Good-bye Arnold Seagraves

A wake for Arnold Seagraves was held at his son

David Seagraves's house in Granite Bay, CA.

"Do not pray for me and don't sing any hymns. I don't want a memorial service. Just have a party and remember me."

~Arnold Seagraves~

Arnold was in WWII as a cook.
He cooked for generals, and at the end of the war he was in Germany when Hitler fell.

After he came home he worked at Sears repairing appliances for twenty years, and raised his family.

After his retirement his mother (my grandmother Hattie Seagraves) became ill. He and his little sister Regina decided to take care of her. They at first worked as apartment managers, taking turns taking care of their mom. Then later at a mobile home park. Regina was the manager and Arnold was the assistant manager. Both remarried, but Arnold second marriage was not to last.

His mother passed away in 1985 and he retired fully.

Later he married his high school sweetheart Vi
and settled in the city of Pleasanton.

He is survived by his wife Vi and his four lovely children (2 girls and 2 boys) several grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren.

His last words were to his oldest daughter Suzy's husband, "You better take care of my little girl."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~The trip to Granite Bay~

My husband Dave, my daughter Sarah and I got a late start from Madera because of the fog. It's a three hour drive from my house when the weather is nice.

The Google maps got us as far as the
American river bridge, that we crossed this on the way

to David's house.

And then we completely missed their house.

We finally stopped when we realized we went too far.

I looked across the street saw a deer in some one's yard.

My Daughter took it's picture.

This is were we stopped when we realized we went too far and called Dave.
"Hi Dave, I'm your cousin Janice. We're lost."
He gave us the names of two streets to look out for on the way back.
Thank goodness he did. I think we were at least ten miles off course, if not more.

Dave's house is in a very scenic area.
Pretty.

Lovely houses were on every side of the road.

A cement flume crossed the road.

We finally got there and here's my nephew Brian posing with my hubby Dave (yes another David).

~

I don't know the exact number of guests, but when I arrive (almost two hours late) the place was filled with such a buzz of voice I had to lean close to someone just to hear them speak.

My daughter Sarah, Brian and Dave again.

Eli and Mike Seagraves (Uncle and nephew).

Deanna (My sis) Seagraves-King, Eli Seagraves and Robin

Deanna and Brain sharing memories with Tukey (Dave Seagraves's wife).

Suzy Inman and Dave.

Sarah and Suzy.

All of Arnold Seagraves wonderful children.

They are, everyone, just as sweet and wonderful as he was.

Eli Seagraves, Anny Randal, Suzy Inman, David Seagraves.

Eli and his wife Thea.

Eli and family had to leave early.

Eli, Thea and his daughter Rabbit (online name).

Deanna and Anny.

Arnold Seagraves passing

I have very bad news.

I just got an e-mail from Anny the youngest daughter of Arnold Seagraves. She told me that her father and my Uncle Arnold has passed away peacefully in his sleep today, Thanksgiving day, at @ 12:3o.

I believe Suzy was by his side. She has been faithfully sitting by his side for a while now keeping him company while his health declined. He was in the hospice hospital at the end.

Please take a moment and say a prayer for Arnold's family and his wife Vi during this time. Or if you like spare a good thought or two, or maybe light a candle if that is your belief (This link goes right to a virtual candle lighting site.)

Thank you everyone and God bless.
Janice~

(((((((((((((((((A correction))))))))))))))))

Hi Janice - just a small correction, Dad (Arnold) was at home where he had been living with Dave, Tukey, Mike, Ruth, Georgia, Maya, Kendra and for the last 4 months me (Suzy). He passed knowing that his family all love and charish him. We are thankful for all the kind words, thoughts, and prayers we have received from so many. Hospice was wonderful, coming to the house to monitor his progress through the transition. Dad went his own way and in his own time. I would not have given up the last 4 months of caring for him for anything. It has been a gift to me.

Suzy

Update No.5 on Uncle Arnold

I recieved anther email update.

Please pray for Arnold Seagraves and his family while they go through this rough time.

Arnold seems to be doing better.

It's been a bit of a roller coaster ride...some days are good and some are bad.

This week he's had some pretty good days. He's had a lot of visitors which we think really helps and Sue spends most of her time with him so he always has someone around. We have been very blessed to have her here.

At this point it's really hard to say how long he'll live. I will stay in touch but please don't hesitate to call. Thanks again for your love and support.

Tukey

Update No. 4 on Uncle Arnold

I got this email from Tukey.

This is another update.

It seems that the good times didn't last long as Arnold is now back to what we believe is the verge of death.

The hospice nurse told us that he probably wouldn't last more than a week or two.

He is sleeping most of the time and he is eating and drinking very little.

Sue has changed her airline tickets so she can stay with us longer. She has really been a big help.

We appreciate your love and support.

Update No. 3 on Arnold Seagraves

I got another email from Dave Seagraves on his father Arnold Seagraves.

~*~

We just wanted to give you another update on the health of Arnold.

For a while we really thought he was on the verge of death but he seems to
have rallied. While he hadn't eaten any solid food for about three
weeks he is eating some now.

He is much more alert even though at times he is a bit confused. At times there is even a twinkle in his eyes.

He still spends most of the time in the chair in his room but will get up
once in a while and go to the bathroom. When he's feeling weak he uses
the porta-potty in his room.

If you want to talk to him there is a phone in his room and you will just have to talk loud for him to be able to hear you.

Much love, Dave and Tukey

Update No 2. on Arnold Seagraves

This is update on my Uncle Arnold. This is another email this time from my cousin Suzy.

Hi Jan - I tried to post to your blog, but you have to be smarter than the blog to do that. So, email I can handle. We have put Dad on Hospice, and are going to be putting him on morphine probably some time today. We think the time is coming soon and wanted to let the extended family know. If you could post the message on your site, we would appreciate it.

Suzy