cruise

Here are a few recent photos received.

If you're interested in having your photo here,

send permission and the photo to spade@allwest.net

Remember, you can double click on the photos to view them larger!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

2008-11-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

Spafford Christmas Letter - 2008

What a special privilege we have, once again, to celebrate the birth of our Savior. During this season of gratitude and reflection, our wish is that we all rejoice in the gift of family, friends, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ during the holidays and all through the New Year.

We have had another fiendish year health-wise. After five months either in the hospital or rehab facilities, our Christmas Card picture is my Welcome Home. I was thrilled to be back home after these bouts to fix my right knee for the third time. It has been a time of anxiety as one doctor said he didn’t think he could operate again on my knee. So, Sterling did some research and found a doctor in Salt Lake (Dr. Marc Mariani) who said he thought he could put it together one more time. (Since surgery fell two days after my 75th birthday, many thought it was the best birthday present I could receive). Through it all, I feel I have had blessings from on high throughout the healing process. Then, too, I have had the most wonderful "care giver" in the world. Sterling has been fabulous. We have each taken our turn when needed.

That experience seems to have taken up a huge chunk of our year. Because I was incapacitated we were unable to spend time in our summer haven - Laguna Beach. We hope to make up for that next year with my new knee taking me through the sand right down to the ocean. That will be awesome.

Grandson Derek Whitney graduated from Ponderosa High School (Parker, Colorado). Grandson Jake Spafford graduated from Alta High School (SLC, Utah) with high honors and is attending BYU in Provo, Utah (Thomas S. Monson Scholarship). Wow!

We had two grandsons get married this summer. JD, son of Susan and Dale Buxton, married Kallie Harrison of San Diego, on July 5th while in Laguna Beach. Another grandson, Adam Spafford, son of Michael (deceased), married Tynette Iverson on August 16th in our daughter, Susan’s, back yard in Oakley, Utah. It was a peaceful, serene, and romantic setting. They honeymooned in our condo in Laguna Beach. During the summer, other members of our family took advantage of the condo in Laguna Beach and loved the ocean and the beach.

Dare we try to celebrate Thanksgiving again in Palm Springs, California, where two years ago, Sterling suffered a heart attack, had triple by-pass surgery and then broke his ankle? We think we’re going to spend a few weeks there again. We’re hoping to share this time with my sister and her husband (Roy and Arline Arnold) who live in Whittier, California. That’s always a plus for me.

It is worth noting that on December 28, 2008, Sterling and I will celebrate our 55th Anniversary. We’re getting up there, aren’t we?

We cherish this time of year and send warmest thoughts and best wishes for every happiness throughout the holiday season and for a very Happy New Year.

President and Sister Spafford

P.S. We always look forward to our missionary

Christmas photos, cards and letters at this time of year.

What a difference two years can make!

2008-11-25T11:29:00.001-08:00

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Two years ago today, I was having open heart triple bypass surgery (the day after Thanksgiving) in Palm Springs, California. It was a pretty grueling few days and upon returning to our condo, I fell and broke my ankle and had to return to the hospital. After a brief stay in a local rehab facility I was life flighted back to St. George. Recovery was slow, but steady. My heart seems to be back to normal.

The next challenging year (2007) brought a death of a son, a divorce of a grandson, a horrific ATV accident of a son-in-law (who still struggles with constant pain).

In 2008, two grandsons graduated from high school, two other grandsons got married and I attended my 60th High School Reunion in June. In reflection of just the past year, it is amazing to note that many things have happened to our family.

I guess most notable is the fact that Sister Spafford was rushed to the ER on April 6th, 2008 and infection was found in the right leg. (Cellulitis and Cdiff). She was in the hospital and rehab for several weeks with antibiotic infusions. On May 6th, tests were done in SLC and it was determined that the knee prosthesis should be removed. Our daughter, Susan, flew down on May 29th, and drove us to Salt Lake on June 1st. Removal of the right knee prosthesis took place on June 2nd. By June 6th, we were on our way back to St. George. Sister Spafford spent more time at the Coral Desert Rehab in St. George and then returned home for a few weeks prior to the 3rd knee replacement, which ultimately took place on July 25th back in Salt Lake City at St. Mark's Hospital. There were several trips back and forth from St. George to Salt Lake City during the summer months. As of this writing, she is walking and has even driven us to Palm Springs for the month of November. Everyone is grateful for this outcome and are praying for continued success.

