Turn the pipes on when you get there

Last week Reed's uncle Dwayne passed away. He grew up in Safford, worked for the foreign service and traveled the world and then settled in Elgin after he retired. Because he was not related to an original homesteading family and did not go to school in Elgin he always referred to himself as a "newcomer" and an "outsider" in this close knit rural community. Apparently the locals have a saying for those who pass over-"when you get there, turn the pipes on" referring to the every present need for water in the desert. It rained the day of his memorial. Everyone took it as a sign that he truly had become "one of them".

The sign outside the firehouse where the memorial service was held.

Family picture at the Elgin homestead.
Reed, his mom, Aunt Zalia, Cousin Leigh, Sister Zalia and our kids.