Tribute to my Grandpa

My Grandpa Max Yospe passed away last Friday after 82 well-lived years.

Born to Russian-Jewish parents in Chicago, he has often told me stories of how he was beaten up and ridiculed almost daily while growing up for being different. But he was proud of his heritage and the great sacrifices his parents made to bring their family to America.

He joined the Army, and by no coincidence was stationed in Tooele. There he met my grandmother (who was engaged at the time) when she took his movie ticket at the local theatre. As he told it, it was love at first sight; although my grandma would jokingly say she took some convincing.

He had a strong love for his family and an unwavering love for my grandma Elaine. He always put her up on a pedestal and was a true example of how a man should treat women.

His career was spent serving the public as a police officer, first in Tooele and later in Salt Lake City. He worked his way up to assistant chief, and in the latter part of his career was responsible for the implementation and training of the police chaplain force. Many times our family has gotten out of speeding tickets when a policeman pulled us over, recognized our last name, and refused to give us tickets because we were related to this well-respected man.

My grandfather was a convert to the LDS faith, and was the first known Jewish convert to be called as a Mormon bishop. He had a great love and testimony of Jesus Christ and spent his life in the Lord's service.

He was a pretty darn good artist, a talent I wasn't lucky enough to inherit. He painted dozens of beautiful landscape paintings, many of which he sold or gave away to loved ones. He also made a mean Waldorf salad.

My favorite memories include...

• The way his eyes would tear up each Christmas morning while reading "The Littlest Angel"
• The way he'd yell "Don't touch the walls or you'll wake up grumpy!" as he sent us off to wash our hands after Sunday dinner
  
• Fishing and sharing his cabin with us in Island Park
• Saturday lunches at Crown Burger
• Many family vacations, including Moab, a cruise, San Francisco, Disneyworld, and of course the beach house near Monterey (twice)
  

Best of all, my grandpa had a great sense of humor. He loved playing and teasing us grandkids.

I love you Grandpa! You will be missed!

update: Click here for The Deseret News article.