John Lamont Felt's Obituary
John Lamont Felt
1948 –2016
"Don't cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened." -Dr. Suess
I died today, but I don't think I left anything unpacked for the trip. After a lifetime of opportunity to learn and experience, I make a grateful departure, knowing that this journey takes us to a place that is not on any map. What I have seen, experienced, loved, laughed about and mourned over completes my life here on earth. My next campaign already waits in greeting.
I arrived here uncovered, and plan returning in much the same condition, with the exception of three memories very near and dear to my heart: my soul mate and eternal companion Diane; our children and their spouses and, the grandchildren I have been blessed to call my family; and my dear friends. I am in deed truly blessed with the best of life.
In lieu of flowers: preform a random act of kindness, or go to dinner with a significant friend, or plant one of your favorite perennials. I have a favorite poem that explains how I feel: Give Them the Flowers Now, by Leigh M. Hodges.
Closed eyes can’t see the white roses,
Cold hands can’t hold them, you know,
Breath that is stilled cannot gather
The odors that sweet from them blow.
Death, with a peace beyond dreaming,
It’s children of earth doth endow;
Life is the time we can help them,
So give them the flowers now!
Here are the struggles and striving,
Here are the cares and the tears;
Now is the time to be smoothing
The frowns and the furrows and fear,
What to closed eyes are kind sayings?
What to hushed heart is deep vow?
Naught can avail after parting,
So give them the flowers now!
Just a kind word or a greeting;
Just a warm grasp or a smile
These are the flowers that will lighten
The burdens for many a mile.
After the journey is over
what is the use of them; how
can they carry them who must be carried?
Oh, give them the flowers now!
Bloom’s from the happy heart’s garden
Plucked in the spirit of love;
Blooms that are earthly reflections
Of flowers that blossom above.
Words cannot tell what a measure
Of blessing such gifts will allow
To dwell in the lives of many,
So give them the flowers now!
I leave behind my loving wife of 41 years and trusted lifelong companion Diane; five children; four in-laws and 13.5 grandchildren; a brother and two sisters. I have profound gratitude for all those who compassionately cared for me these last few months and the prayers offered on my behalf. We could not have gotten through this journey without them. Thank you to all the friends who visited from near and far. A special "Thank you" to our neighbors for all their love and support.
As per Lamont's instructions, there will be no burial; his ashes are to be scattered in Albion Basin in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
A party, a Gathering of Friends and Family, to celebrate my life will be held at the Edgemont 5th Ward building (350 East 2950 North Provo, Utah 84604-3942) Saturday, June 25, 2016. A 30 minute service will be held at 11:30 am. An open house will follow 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. Refreshments will be served. You are invited to come and bring an interesting or amusing story or anecdote of your remembrance of Lamont.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” -Albert Einstein.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?