A Note from Anneliese Schultz

Dearest Sevy Family,

I am thinking of you over and over in these days. My heart felt like it stopped for a moment to hear that Joy has left the earth. I’ve cried, and yet when I thought I would fall into sadness, I found I couldn’t, for I know so strongly that Joy, both the person and the emotion, is forever. Joy was also so very much like my own beloved father, Spaulding, and I take solace knowing that they are both with God.
I hope it’s all right to edit and use some words from the birthday letter I sent Joy almost 4 years ago, after we had reconnected with many of you on that brilliant double-rainbow weekend:

***
…I just want to stay in your circle, the circle of Joy, one of the most powerful realms I have ever known – an arms-wide ring of strength and humility, radiance and devotion, crazy humour and unconditional love…
How I have always loved the brilliance of your childlike wonder, the openness of your soul!
How thrilling it is now to watch this light reflected and caught, mirrored, doubled, residing forever in Alberta and MaryJoy, in Greg and Grandpa Harris and Paige and Brianna, in Victoria and Ericka and Trey!
Dear Joy, you and Alberta started this! It occurs to me that maybe Alberta is the lighthouse and you are the beam of light, playing on the waves, breaching the darkness, bringing the ships home safe... Or then again, you could both be beams of light, criss-crossing, playing, hiding in the mist, illuminating the night (this is starting to sound like Nirmal’s poem “Wind in the Trees”!) In any case, BRAVISSIMI!!!
***

The so-timely March 11 thought in “God Calling” says, “When I want to express to man what I am, what My Father is, I strive to make a very beautiful character.” That is exactly what Christ did in both my father and in Joy, and we are all the better for it.

A quote I love from A Course in Miracles seems to speak of Joy and of your whole family:

“When a mind has only light, it knows only light.
Its own radiance shines all around it, and extends
out into the darkness of other minds,
transforming them into majesty.”

Nirmal and Max and I are with you in spirit, and send our love to all of you who are of Joy.

Love and blessings,

Anneliese

Dana Joy's memories of Grandpa

Grandpa Joy who always had a crazy fun side to him. When he spoke I felt the whole world surrounded me. His eyes and body so animated and alive. I loved hearing his poems, you could see the joy in his eyes as he relayed the beautiful words he brought to life. I am so grateful for him and to be his namesake!
Dana aka "Joy Joy!"

Grampa Joy!

I think this took me a while to write up due to the trauma I saw at the hospital.

Here is a short description of my experience there;

We walked in to Mom in a full body brace, neck to legs. She looked so weak and frail, and it was one of the saddest moments of my life, realizing that she isn't going to be here forever; as I always wish she will be. As we walked in she demanded to hold our newborn baby Emmy and she cried as she did. Thinking of Emma Maryjoy growing up without knowing her name sake was too much to bear. I was so glad that she was released the next day despite her frail state. Poor Mom had to make such tough decisions and deal with so much even in the midst of her pain and confusion. I wept as she did at the thought of Grampa passing. Not so much for me as a grandchild loosing a my Grampa but for her loss as a daughter loosing her father. The very thought of loosing my father made me cry even harder. Age 26 or 56 death or thought of death of a beloved father isn't easy.

Going to see Grama next was even worse. She was hardly recognizable, her fusia purple, black eyes were swollen almost shut. Her irises were shining green with the contrast. She was in a hospital gown and had a brace on her arm, and the news was that she had some unknown injuries, the results were still coming. Despite it all she gave me a smile as I entered. Glen cracked some jokes to test her but despite a few hiccups in memory due to the concussion she was all there.

Seeing Grandpa in the coma was surreal, all but his breath and heart were disabled, and seemed to be dead already. He was laying there on the hospital bed, showing his length as he almost hit the top and bottom. I couldn't believe my eyes, Grampa Joy, the man who I love so deeply despite all his funny quirks, was on his death bed. Who knows what he heard but all I could get out before the tears came was . "I love you Gramps"

One thing I can't help but remember about Grampa is his wonderful smile and how his eyes were so full of excitement and life. There never was a slow moment or a quite one either. He loved to laugh and play, which made him a great companion for children. Jumping from the roof into his arms was obviously a huge step for a child but I knew that there were two big hands ready to grab me and keep me safe. As a child riding on the lawn mower and picking his well loved fruit was fun.

He pushed us to our limits and helped us grow. He tested our courage and strength as he sped on with the motor boat across lake Osoyoos. He was a lover of nature and color, and Mom says that she got her "eye" from. In a way I can attribute my design skills to him via my Mother who is a great designer. He was an adventurer and a "jack of all trades". His love and appreciation for real estate is something anyone should look up to. I hope to be like him in that way.

A natural at everything he did. His love and skill for sports is renown, even the winter before his death he won metals at the Senior Olympics. In their Yuma home, there were many metals hanging on the wall by the fridge. Good job Grampa. You lived the life many only dream of. He was a I can do that kind of man.

