Lucky

On Sunday, he:

got to go see her:

Lucky.

After ten long years of missing her and being lonely without her, their reunion must have been joyful. Almost joyful enough to make me forget how sad I feel to now live in a world without either of them. Almost.

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Joseph M. McPhie Our "Gr8Scot" Our cherished father and grandfather returned home to his Heavenly Father on Dec. 7, 2008. Joseph Marshall McPhie was born on Sept. 28, 1921, into the loving home of Mary Marshall and Daniel Murchie McPhie. Joseph married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Buehner, on July 5, 1945, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised six children while he received his bachelor's degree. He approached life with great enthusiasm and love. His devotion to his country led him to a long career in the Air Force. Starting as a bombardier in World War II, he flew 28 combat missions receiving many medals and honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and retired as a full Colonel after almost 32 years of service. After retiring from the military, he worked another 15 years in the Missionary Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, handling missionary issues throughout the world. He loved the spirit he felt there and treasured his many co-workers. He moved frequently with his military assignments, which gave him the opportunity to serve in many callings for the church. He served as a mission president four times: the Virginia Roanoke, Australia Sydney, Salt Lake Temple Square, and Scotland Edinburgh missions. He also served in many other callings and positions including bishop, district president in Vietnam, stake president, regional representative, temple sealer, and most recently as stake patriarch. He enjoyed playing his bagpipes with the original Utah Pipe Band. Although he was a thrifty Scot, he was extremely generous with his family and many charities. He was known for his great sense of humor, quick wit, and clever puns. The McPhie home was filled with love and laughter, and they became a close-knit clan. He will be remembered by his family for his warmth and tenderness, his love of beauty, his shining example, and his love and commitment to the Lord. Preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Patricia; son-in-law, Rusty Crabb; and sisters Bessie and Margaret. He is survived by sister Mary Wilkins; brother Gary (Janet); brother-in-law, Al Knudsen; and children, Michael; Craig (Marilyn); Kathy Crabb; Rebecca (Clark) Reeder; and Deborah (Tim) Brown; 22 grandchildren; 24 great- grandchildren; and his faithful furry feline companions, Ting and Ling. Funeral services will be Friday, Dec. 12, at 12 p.m. at the Holladay 25th Ward Chapel, 4650 S. Naniloa Dr. (2810 East). Friends may call Thursday, Dec. 11, at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, from 6:00-8:30 p.m., and Friday from 11:00-11:45 at the chapel. Interment Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.