Summer 3rd Quarter Journal 1978 July-September

 JULY

  When Mom and Dad  and Grandma left out for Texas, Aunt Minnie stayed with us until the 2nd of July when we flew her home. We had a good visit and Aunt Minnie needed a vacation away from Grandma and the traumas of the deaths of Grandpa Williams and Aunt Jerry this year. We spent the majority of the month  in Salt Lake working at our jobs but we also spent some time looking for a new place to move in to. Around the 10th of July  Bob Redding came over and said that Tom Van Wagoner wanted him to tear up all the carpets, take down the florescent lights and start getting  the place in shape to sell.  We were kind of upset because we were told that we would always have a month in which to move but we were given just one week. Besides Bob was going to remove most of the furniture  that we told Jim and Joyce Van Wagoner that we had wanted. We were in desperate straits to find something quick and cheap and that would accept Sam. Finally we decided  to move out of Salt Lake all together to Grantsville, where Fran's best friend Linda Suazo lived. We rented a house there for $175 a month  although we had a 35 mile drive into Salt Lake for work, which was 70 miles day round trip. The house was small two bedroom with about an half acre of land. the back property was fenced in with pens for sheep and pigs. I am reluctantly undecided about living in Grantsville. It just doesn't feel inviting to me but hopefully when school starts next month I will be able to substitute teach out there and maybe Fran can get on out here too. Our new address is 234 East Durfee Lane Grantsville.  We moved into our house over the July 24th holiday. Kay Wiker and Greg Stembridge  helped us move the upright piano that Murray left Fran or we would never have gotten it out of the house on 1300 East.  Murray had given Fran the piano last January  before he died and Tom and Jim Van Wagoner  honored it But so that Bob Redding wouldn't take all the furniture that we wanted, we rented a U-Haul and took it all with s and sent Tom Redding a check for $200 which was more than the used furniture was worth.  We didn't take anything we thought be valuable just Murray's old stuff chairs, coffee table, the kitchen table and the couch where Murray actually had died on. Plus some odds and ends kitchen utensils and dishes. It was like burying  Murray again and was very hard on Fran leaving the house she knew she would never enter again.  Out in Grantsville we spent two weeks we spent two weeks without aa bed until Fran ordered one on contract from Auerbach.  We bought a queen size firm mattress and frame for about $240. It was really nice one it was delivered. It was the first good bed we had for our entire  marriage up to that time. It was the first new bed Fran I both  had ever owned.  When we were first married we slept on an old mattress on the floor until we moved to Texas. There the bed in the rental apartment was a joke with the bottom made out of wood and cardboard. We bought an old Queen size  bed from some people in Texas for $40  which was better than what we had  but we had to leave it behind when we moved back to Utah. Like a fool  though we didn't take the frame which cost us extra money later. In Murrays house every bed was lousy. they were soft and lumpy from age. `The best we had placed on the floor to sleep on.

AUGUST

 The month of August  was really a transitional period for Fra and me. The death of Murray and the hope of getting financial secure in Salt Lake evaporated with Murray's death As for me I was living an unauthentic life without any direction. First of all we had to get used to not living in Salt Lake City  where we could take a bus anywhere. In Grantsville our sole  means of transportation was Fran's old Dodge Station agon which was falling apart and we had no means to repair it. The car was rapidly falling apart from our daily use going into Salt Lake each day for work.  Around the 15th we decided we had to buy another car  since the transmission in Fran's 64 Dodge was falling out.  At Cottonwood Chrysler i we found a 75 Datsun which we initially decided to buy but the next day  when we went down to Provo to secure a loan  from my Credit Union, the dodge  broke down and we couldn't get it started. Fortunately Fran was able to call her girlfriend Frances Wallings from a  payphone and my friend Wayne Tuck just happened to drive by and saw me stranded.  Frances took Fran back to Salt Lake to stay with Paulette Gasparac while Tuck took me home to spend the night with him and his wife Teresa so I could get the car fixed in the morning. Wayne woks as a projectionist at the Timp Drive-In so I went with him to work. I called Fran to see if she was okay  and she said that she had bought a new car different from the one we had picked out . She bought new 1978 Datsun Station wagon from Clines Dealer as they said they would finance it. Since I felt Fran makes good decisions on important matters I wasn't upset that she didn't consult with me first.  The old Dodge was able to get fixed and for  the rest of August was spent living in Grantsville  and working at Candlelight Floral and Auerbach’s.  The last weeks of the moth my sister Charlien and her family  came to Utah on Vacation and stayed with us . I think they had a good time although we didn’t have much money to entertain. My boss Glenn Richardson started to reduce my hours  after I informed him that I'd be quitting in September. We were strapped as that Cline wanted a down payment of $300 for the Datsun and then later claimed they needed a $1000 more for them to finance the car.  Being isolated in Grantsville just so Fran and Linda could be together was beginning to be another terrible decision.  Linda’s husband worked at Battle Mountain Nevada during the week and Linda was mainly using Fran as company raising a big family. Lionel had a daughter from a previous marriage and Linda had a son also from a previous marriage. They had 4 kinds of their own plus took in a foster kid named Brett Ellis that I know Linda did it just for the income the state paid her.

