WV Farm Bureau Magazine September 2015 | Page 26

Family, continued square baler by the time he was nine. David had other responsibilities besides his family and the farm. He was a self-employed insurance agent. “He always said he sold insurance to be able to farm,” Gerry said. The three men continued on, with Butch and Gerry gradually taking over more of the farm responsibilities, as well as holding down full-time jobs and starting families of their own. (Michael) and they also have five grandchildren. “Dad always said it was a good life and the grandkids say it’s a good life growing up on the farm,” Gerry said. “They learn stuff out here that they wouldn’t learn anywhere else,” added Butch. “We get them involved in 4-H and livestock at an early age. They get attached to the animals and learn life skills from being involved.” “He would have loved every minute of it,” Marlene said of David. The Law family is the tenth West Virginia family to receive the Farming Heritage Award, sponsored by the State Fair of West Virginia and the West Virginia Farm Bureau. The family was recognized during the West Virginia State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 20, during Governor’s Day. A luncheon reception, which included Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee, members of the West Virginia Farm Bureau board of directors and other dignitaries, was held in their honor. In 2000, David was diagnosed with cancer. He continued to try to help on the farm, but soon the boys, their wives and their families were handling the day-to-day operations. The Law family lost its patriarch Aug. 30, 2003, after a three-year battle with cancer. Carrying on the family legacy is important to the family. “It is a very rewarding life; a hard life. It is constant and there is no let up,” said Butch. “I have asked myself a lot of times why I’m doing this. I am doing this for Dad,” he said with watery eyes, “and for these grandkids. This is a good place to raise kids.” Emotionally, Butch ended by saying, “I thank Mom and Dad and God I’ve had the opportunity Butch is married to Susie and together they have three children, including son Jamie Law (Jodi) and two daughters, Rachel Shriver (Joey) and Vanessa Gandee (Richard). Butch and Susie currently have five grandchildren and are awaiting the birth of their sixth grandchild later this year. to do this.” Gerry and his wife Cookie have two children, a son, Andy Law (April) and a daughter, Gara Beth Satterfield Jennifer Metheney is a an assistant in the WVU Extension office in Ritchie County. 26 West Virginia Farm Bureau News West Virginia University Extension Service Ritchie County office will host a reception in honor of the Law family at the Ritchie County 4-H grounds Sunday, Oct. 18, 2-4 p.m. The reception will be open to the public.