Charles Ray Bostwick, 85, passed away quietly and peacefully June 26, 2014, in Walnut Shade, Mo., where he was surrounded by much love from his wife and other family members. As surely as life begins, life must end. It is what takes place in between these two facts that really matters.

Charles was born on July 28, 1928, to Charles H. and Gladys Bostwick in the family farmhouse outside of North Platte.

He married his sweetheart and lifelong companion, Betty L. Kugler, on Oct. 3, 1948, in North Platte. From their union of 65 plus years came six children, Peggy (Randy) Vogt, of Walnut Shade, Mo., Jan McConnell, of Lehi, Utah, Bob (Deb) Bostwick, of North Platte, Tami (Jim) Brown, of Colby, Kan., Bruce Bostwick, of Newport Beach, Calif., and Kory (Christi) Bostwick, of Olathe, Kan.; 18 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and a brother.

Better known as "Dad," "Grandpa," "PaPa" and "Gramps," Charles farmed and ranched outside of North Platte his entire life. He had a love for farming and Oliver tractors.

He served on the Platte Valley School Board for many years, co-founded the Heart of the Platte Valley Collectors Association and spent countless hours volunteering at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. Integrity, selflessness, hard work — these were his lessons by example.

The greatest legacy Dad left was that we all have always known that Dad loved us, and that we could walk through the rest of our lives knowing he would always be there for us. That will never change. He will always live on in our hearts.

We are all so grateful to our sister, Peggy, and her husband, Randy, along with their family for the never-ending dedication and love they have shown to Mom and Dad over the last year, taking them into their home to help with Dad's care. Mom and Dad's lives were enriched by the love and care they were given.

A celebration of life service will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 7, at Calvary Baptist Church, 900 E. Second St., in North Platte.