As the years go by swiftly for us, we have time to reflect on the goodness of the Lord in restoring the fullness of the gospel in these latter days. Our thrills in life are magnified by the wonderful lives of "our missionaries" and to watch their families mature. We always hope and pray that you are all staying close to the church and faithful in all things. Blessings to you always and our love.

President (and Sister) Spafford

Sister Spafford in

the hospital and rehab center

Calgary Temple Announced-October 4, 2008

2008-11-25T11:27:00.000-08:00

At October General Conference, President Monson announced the building of 5 new temples. One will be in Calgary.

Construction Status
As announced by Elder Richard K. Melchin, Area Seventy in the North America Central Area, the Church has a "beautiful site with a panoramic view of the city" for the newly announced Calgary Alberta Temple. The site, adjacent to the Royal Oak Chapel in northwest Calgary, was purchased about four years ago in anticipation of a temple for Calgary where over 18,000 members in 6 stakes live. Designs for the temple will be drawn over the next six months with completion of the building expected in about three years.
Access to the temple will be greatly facilitated by the recently announced Tuscany/Royal Oak C-Train station. C-Train is Calgary's light rail transit (LRT), which provides public transportation to various sections of the city. The Tuscany/Royal Oak station will be located within short walking distance of the temple at the intersection of Crowchild Trail and Rocky Ridge Road, which borders the temple site to the west. The station was originally planned to be completed after 2023, but on November 7, 2007, the Calgary City Council approved and funded completion of the station by 2011—likely the same year or earlier that the temple will be completed.
The Calgary Ring Road—a beltway project that is surrounding Calgary with a high-capacity freeway—will also improve access to the temple. The Stoney Trail/Crowchild Trail Interchange, just a couple of blocks from the temple site, is planned to be completed in 2009.
President Thomas S. Monson announced the temple in the opening session of General Conference on October 4, 2008. Once completed, the Calgary Alberta Temple will be Canada's eighth temple and Alberta's third. The other Albertan temples are located in Cardston, Alberta and in Edmonton, Alberta. In the adjoining province of British Columbia, the Vancouver British Columbia Temple is currently under construction.
Mormons first began to settle in southern Alberta in the 1880s as contract workers on the Canadian Pacific Railroad and as farmers in present-day Cardston. By 1895, the first stake in Alberta was established, and membership in the Church has continued to thrive ever since. Today there are over 75,000 members throughout the province.
Temple Facts
The Calgary Alberta Temple will be the eighth temple built in Canada and the third built in Alberta, following the Cardston Alberta Temple (1923) and the Edmonton Alberta Temple (1999).

Cardston

Edmonton

President Hinckley and President Monson

2008-11-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

On February 3, 2008 Thomas S. Monson was selected as the new prophet for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

President Thomas S. Monson,16th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Here are his remarks from the April 2008 178th Annual General Conference