We have all had comments about our Barrel Chests. Not the best thing a girl can have but oh well, I did get my "tanned hide" from him thanks Gramps. It is definately a Sevy trait.
I am so grateful for his good genes that he passed on. Health is beyond important and I am grateful that I have it.

Writing this has been difficult, and full of tears. Emotions do show now how much I love my Grampa and miss him already. I am glad to be his namesake "Joy Joy".

Love,

Dana JOY Harris Rusche

Favorite Memories By Paige Clark

Grandpa Sevy was a huge part of our lives, especially our summers. My earliest childhood memories are mostly of our times in Osoyoos - with Grandpa throwing, catching or pulling me!
He is a part of me and made me who am I am. I think he stretched and pushed everyone who knew him to go a little deeper and challenge themselves. He had us kids jump off the garage roof into his arms from the time we were 3 or 4, he taught us all how to water ski (with help of Dad of course) and would bite our arms to the point of leaving his teeth marks in our flesh for at least a few minutes!
He pushed himself harder than he pushed anyone though. He memorized incredibly long poems and would recite them for anyone that would listen - which was most anyone because he was so animated and wonderful when performing! He exercised and competed in sports until the day before he passed! In fact, he won gold in the senior Olympic competitions down in Yuma every time he competed and just last summer he swam across the Osoyoos lake with us! And just a few months ago, he was picking Brooklyn (2.5 year old at about 27lbs) and throwing her up in the air and catching her! He was so good with kids! It was fun to be reminded of this as he spent time with Brooklyn and Hannah. They were fascinated by and gravitated to him. When Brooklyn was fussing one time, Grandpa pretended to cry in his dramatic kind of way and she stopped crying immediately because she was so confused!

He lived life to the fullest! The way he ate insane amounts of hot sauce on things - put Tabasco in his Ketchup bottles (that we would then put on our hot-dogs and burn our mouths off!) or eat onions like apples. His hugs were strong and large, his kisses on the cheek were bristly and long and the way he would say "I'm sure proud of you kid!" always made me feel like I was worth someone being proud of!


He had many loves in his life. First was always Grandma. Some of my favorite memories are of watching Grandpa and Grandma Dace and kiss. They were so sweet to each other whenever we were around. They were happy when we were around and we knew that. His love for his own Parents and brothers, his Kids and Grand kids - and now Great-Grand kids was always evident. He also had a passion for the Gospel, Freedom, America and Canada, Land, motor vehicles and politics(; He was always sure to share his testimony with us and encourage us to get into politics. I remember as early as 10, he was challenging my political views! I also remember him having his Jehovah Witness friends come over and have heated discussions with them about the Bible.
Oh! And he loved a good deal - like all-you-can-eat restaurants and cheap vehicles! At one point he had over 50 motor vehicles! He still has a fire-engine that he picked up for a good deal up on the ranch I think! Whenever I drove with him, he reminded me that you shouldn't have to use your brakes when you drive - you should just coast up to red-lights and stop signs until you come to a slow stop, then put on the gas (; His cars all had little secrets that you needed to know to start or operate them. He got the most out of everything - including his cars. Like Grandma said in the Obituary - he planned on living to 104 and in great shape until the end- I guess on the same philosophy.


He was a great example of healthy living, loving family, loving life and people and loving the Lord. Oh how the world will miss him. Oh how I miss him so much already!

We'll miss you, DAD! From Sharon

I met Joy Sevy in May of 1993, the week before I became engaged to Cam. We had gone to Hyrum to visit and found out they were in their trailer in town. It was REALLY late when we got there, but they opened their door and invited us in. Cam went back to wake Joy up, and I visited with Alberta. They were nothing if not kind to a nervous person. I didn't know the Sevy way yet : )

We learned to expect Joy when we saw him, and not a minute sooner. We also learned to see him quickly, for he all too often left 10 minutes after he arrived! Many occassions, when we were sleeping, he'd slip off and go on down the road in his own time.

After Cam and I were married, he swept me up in a BIG, TIGHT hug and with that big, gorgeous smile,welcomed me to the family. He treated me like his daughter from that moment on.

A few years back, I went to Mexico for some dental work. I had a cousin go over to Dad and Mom's trailer to leave a note for Dad to see if I could stay with him, since he hadn't hooked up the phone. When I arrived in Yuma, he had left me a note, weighted down with a tuna can. It said, "Mi casa is su casa. Make yourself at home. Love, Joy-0" My 4-day stay lasted 12 days. We went sight-seeing when I didn't have an appointment. WE visited the jail, sat at an outside table to eat ice cream, went to the mall, the flea market and back to Mexico. We went to dinner several nights to Chuck-A-rama (where else?) and had several political debates. One night he actually listened to me! He said "I knew you had a brain, Sis, and tonight you really used it!" High praise from a man I admire. I massaged his shoulders and rubbed his head, and we went to a thrift shop so I could get some tennis shoes. He's signed us up to play in a volleyball tournament together. What a blast! I was more winded than he was at any given point!

