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"I'd Rather Wear Out Than Rust Out"

This week Brent and I attended the funeral services for Brother Barton. We knew him as a counselor in our single ward's bishopric, missionary and institute teacher; he always greeted us with a genuine smile and was so concerned with our lives (especially Brent-he always seemed so excited to see Brent). Each of his 7 children spoke about their father and I was so touched by each of their remarks. Maybe because I remembered his dedication and hard work and maybe because it reminded me of my own father. He worked in construction (I believed owned his own company) but always insisted working along side his workers. To borrow some of the words of one of his daughters: he was a pilot, father, missionary, teacher, grandfather and husband to name a few. Up until the day he died he continued to work and to serve as he could-he was planning on going to a work site the next day with his son to help with the electrical outlets (the title of this blog was taken from a list of his favorite quotes).

I had a special opportunity to work directly with him and his wife in the institute program. Several of his children shared memories of their childhood of him dancing with his wife in the kitchen and how he was always there beside her to help with the dishes. I can remember watching him watch her, so endearing and full of love. I can remember him smiling just listening to her talk and how, noticably, happy he was to see her happy.

I couldn't help but think how I want my children to grow up with similar memories; of seeing and then knowing the love that Brent and I have for one another. It was a truly and inspirational service and I felt so honored to have known him.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanantonio/obituary.aspx?n=wesley-martinus-barton&pid=145872206

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