Sunday Morning Session

I think this has been a remarkable session. The messages have been inspiring; the music has been beautiful, the testimonies sincere. I think anyone who has attended this session will never forget it—for the Spirit we’ve felt. My beloved brothers and sisters, over 44 years ago, in October of 1963, I stood at the pulpit in the Tabernacle, having just been sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. On that occasion I mentioned a small sign I had seen on another pulpit. The words on the sign were these: “Who stands at this pulpit, let him be humble.” I assure you that I was humbled by my call to the Twelve at that time. However, as I stand at this pulpit today, I address you from the absolute depths of humility. I feel very keenly my dependence upon the Lord. I humbly seek the guidance of the Spirit as I share with you the feelings of my heart. Just two months ago we said farewell to our dear friend and leader Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an outstanding ambassador of truth to the entire world and beloved of all. We miss him. More than 53,000 men, women, and children journeyed to the beautiful Hall of the Prophets in this very building to pay their last respects to this giant of the Lord, who now belongs to the ages. With the passing of President Hinckley, the First Presidency was dissolved. President Eyring and I, who served as counselors to President Hinckley, returned to our places in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and that quorum became the presiding authority of the Church. On Saturday, February 2, 2008, funeral services for President Hinckley were held in this magnificent Conference Center—a building which will ever stand as a monument to his foresight and vision. During the funeral, beautiful and loving tributes were paid to this man of God. The following day, all 14 ordained Apostles living on the earth assembled in an upper room of the Salt Lake Temple. We met in a spirit of fasting and prayer. During that solemn and sacred gathering, the Presidency of the Church was reorganized in accordance with well-established precedent, after the pattern which the Lord Himself put in place. Members of the Church around the world convened yesterday in a solemn assembly. You raised your hands in a sustaining vote to approve the action which was taken in that meeting in the temple to which I have just referred. As your hands were raised toward heaven, my heart was touched. I felt your love and support, as well as your commitment to the Lord. I know without question, my brothers and sisters, that God lives. I testify to you that this is His work. I testify as well that our Savior Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church, which bears His name. I know that the sweetest experience in all this life is to feel His promptings as He directs us in the furtherance of His work. I felt those promptings as a young bishop, guided to the homes where there was spiritual—or perhaps temporal—want. I felt them again as a mission president in Toronto, Canada, working with wonderful missionaries who were a living witness and testimony to the world that this work is divine and that we are led by a prophet. I have felt them throughout my service in the Twelve and in the First Presidency and now as President of the Church. I testify that each one of us can feel the Lord’s inspiration as we live worthily and strive to serve Him. I am keenly aware of the 15 men who preceded me as President of the Church. Many of them I have known personally. I have had the blessing and privilege of serving as a counselor to three of them. I am grateful for the abiding legacy left by each one of those 15 men. I have the sure knowledge, as I am confident they had, that God directs His prophet. My earnest prayer is that I might continue to be a worthy instrument in His hands to carry on this great work and to fulfill the tremendous responsibilities which come with the office of President. I thank the Lord for wonderful counselors. President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf are men of great ability and sound understanding. They are counselors in the true sense of the word. I value their judgment. I believe they have been prepared by the Lord for the positions they now occupy. I love the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and treasure my association with them. They, too, are dedicated to the work of the Lord and are spending their lives in His service. I look forward to serving with Elder Christofferson, who has now been called to that quorum and who has received your sustaining vote. He, too, has been prepared for the position to which he has been called. It has also been a joy to serve with the members of the quorums of the Seventy and with the Presiding Bishopric. New members of the Seventy have been called and were sustained yesterday, and I look forward to associating with them in the work of the Master. A sweet spirit of unity exists among the General Authorities. The Lord has declared, “If ye are not one ye are not mine.”(D&C 38:27) We will continue to be united in one purpose—namely, the furtherance of the work of the Lord.President Eyring, President Uchtdorf and President Monson

January 27, 2008
The 15th president of our church, Gordon B. Hinckley passed away

(January 27, 2008) at his home surrounded by family.

He was 97 years old. He truly was a prophet for this day and age. (Quoting from KSL) Since becoming Church President on Mar. 12, 1995, he has directed the most intense temple building program in the history of the Church in an effort to extend temple blessings to more members. He has exhibited vitality and energy as he has traveled about the world meeting and speaking to members of the Church. Through television interviews and national press publications, he has increased media attention and improved the public image of the Church. He has counseled Church members to fellowship new converts, befriend members of other faiths, live exemplary lives, and avoid the evils of the world. He began his role as president of the Church in 1995 by holding a rare news conference, citing growth and spreading the LDS message as the Church's main challenge heading into the 21st century. "We are dedicated ... to teaching the gospel of peace, to the promotion of civility and mutual respect among people everywhere, to bearing witness to the living reality of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the practice of his teachings in our daily lives," he said at the time. President Hinckley was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Pay Hinckley, whom he married in 1937. She died April 6, 2004. Family members will meet with Church officials to arrange the funeral. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is now leading the Church. That body will choose the next leader of the faith. By tradition, it is the senior member of the Quorum, and that is President Thomas S. Monson, who has been President Hinckley's First Counselor.
President and Sister Monson