I know he was heartbroken when he heard of Cam's accident. It was hard for him to visit and see his son in so much pain. I think he hurt as much emotionally as Cam hurt physically. When he heard of his own injuries, so much like Cam's, I know he didn't want to go through what he had witnessed with Cam. It amazes me that their injuries were so similar!

We got to Phoenix early Saturday morning and dropped Cam off at the hospital so he could sit with Dad. We got a hotel, which happened to be the same one Greg and Maryjoy were at, rooms 5 doors away.

I went to visit later that afternoon, and found Dad's room before I found Mom. I spent some time with Dad, talking and expressing my love to him. I felt him there, but not looking at his body, so still. I took his hand and squeezed it several times. There was absolutely no response. I asked him if he was ready to go, and he squeezed my hand back. First awareness. That night, Cam and I went back in to say goodnight to him. We again expressed our love. I went to his right side and said " Just a few more hours, Dad, and you can go home." At that point, a tear came out of his eye. Second awareness. He was ready to go! I really think he was waiting for the final gathering of his entire family. Oh, how he loved ALL of his children.

It was just like him in death. Had to go on his own time, maybe while we were sleeping, or just not looking. Slipped away on his eternal journey. We will miss you, Joy O'neil Sevy. You made an impact on our lives. I will just give you a virtual BIG hug, as I did when I saw you leave, and say, "See you later, Pop. Love you! " I love you, Dad. See you later.

By Kendall Harris

Joy Sevy was my summer Grampa. Our family of 5 kids, 2 parents, and 1 dog used to go to Osoyoos to visit "the cousins" at Joy & Bert's lovely cottage on the lake pretty much every summer when I was growing up. Joy was always outside upon our arrival, usually doing some kind of heavy yard work, or up on a ladder picking fruit or holding down the branches so his little grand kids could pick fruit on their own. He was always shirtless & tanned, always visibly strong and fit, and ALWAYS smiling.

Yes, always smiling, his eyes wide and expressive, sparkling and dancing with delight at the story he was telling, or the story he was listening to. I always remember him with a full white beard, which, if you're a kid, really kind of captures your imagination. I mean, who has a full white beard except Santa Claus? ...Maybe Santa spent his summers in Osoyoos, hanging out with kids, grandkids, cousins of grandkids, friends of grandkids, church members, and anyone he met and liked, picking fruit and laughing alot.

Osoyoos was magical, and Joy was a big part of that. I remember big meals around the picnic table on his deck, usually standing room only, with lots of talking, laughter, and love. We'd build campfires in the evening and talk and sing, and Joy would recite poetry, most notably "The Cremation of Sam McGee" which remains to this day one of my favorite poems. He asked questions of everyone; so inclusive, so interested, and so alive.

His was a life lived vibrantly, generously, robustly, and thoroughly. He was much loved, and will be much missed, my summer Grampa...

The Obituary

Joy O’Neil Sevy (July 13, 1926 – February 22, 2010) was raised in Palo Alto, CA, where he fell in love with and married Alberta J. Upton. In 1962 they moved to a ranch in Christian Valley of British Columbia, then to Penticton and lastly Osoyoos.

Raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Joy served in various callings and was full of faith in his Heavenly Father and in his Saviour. Joy was very active physically to the last, playing tennis, golf, swimming, working in the yard and orchards, rejoicing in his health, his family, his friends and his life every day. Joy and Alberta wintered in Yuma, AZ for the last 15 years of his life, where they made many friends. Joy’s earthly sojourn came to an abrupt end when he was forcefully rear-ended in his motor home on a highway in the Arizona desert. He wanted to live to 104 and never get old.

Joy served with the U.S. Navy in WWII and was honourable discharged at the end of the war. He was a jack of all trades, a born salesman and a lively raconteur of Robert Frost, “Immortal Poems” and Shakespeare. He was a living Mormon pioneer.

He is predeceased by his parents Jonathan Evan Sevy and Mary Sorensen; and his brothers Jay, Don and Lynn. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alberta J. Sevy of Osoyoos, their children Jonathan (Jack) Sevy (Barbara) of Penticton, Doni Gallinger (Don) of New Jersey, Mary Joy Harris (Gregory) of Calgary, Cameron Sevy (Sharon) of Provo, Utah; grandchildren Nathaniel, Jonathan, Kenji and David Sevy; Elaina Sevy Hargreaves, Erica Sevy Haner and Meredith and Jacob Sevy; Brooke Harris Lowry, Paige Harris Clark, Dana Harris Rusche, and Brig, Brianna and Victoria Harris; and 10 great grandchildren.

Messages to the family and stories of Joy can be emailed to paige.h.clark@gmail.com. Please view tributes, stories and a video of the funeral at http://joyosevy.blogspot.com.

The funeral will be held Monday, March 15, 2010 at the NK’MIP RV Park Club House, Hwy 3 East, turn left on 45^th street, Osoyoos, BC. Viewing at 2:00 p.m. and FUNERAL at 3:00 pm. Interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Osoyoos. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Graham Funeral Home, 34616 – 99th Street, Oliver, British Columbia (250) 498-3833.