 Additional Material

  

Linda Fillman and Lionel Suazo were married in Elko Nevada in 1972.  Obituary Lionel Luciano Suazo, aged 84, died on February 7, 2021. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his own home, despite the countless near-death escapes through the years: setting the back yard on fire, running numerous stop signs, jumping off roofs, falling off buildings and many more that cannot be counted herein. Lionel was survived by his adoring and patient spouse, Linda Suazo; and an overabundance of offspring, including twelve children, thirty-three grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, two cats, and one dog (If I have miscalculated the number please do excuse as they are multiplying almost daily) all of whom adored him beyond measure. Lionel was known as “Lou,” or “Suaz,” and other epithets affectionately bestowed upon him. He was adored and appreciated by all those who knew him. To say he was funny hardly does him credit, as most people who pass are lovingly described as having a “good sense of humor.” But I have found that more often than naught, that mostly means they were merely pleasant and sociable. However, this is not the case with Lionel. His wit was truly unique and legendary. It will no doubt outlive most of us. During his life, he was an ironworker, and labored hard to support his family. He was also an enthusiast of classical music, documentaries, and the general pursuit of knowledge. He was the only man in the neighborhood who blared Mozart in the yard while trimming the lilacs. He was a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and faithful until the end. Given his wild and unruly past, which is no small feat. He was lovingly reformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and the tender hand of his gentle wife. His name signified Lion of Light, and he was the embodiment of his name. It is so rare to find a man that is all things good encompassed; he was spiritual, charming, intelligent, and above all, loving. He will be greatly missed. “Well, as they say in Spain, I’m going down” He was born January 3, 1937 to Rebecca and Daniel Suazo in Alamosa Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Victor, Patricio, David , sisters Elizabeth Lucero and Elevina Suazo. He leaves behind his wife and, and children Steven Robert Jacques, Tony Fillman (Lauie), Kitty Widener (Lester), Brett Ellis (Kory), David (Cathy) Sarah Rice (Nik), Jacob (Julie), Rachel Suazo, Rebecca King (Sean), Kate Kennedy (Doug), Natalie Cragun (Steve), Christopher (Megan), and brothers John, Sam, and sister Alice. Services will be held at Levan Cemetery, Levan, Utah February 20, 2021 at 12:00 pm.

SEPTEMBER

 3 September 1978 Sunday

  Charline and Dennis left  this morning with James, Denise and Michael  after spending a week and a half with is here in Grantsville. they were on a two weeks’ vacation  having spent first about 4 days at Zinn's National Park. I think they had fun up here especially when they all went up the South Willow  Creek Canyon in the Stansbury Mountains last Thursday and the kids along with Dennis  and I caught 8 specked trout by hand not using a fishing pole. We had a fish fry that night  but the kids would eat very little of the fish and I cleaned them  and Charline cooked them Denise sure took up with Fran. During their stay  here we took the kids to the great Salt Lake to swim, to Temple Square, through Emigration Canyon, Provo Canyon and Willow Creek Canyon. I think they all had a good time. i am happy they came because I love them but I am so happy that they left. Grandma Johnson always called this feeling a "glad lonesome".  Thursday Mom went into the hospital to have surgery again to her stomach fat removed. It's a serious operation Dad seems to be real lonesome wither her

