My dad passed away last week. It was a joyful, tearful celebration at 12:15 pm on August 30, 2009. This post is sent on what would be his 88th birthday, Saturday, Sept. 5. Having worked for 35 years with General Electric as an engineer, my mom and dad retired in the great northwest locating in Poulsbo, WA. Space does not permit full resume of accomplishments and journey.
To the point, I had the honor to give my Dad’s eulogy at the Silverdale United Methodist Church, Silverdale, WA. This church is a jewel of life and Spirit filled living. My hesitation to write personal insight is outweighed by the force of impact my dad had on me. My mother encouraged me to let young men hear, so listen.
In the eulogy I shared at least five thoughts that every young man should read and older men need to remember:
· My dad was a romantic-He often whispered to my mom, “You were my first love.” In 1982, he wrote on a card, “Half a lifetime, but not enough to show my devotion and love. Forever yours.” I remember my Dad getting up every morning to make my mom coffee and serve her toast. He deeply cared for her. It was evident in all he did. The “house” was in order when he passed on because he loved my mom and his children. Later in years he talked of dance lessons in Spokane, WA. I never knew that. When asked which dance was his favorite, he crisply replied, “Helen S. Hinton,” who is of course my mother.
· He was an activist-His life was a discovery of causes and involvement with these causes. He cared about the environment, political strategy and community events. Because of a love for the outdoors, he bought a donkey for backpacking and actually kept the donkey on their property. Their home in Poulsbo overlooked Port Orchard Bay, a place they called the “Eagles Nest.” Everyone who passed by knew whom Thunder, the donkey, was. Dad made a fairly large red-lettered sign that said, “This donkey is a Republican.” He led the U.S. Marines in the funeral parade of President Franklin Delanor Roosevelt’s funeral.
· He was a lover of the outdoors-He knew every inch of the land that he owned. We remember him as one who loved to cut trees, haul brush, pull weeds, plant flowers and make pathways. His gardens were to die for. At 6:30 am, the day of Dad’s funeral, I wrote:
“He planted and watched it grow, early in the morning he would survey the land, every seed he did know.
He reaped the harvest for to show, in the afternoon he would hold every strand, ‘Here’s dinner Helen, he would glow.”
· He was a difference maker-Five words describe the difference. Linda, Pam, Patsy, Tom and Jeff. He made impact, a difference. As we came together and shared stories we discovered in a very fresh way, that our father had touched us each individually and collectively, a tapestry that was now woven into an esteemed memorial of honor and respect. The stories of grandchildren stamped our dad as one who had a far-reaching effect. He was our DNA. He was good stock. What a legacy to follow. I want to finish strong and pass on the legacy. We all do. On a personal note, just after Dad breathed his last, I “heard” his words to me that he shared on a rare, special day as the sun brought solace to Port Orhcard Bay with Mt. Rainer in the background, “You have a gift to communicate about God and missions. Do nothing else.”
· He was a follower-He knew the Lord. When he prayed, his words had depth and compassion. Scripture was not an add-on but rather a solid center-point. It was not always like this. Coming from a background of intellectualism, the other side of the railroad tracks and being self-made, he initially struggled with the God factor. My mom’s steadfast faith in God was heroic and honorable. Dad changed. The older he became, the stronger was his faith in God, evidenced by his generous giving and constant prayer for family members. One day, he called all family members and said, tearfully, “Forgive me. I have missed it. I have given my life to Christ.” Mom said he wept for three weeks as he pondered this discovery of faith and relationship in Christ. At his bedside, we told him he would soon be with Jesus. He weakly replied, “I am already there.” May the synthesis of culture, education, background, heartache and/or loss thread us to Him that was crucified for our sins and misgivings so that we place ourselves in the hands of Him on a daily basis without hesitation. This pleases God the Father.
It was Frost who said he had “…miles to go before he sleeps…” I too must steward my life from this point onward.
My resolve is to make life a better place for those whom I can, to treat others with the kindness and deep respect they deserve and I wish for myself, to learn from mistakes and failures, to touch those closest to me the best I possibly can so that at the end of the day I can but look back, if possible, and simply say, my fleeting presence made a difference; may the Lord be glorified!
Good job, Dad. You did a good job. Grateful I am!
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