“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…” Prov. 13:22
I was awakened a little while ago by the phone call I’ve anticipated from my brother letting me know my dad has passed away. Far from shocking, my siblings and family have longed for him to go “home” for quite a while. But his passing still has a profound impact and I doubt I’ll sleep until I’ve written a few lines about him.
He was a great example of a dying breed—The Greatest Generation, those who led the United States through the Depression, World War II, the Korean War and what became known as the American Century. I mentioned his remarkable personal accomplishments in the post Saying Goodbye to Parents; A Severe Mercy.
But to our family he was defined by simpler terms. He was:
- Son to Katherine and Neal, immigrants to Chicago from Northern Ireland, for 90 years
- Brother to Richard and Betty for 89 years
- Son of God for 75 years
- Husband to Yvonne for 65 years
- Father to Curt, Craig, Carolyn and Clyde for 63 years
- Father-in-law to Nancy, Beryl, Michael and Jillian for 38 years
- Grandfather to Jesse, Luke, Annie, Barclay, Alec, Conor, Kellan, Reid, Brieg, Alexandra and Taylor for 34 years
- Grandfather-in-law to Vince, April, Bonnie and Scott for 12 years
- Great-grandfather to Bella, Brynn, Brooke, Sawyer and Laurin for 6 years
Dad lived profound roles in the lives of all who knew him: friend, teammate, colleague, boss, elder, pastor. But none of his roles were deeper, more lasting and more valued than the simple ones above.
What a man he was to all of us. What a gift he was to me.
Because of who he was I can say, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6.
My greatest joy in life is my family. I know, that sounds like the comment you’re supposed to make as a man and father. All I can say is I literally shake my head in wonder at the family I have: my wife Beryl; my daughter Barclay and son-in-law Vince, their four daughters, Bella, Brynn, Brooke and Blake; my son Alec, my son Conor and daughter-in-law Bonnie, their daughter Gemma and son Calvin. Every one of them is a genuine gift. Beyond that, I have a calling that I live out through Peregrine Ministries. It is to help men: Understand their identity in Christ, Embrace their role as men, and Live out their God-given calling in life. Bottom line is I’m convinced men matter and I want to help them live life on purpose.
Comments: 23
Craig — Great words about a man who loved God and people. I always remember him organising a free medical check-up before Audrey and I got married. We had to have a blood test for STD’s to get the marriage licence, and as he was leading us down the hall at Bethesda hospital, he turned to me and said, “I always get nervous when missionaries are getting tested, just in case we don’t get the result we expect.” I wasn’t sure if he was doubting me or his hospital’s lab, but suddenly I got nervous! What a kind, generous, gracious man he was, and that was a reflection of the “son of God” you refer to. Feeling for you today, my friend. I’m sure your dad is hearing a clear and resounding “well done”. Audrey and I send our love, Brian
Thank you for showing us another story of my dad’s legacy, Brian. I have a picture of him in heaven with my mom, his parents, his siblings, with a huge smile on his face. Maybe dancing. Well, smiling, anyway. Thanks, friend.
Dear Craig,
I now see why you are the great man you are. You come from great stock. Your Dad is now with mine with our heavenly Father. And they have never been better! I don’t know how you feel, but I do understand the loss of a father. I love you much! I’m around if you ever what to talk or for someone to just listen.
Blessings,
Clarence
Brother, Clarence, thank you! I agree; he has never, ever been better. I can’t imagine what he is looking at right now. Overwhelming glory.
Craig, Your dad was the very model of a Christian gentleman. He was exceptionally kind to Nancy when we returned to Chicago from our service in France in 1977, seeing to it that she had a comprehensive battery of tests at Bethesda hospital where he served as administrator. For the next decade we had a chance to witness his quiet, wise, faithful leadership in Christian organizations and Arlington Countryside Chapel where he was “a pillar in the church.” He had the gift of encouragement, a true Barnabas. How wonderful that he did not outlive Vonnie by much more than two years, knowing how he missed her and how challenging daily life had become for him. He was truly one of those “of whom the world was not worthy.”
Dave, your story can be, indeed has been, repeated by hundreds or perhaps thousands whom he served while at Bethesda. It’s a lesson to me that 35 years after the story you related, you and Nancy still have a clear memory of how he treated you. He stood out in the world, didn’t he.
Craig, I am so sorry to hear of your loss but I am joyed filled to know that your dad is rejoicing in the presence of our Heavenly Father and reunited with your mom. I have such fond memories of your dad when I first started dating Marla and visiting Countryside church. I would often seek your dad out after the services for it was like looking into the eyes of Jesus. He would have a word of encouragement or direction that had a way of reaching down to my soul. I am so glad to have the chance to cross paths with your dad and then to experience the legacy that he passed on when you and I first met in the mens ministry at Willow.
Our prayers are with you and your family for God’s peace in the midst.
Blessings,
Tom
Tom. I’m profoundly touched by your words. Thank you.
Craig, We are so sorry for your loss, but so happy for your dad. I can never hear of a believer passing away these days without thinking of an awesome song – I believe written by Don Wyrtzen – that says “Just think of stepping on shore, and finding it Heaven…of touching a hand and finding it God’s…of waking up in Heaven and finding it home.” As you said, he is surely smiling now!! I can only imagine your sense of loss, though. I know that we are taking things day by day with my own dad. We are praying for you and your family. Love, Laurie and Bob
On behalf of the Kosick family we send our sorrow at hearing of your Dad’s passing. However, we know of the rejoicing that must have gone on when he entered into the presence of our Lord. So many have gone before him and rejoice at his coming home. When Bill told his parents Jack broke down and said, “There are so few of us left.” We told Bill’s sister, Claudia, as Mr. Glass married she and Roy some 40 years ago. Out time is but a mist on this earth and we shall all be living in eternity with our Lord. I do believer I will still be calling your parents Mr. and Mrs. Glass when, we too, enter those Heavenly gates. May our Lord bless you everyone at this time of good-by.
