At the outset, we would like to thank you all, for your prayers for us over the past number of weeks, and we will continue to value them in the difficult, transitional, days ahead. We certainly appreciate the sacrifices each and every one of you have made to be in attendance with us here today, as well as those who are with us in spirit by the internet. I would also like to acknowledge the staff at Holland Christian Homes - Grace manor, for the years of loving, considerate, care that our Dad was a recipient of.
The day before Dad died, a number of staff came into his room after their shift to speak to him and say “we love you Mr. Bruce” not knowing if this would be their last opportunity. I was so encouraged by their gentleness and genuine affection for him. Thank you so much for that.
Dad loved the farm, and was proud to be a member of the Kirkton community. I don’t recall him ever having anything negative to say about farm life, except filling the mow on a hot August day. He rarely spoke of all the work that was required to run the farm, but when he did, he never failed to respectfully acknowledge the tremendous efforts of His mom and dad Horace and Bessie. He fondly spoke of swimming in the crick with his sister Eva, hunting with his cousin David, helping with the animals and harvest, making maple syrup, competing at the local fair, or, as an accomplished athlete at track meets when he was in high school.
A few years ago, I took Dad home to Kirkton and we spent some time with his childhood friend Murray Shier. I really enjoyed hearing the two of them reminiscing of earlier times spent together in school, and as young men, employed forking peas at harvest time.
I REMEMBER: when I was a child, a man who I looked up to, a man I admired and wanted to emulate, a man who appeared to be strict but was for the most part fair. A man of morality and integrity, who when he gave you his word, fully intended on carrying it out. A man who was diligent, responsible, and enjoyed helping others.
A spectator he was not. Dad had a very strong work ethic, like very few I have ever known.
Dad had the ability to fix just about anything. If something was broken, he would take it apart and determine how it worked, and therefore how to repair it. He felt that if it was broken, taking it apart could not make matters much worse. And he was proved right, most of the time.
I REMEMBER: He was eager to learn, and as the need arose added to his list of accomplishments a base understanding of automotive repair, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, and masonry. We worked together building decks, fences, cement patios and walkways, as well as finishing the basement of our home. When Sheila and I bought our first home, he took time off work and helped me complete the electrical portion of the build.
I REMEMBER: a man who was generous. Instead of spending a lot of his income on hobbies for himself, he provided for his family. He helped coach some of the hockey teams I was part of, signed us up for baseball and encouraged us to compete in track and field events.
I REMEMBER: being taught that within a family, every member had duties and responsibilities to fulfill. We had ¾ of an acre and a push mower and a snow scoop. There was lots of grass to cut, snow to move, and a garden to hoe.
Our chapel family life was no different, I observed his determined efforts to serve the Lord, by utilizing his spiritual gifts in serving others in various capacities.
I REMEMBER: a man who is defined in the scriptures (as are we all) a sinner. One who at times (like the rest of us) revealed a side of himself less admirable. Dad would have you know that he was no better than anyone else.
The Lord tells us in His word that, He is not a respecter of persons. Dad would also affirm Romans 3:23 that we all have been declared sinners. And he would also plead with you, knowing that our lives are short, to consider that Gods eternal provision to take away this sin and restore our relationship with Him, can only be found in His Son, our sin bearer, the Lord Jesus Christ.
You may say to all this, that there really is not anything remarkable here. That your father, perhaps, has done all this, and much more. But I would draw you attention to the fact that the majority of these things are in Gods eyes, TEMPORAL, and have no value in eternity.
Some of the verses that my son Michael read to us from the Psalms (book of Praises to God) speak of gratitude, and I found myself drawn to them as I tried to detail my desire to communicate this of my Dad.
GRATITUDE has as its definition “the quality of being thankful” Also meaning INDEBTEDNESS. In contrast to the temporal “WE” are ETERNALLY grateful for our Dads spiritual conviction and desire that we would come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal saviour.
What does this mean? It means that in this earthly life we can have the assurance of a right relationship with God. This can only be accomplished through the belief that Jesus is Lord.
Romans 10:9,10
That if you Confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
LOVE YOU DAD
