Sure do love ya Grandpa.

A tribute to one of the greatest men in my life:

My grandpa Emer Paul Bundy was one of my most favorite people I have been privileged to know. Grandpa led a life of service, to his country, to his family and to his fellow men. Although he was given a "medical pass" while others were being drafted to war, he signed up and found a way to serve. As a Grandpa, I remember every time he came to visit, he couldn't sit on the couch for too long. He always found a project that had been waiting to be done and dug in. Many times I got to tag along while grandpa worked in a garden, on a fence or a playhouse, and was pushed along in the wheelbarrow. Grandpa always had a song for everything! Many of my kids favorite "car ride" songs are ones I learned from my Grandpa, who had learned them while serving in the Navy, and rather than participate in most of the Sailor's activities, would find a guitar and pass the time in a more positive manner. Grandpa always had a hug for me, and he always smelled the same and felt the same in his polyester shirts. At the end of a good squeeze, he'd give me a pat and say, "Sure do love this girl". Grandpa could turn every conversation into a gospel subject, and he always would too. His introduction to everyone he met was to tell them that his name came from the Book of Mormon and was imediatley followed by "Would you like to learn about the Book of Mormon?" I have no idea how many people were brought to know their Savior through his friendship, but from one single family that he taught and fellowshiped, they say that 99 others have been baptized. Multiply that by a lifetime and Grandpa fullfilled the meaning of the word "Missionary". Although Grandpa worked hard his whole life, he led a humble lifestyle and was never financially well off, but determined to give to others, he was always growing something, if for no other reason than to be able to share it - you never went to Grandpa's home without leaving with a bucket (or two) of pears, tomatoes, plums or whatever else he had growing around his house.
The very last time I saw Grandpa (he had alzheimer's the last few years) he was able to recall who I was and talk about the fun times we had together. Just before I left, as my oldest daughter gave him a hug goodbye, he pulled her up on his lap and started talking to his "little Rainy". It was so neat to see him hold my little girl, as if she were me and watch from an outside perspective how much he had loved me and loved being a grandpa.
I'm so greatful to you Grandpa for the legacy that you left your grandchildren and even your great grandchildren. I am so blessed to have you for a grandpa. I will miss you and look forward to the time when we meet again.

Obituary written by youngest brother Glendon Bundy:

EMER PAUL BUNDY, born on August 4, 1919 in Eureka, Juab, Utah to Omer and Rowena Whitmore Bundy, a Utah pioneer family, passed away on June29, 2009 in Dallas, Polk, Oregon, surrounded by loved ones and his wife of over nine years, Helen Cowan Bundy.

The eldest of eleven children, this “ol’ cowpoke” achieved his durability, stamina, and tenacity growing up on the desolate Arizona Strip in northern Arizona. Full of mischief, reverence, and unconditional love, with his endless supply of personal stories oflife, love, hardship, and faith, Emer could get you laughing and crying all in the same breath!

A member of the ‘Greatest Generation’, Emer joined the U.S. Navy atthe onset of WWII and participated in the Battle for Okinawa and other Pacific islands, where, under fire with bullets whizzing everywhere,he drove amphibious boats, taking Marines from the battleships to the beach-heads. Memories of his war days lived with him his entire life.

His family and Latter Day Saint beliefs were his greatest joy andcomfort. With five children surviving to adulthood, Emer was blessed with 21 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren who adored him, spending many hours visiting relatives to share memories, playguitars, and sing old tunes in their homes or at the ‘renown’ annual Bundy Reunion every July 4th in Bundyville, Mt. Trumbull (aka: “The Arizona Strip”). Emer could “pick ‘n grin” with the best of them, teaching his youngest brother, Glendon, and sons Darrell and Russell (my dad) how to play the guitar and sing old ballads. His children andgrandchildren inherited this love of music, singing around their home piano and at many community events.

Emer and his first wife served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in northern California. Additionally, Emer had a lifelong “calling” and never missed an opportunity to serve anyone who was in need of a helping hand. A naturally gregarious person, making new “friends” was never difficult for Emer. His standard “line” and way of introduction was, “Hello, my name is Emer Bundy. Have you ever before heard of anyone with the name of Emer? That’s a Book of Mormon name, have you ever heard of the Book of Mormon?”

Family patriarch and HERO, Emer Paul Bundy has been and will remain a North Star for his family and for all who love him. We will honor the life of this man of character and strength on Friday, July 10th at10:00am at the Woodburn Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Preceding Emer in death were his parents Omer Bundy (July 23, 1971)and Rowena Whitmore Bundy (May 28, 1980); first wife and mother of his children Yvonne Reid Bundy (January 24, 1999); daughter Lorraine Bundy(June 23, 1950); sons Russell Reid Bundy (my dad) and Curtis Farrell Bundy (May27, 1994); sister Nora Bundy Reid (July 27, 1999); andbrother /Richard Bundy (August 15, 1932).

Surviving him, in addition to his 21 grandchildren and 22 greatgrandchildren, are his wife Helen Cowan Bundy (Dallas, OR); childrenSherrie Vail Bundy (Woodburn, OR), Merlin Paul Bundy and wife Kathy(Craig, CO), and Darrell Emer Bundy and wife Judy (Woodburn, OR);brothers Rey Lucero Bundy (Alamo, NV), Dean Bundy, Sr. and wife,Bonnie (Fillmore, UT), Stanley James Bundy (Del Norte, CO), GlendonBlaine Bundy and wife Holly (Clovis, CA); sisters Ellen Bundy Peabody(Bountiful, UT), Adell Bundy Doerr (Las Vegas, NV), Deloras Bundy Biceand husband Virgil (Hurricane, UT), and Reena Bundy Parks and husbandJohn (Springfield, AR).

Goodbye Grandpa, see you again someday, sure do love ya!