Love and prayers, Bill and Barb
Dear Craig, Memories are so important and your dad left a lot of memories written on many hearts and lives. I remember meeting your dad for the first time at church in Chicago when I was a new Christian attending Emmaus Bible School. Both he and your mom were very gracious, kind and encouraging. He had a way of encouraging people that can be seen in his son, Craig. Some people are legends. Some people leave many memories. Your dad combined both as a very kind and gracious follower of Jesus. He is with our Lord and reunited with his beloved. Soon we will all join them. Our love and condolences on the journey, Earle & Julie Fries
Thank you for such kind words, Earle. “Some people are legends…some leave many memories…” Those are prophetic words. I’s what I already feel about you.
Craig, I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, but at the same time, rejoicing for him and the absolute, unimaginable joy he is experiencing at this very moment. I will never forget his compassionate care for me when I entered Bethesda upon my return from France. I knew I was in the best of hands, both his and the Lord’s, which was such a gift and blessing. As others have said, it’s no surprise that such a man would raise such a man as you, Craig. May you sense His strong yet gentle presence as you journey through this difficult time, my friend.
Love and Prayers for you and your family, Sue (and Dave)
Craig (Curt, Carolyn and Clyde)
Thank you for sharing this intimate look at your sweet Dad. As you know, your parents took me in when I was far from home and shared all of you with me. I have never forgotten those days of your family ministering to me. I’m so happy he has been reunited with Vonnie but, much more, he sees Jesus face to face. I know that’s what he was longing for. Carolyn, bless you and your family for tenderly caring for them both as they declined. All your efforts paid off–they’re alive and well.
Love you guys,
Priscilla (Knox Morrison)
The Harshaw family is so sad at your loss. My father worked for Neil at Bethesda Hospital for about 9 years. My dad could never say enough about him as a boss. Anyone can put on a facade when going to church, but your dad was the real deal. Day in and out he showed what a Christian would look like in the business world. I know my dad has never spoken of anyone to me as highly as him. As a girl, I felt the same way about him that someone above said. He was truly like meeting Jesus. May the Lord keep you in His arms during this time of loss.
Lisa
Lisa, your words move me to tears. Really. I knew the respect your dad had for my dad; and you reminded me. But more, you pointed out the impact that goes into the next generation. It’s one of the principles I believe in so strongly. Blessing gets passed on to the children’s children.
Craig, I think I only met you father once on one of his visits to you here in Colorado but all the great things about him that you and others have shared ring true. In the weeks and months ahead, I know you will be comforted as you remember the great race that he run and the honor you showed him.
David
Craig,
Such a beautiful, hopeful and inspirational reflection! Thank you for sharing your heart as you say “goodbye” to your father – for now. What an amazing legacy he has left, by God’s grace! Thank you for emphasizing his most important roles, all too overlooked in our achievement-focused society. Dale and I are surely lifting you and the entire family up during this time. May our Father’s peace be especially near and real to you during this season.
In His Hand,
Carolyn
Dear Craig,
I am writing you from San Luis Potosí today.. here exploring some new ministry opportunities. In a very special way, where I am and what I am doing is a result of your father’s patience and willingness to invest in ministry – and young leaders.
Sometime in the eighties I had an appointment with him when I was weary and disillusioned with much of the Christian leadership I was observing around me. At the same time I had a vision for the seminary in La Paz, Bolivia which I was then leading. In the course of my appointment with your father I was both assured (that there were some principled men in leadership) and encouraged in my vision.
It was one of those divine appointments that kept me going.
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family in these days.
Woody
Woody, what a great story! Who knew?! Thank you for making sure WE did.
Dear Craig,
It has been too many years since I last saw you, perhaps at my brother Bill’s wedding about 39 years ago. When I remember the Glass family it is with fond memories. Our families had many dinners together, summers at Stormy Lake Wisconsin, ice skating on frozen pond, swimming at the dunes near Zion, Illinois and so much laughter!!! We had many great times together and I am so thankful for those childhood memories. I wanted you, Curt, Carolyn and Clyde to know what at blessing your parents and especially your dad was in my life. He was my Elder, Sunday School Teacher, friend, the one who married Roy and myself and most of all the greatest mentor a young believer in Christ could have. I thank the Lord for placing your Dad in my life over 50 years ago. His guidance through the Word of God was so very inspiring…as a 7th or 8th grader we would discuss predestination and he made it so clear that I understood.
What great comfort it is to know that he is now safely home with our Lord Jesus. Praying for all of you as you journey through the next few days. Love to my friends Curt, Craig, Carolyn and Clyde! Missing you all! Claudia
Claudia, your memories and comments about Dad are profoundly touching. I’m so glad for the imprint he made in your life– and your kids’. It was amazing to hear from your daughter. Your family was extremely important to us all. We are so thankful for your friendship.
Craig, what a blessing to reflect on a godly heritage and to know that he has left the “land of the dying and entered the land of the living.” Your comments made me reflect the loss of my dad 20 years ago and the tears that still come as a testimony to the significance of the relationship even after many years. (A little awkward right now as I’m distractedly attending a conference. 🙂 We remain with the minority of humanity who still walk this earth and look to see our Hope face to face as our dads do even now. Wow!
Appreciate you and who you are as your dads son.