Jordan's talk at funeral

My grandpa was a humble man; he never liked to be the center of attention.  In life and now in death, he wouldn't want us to focus on him.  He wouldn't want us to focus on the sadness of his death, but instead to focus on the happiness in our lives.  He would want us to appreciate each other and our future.

A man like my grandpa will always be remembered by those of us who knew him and loved him. Although we will miss him, his smile, his Bill-isms as the family calls them, most of which I can't repeat right here right now, his love, his quick temper which most of the time was hilarious, we take consolation in the good feelings of our memories and knowing he is where he is supposed to be now.

I became extremely close with my grandparents at a very young age as I became extremely interested in doing the horse stuff, but at 24 years old I realize it was never really about the horses, it was just fun hanging out with my grandma and grandpa. I’ve spent a lot of time with them on the road, on the trail, at horse sales all over the area through the years. Spending as much time as I did with my grandpa specifically gave me a front row seat of what a husband, father, grandfather, and friend should be. Many of you here know he would give you the shirt off of his back if you asked, or you didn’t, it really didn’t matter to him, he’d help you if you asked or not.

As my grandfather became more ill over the last few months he really started taking interest in his funeral & how it would all be arranged. It was strange to us that he seemed to be skeptical that many people would show up at the visitation or the funeral, like he wasn’t all that popular of a guy. I’d like to thank all of you for coming last night and today and proving him wrong, I don’t think he really understood just how much people loved and appreciated him over the years.

In the end ALS could not defeat Bill Haagenson, it could take away his body but it couldn’t take away his mind or his heart.  He said all along that just because he was sick he wouldn’t let anyone make him their dancing monkey.   He lived life on his terms, and his terms alone until the end and I believe there is something to be said for that.

With that being said, Grandpa, I will always miss you. But I have so many memories to hang on to. You were a role model, and one of the best friends that I will ever have. Your guidance and example will carry me through to the end of my days. I love you Grandpa, & I hope the family and I have made you proud, because we are so very, very proud of you.