Today we had to say goodbye to our favorite person. He was surrounded by his wife, Jill, and all his kids, Amy, Rich, Dan, Matt, Heather, Trevor and Megan, as we all were able to say goodbye before he passed.
He died peacefully at 7:30AM Sunday morning.
Dad had surgery just over a week ago to remove a cancerous growth on his pancreas. Since then he has had additional surgeries to remove blood clots as well as to slow down internal bleeding. He had remained sedated and with a ventilator since the second surgery last Monday. Last night was the final effort to stop the bleeding and it proved unsuccessful.
We are extremely saddened by this loss. We will all miss him incredibly.
We are thankful for your thoughts, prayers and support.
Funeral plans and an obituary will be posted later. Thank you.
Words can't express my heartfelt sympathies to all your family. What a giant of a man and spiritual leader. Always walking the walk, always lifting others, never bringing attention to himself. I feel so blessed to have had his influence in my life. God be with you all.
ReplyDeleteMitchell and Melanie Harris express our sincere condolences to your family. He was our bishop when we met at BYU and we have so many wonderful memories of him. We are sending love and prayers!
ReplyDeleteBishop Lighten was an amazing man! He was my bishop for over 2 years while at BYU and helped me through some pretty rough times. I honestly don't know where I'd be if it weren't for him!
ReplyDeleteMy sincerest condolences to the wonderful Lighten family at the passing of your wonderful father. I knew him as Bishop Lighten when he served at BYU. He is a great example to me of how to love unconditionally and how to serve the Lord. I will forever be grateful for his friendship and his great example.
ReplyDeleteone of the best human beings I have ever known. serving in the bishopric with him was a learning and growing and spiritual experience at every turn. every once in awhile someone comes along in life that touches and enhances the lives of everyone they come in contact with. Bishop Lighten is the perfect example of that theory. Mike Chase
ReplyDeleteMy cousin Geoff; What a man - What a loss!
ReplyDeleteA great, funny, kind, generous human-being who bought joy to those all around him.
My thoughts are with Nell and all the family. Rest in Eternal Peace Geoff
I'm so saddened by this news. Bishop Lighten was a great man, full of life and happiness. I used to call him on Father's day. He had a huge impact on our whole ward and he loved everybody. He will be missed dearly by thousands. Prayers go out to you at this time.
ReplyDeleteDear Lighten family, We are so sorry for the loss of this great man. Bishop Lighten was our son's bishop during a very difficult time in his life. Bishop's influence was great. We have the greatest love and respect for him and your family. You are in our prayers. May God's peace be with you in this difficult time and always.
ReplyDeleteThe Arnesen Family
ReplyDeleteJill, we are shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news. Geoff was such a wonderful, intelligent, interesting man. We will certainly be praying for you to find peace and to feel the love from all your family and friends. - Dave & Crista Abbott
ReplyDeleteI sat next to Geoff in the office for a while. A wonderful man who absolutely adored his wife and children. Never a day went by when Geoff didn't ask me how my missionaries were doing. Always caring and concerned for others. I feel honored to have been able to know him. Sheri Peck
ReplyDeleteJill and kids. I am so shocked at the loss of Geoff. He was always a thoughtful and gentle person. We will miss him and his sweet smile. I know he always has loved you to the utmost and provided well for his family, a rare and exceptrional thing in these days. Jill, I love you my sweet niece - if there is anything that Erma and I can do for you please let us know. Love Richard & Erma Bullock
ReplyDeleteJan and I give our deepest condolances. I had a great respect and admiration for Geoff. He was a sincere, pleasant and honest man. We are sorry we cannot attend his services. Mark and Jan Stubbs
ReplyDeleteAmy and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Our prayers are with you at this time. I remember your Mom and Dad cracking up after coming home from seeing "Moonstruck" one night back in 1988 and singing that silly song: "That's Amore' ". I also remember his sense of humor @ some Young Women capers we began at your house. Love to you and yours! What a blessing to know that families are forever! Lisa (Johnson) Jameson
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