4 September to 20 September 1978 

 The last day of summer had Fran and I again living in a strange place  feeling somewhat out of place. we were now living  in Grantsville, a very rural community about 35 miles straight west of Salt Lake City in Tooele Valley  between the Oquirrh  and Stansbury Mountains. At least we do know  some people here, Lionel and Linda Suazo, however they are really more Fran's friends than mine  although I do like them a lot. They helped with the transition from big city living  to country living. Nearly every Sunday e would eat dinner together with the Suazo’s. However finally it was very tight for us because i didn't go to work until about the 15th when  I found substitute work in Grantsville teaching history . I was really disillusioned  about small town school. I was collect only $75 a week in unemployment and but with Fran  still working that tied us over a bit until I was working more as a sub.  Fran was still driving into Salt Lake City with her new car while I drove the old Dodge into Tooele and around Grantsville. However no matter how bad were off financially we were never as bad of as in September last year down Texas, where we had nothing and nobody to help us.  Sam got into terrible Dog fight  while I was walking him on a leash during this time from a pack of dogs that were allowed to wander around. He was so chewed up that it cost over $65 to get him healed from the vet. the Van Waggoners were now a long gone problem and the days  at 1300  east seemed far behind us. We got a nice bed on contract from Auerbach’s and we had some comfortable if old furniture

 21 September 1978 Thursday

 The weather sure has changed already. Lat Monday we had a snow storm even. I taught the 6th Grade  at Harris Elementary School in Tooele on Monday and Tuesday. They were a difficult group Wednesday. I taught half day at Grantsville Jr. High and today I taught half day at Grantsville 8th grade Health.  I really like Tooele better than Grantsville. Grantsville is nothing but staid old fogies.  who never say hi or may I help you when shopping. I am really disillusioned with Grantsville and I think Fran is too.  She came home early from work  today. She wasn't feeling well . We had vegetable soup  again for dimmer ad spent much of the evening watching TV> We watched Mork and Mindy and the Waltons although it’s not the same since Grandpa Walton died. We also called mom today. She said she is still really sore from her serious operation. We had a long talk although noting in particular. My cousin Larry Fagen has filed for a divorce from Pam but other than that all is fine in California. Donna comes over every day and cooks  supper for mom and dad and cleans house for them Never thought she be so close to them. I would like to live in California  or Minesota where we could just drop in and visit with folks. Last night Grandpa Williams came to me in a strong dream,  anting is to do his temple work. Oh I was called to be a home teacher  tonight by the Elder Quorum President

 22 September 1978 Friday

  This morning I had a call ft go teach at Central Elementary  School in Tooele. I taught 6th grade for Mr. Sena. He had his class well-structured  and organized, not like  Mr. Erickson's class. The class was about average  size and the only notable event in the day was that I had to walk them over to  the Tooele Armory to go to a Rock Show. when Fran came home we primarily watched TV and cleaned  the house up. I had a letter from Grandma Johnson today and I also called Mom to tell her we finally got a car.

 23 September 1978 Saturday

 Fran went into Slat Lake with Linda Suazo as Linda took her step daughter Kitty  home. She had come to Grantsville to attend homecoming.  We changed the front room furniture around today . Fran wasn't feeling very well today. We stayed up late and watch the old movie Destry Rides Again.

 24 September 1978 Sunday

  This morning I was up to fix breakfast and as I breach to bring a bowl out of the cupboard, it slipped out of my hands, broke on the ceramic tile counter and shattered. A piece of flying glass  sliced me right  in my  wrist cutting a big gash out of it. Fran put a tampon on my wrist to stop the bleeding and had to drive me to Tooele where at the hospital there I had to have four stitches and a tetanus shot. It sliced  my right wrist  right next to the old scar , I had  from a deep cut I got from pushing my hand through a window pane on Dale Street when I was 7 or 8 years old. I was fighting with Charline at the time over having the window opened or closed.

