My memory

Dad was having breakfast with his grandson Steve and myself at Golden Acres, Janesville.  Another gentlemen, obviously an octogenarian was sitting close to us. Dad managed to engage in a small conversation with the man, including, as was his want, a kind Gospel witness. I'm sure this left an impression on the man, as well as on myself and Steve.

1999, with son-in-law Dave, daughters Karen and Carol

Here's a song written by his daughter Karen:

Daddy's gone to Heaven, to that glorious land above,
But, he left us his example and a legacy of love;
He's shed his earthly temple for the presence of his King,
I ask you, "Isn't that enough to make our sad hearts sing?"

I.
It's hard for us to fathom a life without our Dad,
He's always been there for us in happy times and sad;
And when we needed sound advice, his thoughts we always sought,
But, most of all, the way he lived was how we all were taught.

II.
Although we cannot know exactly just how Heav'n will be,
We're very sure that Jesus' face was the first he asked to see;
His second joy, we know, would be to grab a healthy hand
And say, "Come on now, Jason, you show me 'round this land!"

III.
Only in our selfish moments would we wish him here,
That he is healthy now, and strong, the Bible makes quite clear;
He taught us how to live and die and that what matters most
Is to be sure we've trusted Christ, so we'll join Heaven's host.

DAD: FAITH THAT SOARED

(by Carol Richart) Dad has gone to his eternal home, but the memories of his life and what he taught me will live on forever. I was privileged to be with Dad a lot during my teen years as he had me help at the hardware-lumber store to wait on customers and later to do the bookkeeping. Dad was a people person and was also interested in each individual. He often put their requests for special services ahead of won prior commitments. He portrayed a positive attitude and looked for the good. Many times he told me to have time for elderly people, listen to what they had to say and help them as needed.

Dad taught by example. He was involved with family, church and community. He was a school board member, active with civic club, community projects and was Sunday School Supt. at the Presbyterian church and on the board there many years. He faithfully drove west of Solon more than 10 miles on Sundays to bring underprivileged children to Sunday School to learn of God’s love for them.

I remember Dad’s support when I headed to college at University of Wisconsin –Madison and what a culture shock that was coming from little Solon Springs. I was terribly homesick for home, family and especially then one year old sister Jodi. All the changes overwhelmed me. Dad made many phone calls to encourage a crying daughter and kept teaching me to make the best of each day, keep pressing on, never give up hope and trust in God. He taught me not to give up.

There was a lot of growing up those years as well as trust in God and growth in my daily walk of faith through Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and friends made through the activities/Bible studies.

With marriage and birth of children both Dad and Mom were supporters and encouragers in family, parenting and work challenges. It was more apparent that Dad’s zeal to witness of Jesus as his Savior was a top priority. He enjoyed helping a friend with work projects and also share his faith. Dad also taught that along with successes there are losses and failures. Despite disappointments, he never gave up hope and his faith sustained him through the tough times.

The last couple years of Dad’s life will always be special. With the folks accident October of ’99, it appeared that Dad would be taken from us then, but God had more for him to teach us. He overcame those serious injuries and his faith was stronger. Along with tending to physical care, daily devotions and prayer together became a highlight of each day. He enjoyed expounding on the scripture read and his prayers were truly conversing with God.

Even as we celebrated the folks 65th anniversary in June 2001, it was apparent that Dad’s strength was waning. However, his faith was very much alive and soaring. In his final days with us, reading scripture and praying together continued to be a highlight and my singing a hymn an extra “Amen.” Dad is gone, but what he taught me of growing faith will live on and on.