Canada Calgary Mission Reunion - Spafford

2007-10-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

A very successful Missionary Reunion was held at the EnergySolutions Arena on Friday, October 5, 2007 with over 100 in attendance. (See slide show below with a few photos of the event) With the help of Chairman, Steve Smith and his assistant, Debra Peterson (and our daughter) who all spent countless hours contacting missionaries, preparing CDs with history recaps, and a DVD of memories from the mission, plus a directory with contact information, the reunion was indeed a great event. The Argyles did a great job during the beginning ice breaker activity, the music was traditional (O Canada and Called to Serve, played by Steve's son on the keyboard), the remarks by the Spafford's were heartfelt and timely. The food was great and the conversations and catching up with other missionaries was priceless.

Should we have another one in five years?

2012?!?!

We are waiting for volunteers

to CHAIR the next reunion

or serve on the committee. Send word to spade@allwest.net.

MISSIONARY PHOTOS - 2007

2007-10-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

Missionary Photos compiled in October 2007 for the reunion held in SLC

(double click on the pictures if you want to view them larger) Sister (Ullman) Gregson Family

Elder Fischer Family

Elder Porter Family

Sister (Chappell) and Elder Wade family

Sister Millett

Elder Smith Family

Elder Walton Family

Elder Thompson Family

Elder Udy Family

Sister (Kofoed) Williams Family

Elder Williams Family

Sister (Womack) Bartlett Family

Elder Wankier Family

Sister (Sawyer) Trottier Family

Sister (Sawyer) Trottier Family

Elder Stephenson Family

Elder Horlacher Family (girls)

Elder Horlacher Family (boys)

Elder Shipley Family

Elder Riley Family

Elder Perkis Family

Elder Marz Family

Sister (Holme) Longman Family

Elder Kirby Family

Elder and Sister Jardine (He's 90!-Amazing)

Elder Evans Family

Sister (Capson) Wortham family

Elder Cooper Family

Elder Coombs Family

Elder Case Family

Elder Argyle Family

This blog is created for missionaries of the Canada Calgary Mission (1985-1988) who want to stay updated with each other and the Spaffords.

(written and updated by their daughter, Susan)

IN MEMORIAM

Sister Joanie Barney Smith passed away on June 13, 2007.

Joanie Michelle Smith, 44, of Longmont, died June 13, 2007 at her home.
She was born July 15, 1962 in San Francisco, and raised in San Jose, California by her parents Ralph and Carrie (Stroud) Barney.
Joanie graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1979 and then continued her education at San Jose College to get ERMT.
She married Timothy R. Smith on November 28, 1987 in the Oakland temple, California.
Joanie was an Emergency Room Trauma Technician, a homemaker and mother.
She was a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joanie enjoyed working with the youth and was very active in Boy Scouts of America and other youth groups. She also enjoyed woodworking, fishing, boating, and sports. She was a wonderful story teller and many times left those listening with tears from laughing so hard. Though she has struggled the last few years with her health, she enjoyed having her family and friends around her and having their support.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Survivors include her husband Timothy of Longmont; three sons, Marc, Steven and Brandon Smith; her mother of St. George, Utah and a brother, Clay Barney of Michigan. Visitation 12-1 PM and Funeral Service 1:30 PM Tuesday, June 19 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1721 Red Cloud Rd. in Longmont. Interment at Delta Cemetery in Delta, Utah. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America and sent to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to leave condolences for the family.