 25 September 1978 Monday

  I had a call this morning to teach at Grantsville High. Ugh! I really don't care for Grantsville High's administration  as they set a negative tone. I taught Special education .At home i Have been working on my pedigree charts fin my Book of Remembrance Ten I straighten the house e as it was a wreck. Fran said that last Saturday the old Dodge finally went out and we don't have any secondary transportation. It’s going to be rough for me to teach in Tooele. Fran had to work late  and she called me to say she was bringing her Jewish friend Richard Namenworth home with her.  I felt often invisible because Fran is always the center of attention surrounded by friends and I had none.

 26 September 1978 Tuesday

 't called into work today so I went with Fran to Salt Lake City. After dropping Fran off at work, I took the Datsun down to Cline's to have the work done to it that we wanted done/ At noon I took the bus back into town and had lunch with Fran at this Mexican place La Paloma on the corner of 4th South and Main Street. After that I went to the Public Library to wait. I hated it. It's a stupid catalog system  where you can't find a thing in it. I did find a book on the sinking of the Titanic  called " Night to Remember" by Walter Lord. At 6 I met Fran and we took the bus back down to 4608 on State Street to Cline's Auto Sales  but we were disappointed that they didn't finish all that we wanted them to do under the warranty. The didn't remove the paint scratches and some other things however they did put a radio inn ad put on the license plates  and put the side view mirror on . We didn't get home to Grantsville until almost 8:30. Poor Sam was by himself almost all day.

 27 September 1978 Wednesday

 I received a call this morning to teach at Grantsville again today. This time in Mr. beer's Social  Studies . It wasn't too bad considering  how rowdy my 3rd period  Geography class went. But later I discovered that I had to take over Mr. Butchers 6th period because he was attending a funeral . i was kind of upset as I wasn't  feeling  well and was looking forward to having a break> especially felt put upon when I found out that the subject was music. Anyway  since no lesson plans were given or anything, I decided to just talk about the origin of names hoping that would entertain them for an hour. It did/ Fran stayed home today also not feeling real great an wanting to help Linda Suazo  her house before Linda has her baby.

 28 September 1978 Thursday\

 I'm really starting to come down with a cold but this morning I was called in at work at Toole East Elementary  for Mrs./ Wilson's 5th grade class.  That as kind of novel. I didn't really car e for it as much as I did teaching 6th grade. They are getting a little too young for me. I was home by 4 and found out that Linda and her brood was over visiting and helping Fran  clean the house. Fran did a fantastic job rearranging  the bedroom and our den. Lionel Suazo and Brett came over later and we all ate a spaghetti dinner  together.  I had a letter from mom today saying  that Dad's heart is acting up again.

 29 September 1978 Friday

Today I was called in again to sub for Mrs. Wilson's 5th Grade  class. i felt even lousier today than yesterday. I'm definitely coming down with a cold. After school was over, i went down to the Tooele City Library an waited for Fran to come get me. I read mostly and checked out two books "Gone With the Wind" and "Ordeal By Hunger"  of which both I had read before in high school. Linda Suazo went into labor this morning and had her baby in the city. She had a little girl she named Rebecca after Linda's grandmother. She weighed 10 lbs. and I guess tore Linda up pretty bad delivering her so Fran said.

 30 September 1978 Saturday

 Today was General Conference and I stayed home primary to get over this cold. I watched both sessions of Conference while Fran went into the city to see Linda Suazo in the hospital. I was paid yesterday $115. Well I didn’t do much today except sneeze and blow my nose. I enjoyed listening to conference. On Gaslight Theater tonight we watched Destry Rides Again with Marlene Dietrich. We called Mom and she said Carline and Dennis found a townhouse in Stanton off of Katella and moved into it from Corona. Dad is having a heart monitor because of his heart. I think he has what Grandma Williams has. My cousin Larry Fagen filed for divorce and my other cousin Stephane is separated from her husband. my sister Donna and Ken are living now in Long Beach in Ken's parents’ house rent free. That should help them out some.