Letter by Christopher Van Luther read at memorial

Christopher Van Luther's Memorial Letter

to

Carter Van Luther

My name is Christopher Van Luther, I am a grandson of the late Carter Van Luther. It is with a heavy heart that I am writing these words; I wish desperately that I could be in attendance at the memorial service to honor my grandfather.

I am my grandfather's namesake. I have not always embraced this as I should. To be named after someone is something that should not be taken lightly; this should be regarded as badge of honor, to be approached with a sense of dignity and respect. Carter Van Luther is worthy  of such adoration. Carter Van Luther is the embodiment of integrity, hard work, courage, fairness, goodness, trustworthiness, and character. 

My memories of Grandpa Luther seem so distant the older I get, but there are some things that I will never forget. Grandpa Luther was always a teacher, he could not escape it. Whether teaching his students in a formal class setting or teaching friends and family about life, Grandpa was always teaching. I remember the puzzles, games and riddles; every time we would visit the house in Jerome there was always something to challenge us. I remember being in the garden in Jerome and eating the different fruits and berries right off the plant or tree. I remember the farmhouse in Gooding and all the activity that took place there...and I remember the sly grin. Grandpa was always grinning and smiling and laughing ... his love for life and his curiosity was contagious.

Grandpa Luther possessed characteristics that are not as prevalent in our society anymore, his love, his laughter, his sweet, kind, gentle spirit will be missed. My name is Chistopher Van Luther and I will try to live my life in a way that my grandfather would be proud of.      (written March 16, 2011)