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Here is my Grandpa’s obituary;

Michaelson, Elmont W.
Elmont W. Michaelson was born the sixth son of William and Mary Ann Michaelson in St. Charles, Idaho on November 4, 1923. He passed away on June 21, 2008 in Oxnard. He is survived by his wife of 56 years , Patricia Joy Michaelson and four children: Mary Lee (John)Beck, Lloyd J Michaelson, Todd Michaelson and Carol Ann (Derrick) Heller: sister Audrey Michaelson; twelve grandchildren, six great -grandchildren. Growing up in St. Charles, Mont graduated from Fielding High in Paris, Idaho in 1942 and then entered the military. He served in WWII with the 71st Infantry Division- Europe and was involved in the liberation of the Gunskirchen Lager Concentration Camp. After the war Mont attended Utah State University and received his Bachelors Degree. In college he met Patricia Jackson and they were married in 1952. Hired in 1953 as a teacher for Oxnard High School, Mont later worked in school administration. During this time Mont attended USC and received his Masters in Education. In 1965 when Rio Mesa High School was opened he became its first principal.Characterized by the dedication he brought to his work and the joy he received from serving students and faculty , Mont was twiced honored by the association of California School administrators for exemplary service to education. In 2007 he was inducted into the Inaugural Class of Ventura County Educators Hall of Fame . Upon his retirement from Rio Mesa in 1984 the school honored him with the naming of Elmont Michaelson Stadium. Memorial Services will be at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 3301 W. Gonzalez Road in Oxnard on Thursday, June 26 at 2 p.m. with visitations at 1 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to Rio Mesa High School Scholarship Foundation: 545 Central Avenue , Oxnard, CA 93030

Ari and I flew to CA Thursday morning to attend Grandpa’s funeral. It was very nice. The casket was black with red roses and carnations on top, Rio Mesa colors. All the family wore red and black too. I loved hearing all the stories and memories about Grandpa from my Mom, her siblings, his friends, and Grandma. He was dedicated to his family and his job, whether it was at Oxnard High School or Rio Mesa High School. He loved his students and wanted the best for them.
My Uncle set up a table with pictures and memorabilia from Grandpa’s life. This was one picture that was there. I love it! This is my grandparents and their kids. My Mom is the oldest girl in the picture. She looks around eight, so I would guess the year as 1962. Am I close Mom?

After the funeral we went to Grandma’s house to visit with people. Around 7:00 we all packed into cars to head to Idaho. Grandpa wanted to be buried in his hometown of St. Charles, Idaho. After being there I know why. It is beautiful. His grave site is on a hill that overlooks his town and the lake nearby, Bear Lake.This is Grandpa’s view!
 
I got home around 5:00 Friday (we spent the night in Vegas). We packed up all the kids and headed to Idaho Saturday morning. It was a beautiful drive. I was worried about Ari since she had already been in a car for 10 hours, but she did great. St. Charles is about four hours from our house.
We went to my Aunt Audrey’s house in St. Charles. She is my Grandpa’s sister. She lives in the house they grew up in. The house holds many fond memories from my childhood. It was great to go there again. Here is all my family with my Aunt. She is standing right next to me.

All my brothers and sisters were able to be in St.Charles. This is the first time in over two years that we have all be together, so we had to take a photo!

After the grave side service we all went out to dinner at a very cute restaurant. This is our whole group! My Uncle Lloyd is next to Adam. My Aunt Carol and her two daughters, Xoche and Nola next to him too. Then my Grandma and Aunt Audrey. Aunt Audrey’s husband Rayo is over by my Mom and Dad and the rest I think you know.

We left late that night for home. It was hard for me to leave. Idaho is filled with so many memories for me. We will definatly have to go back again. We had so much fun. I will post more pictures later of all the things we did.