A Tribute to Dad
When Mark’s Dad died, I gave a eulogy at his funeral. I expanded it for people who never had the privilege of knowing him.
In 1969 I married Mark and became Andy’s daughter-in-law. Dad was a man of God, who exemplified the Word. I learned much from him.
First — For him, and most Andersons, coffee is a basic food group. And chocolate is also in that food group. When the doctor told him to decrease his coffee intake, he only filled his cup half full. But he made twice as many trips to the coffee pot. I’m sure he thought medical research should investigate coffee IV’s so he could still get his coffee fix at night. Dad always had time for a cup of coffee and a talk with his neighbors and those whom he met.
Second — Dad taught me that God is colorblind. It is the best way to view people. Matthew 28:19 says to “go into all the world” and teach his Word. He married Lorna in order to live and teach school on a Mohawk reservation. Then he served on the west coast of Vancouver Island and worked with loggers and the Nootka tribe. Next, he worked in Mexico with Airmail from God and helping other missionaries with various government problems. When, finally, Dad could no longer go, God brought the world to him—Vietnamese refugees, Punjabi neighbors, and people of the First Nations. They could all become God’s children, and Dad was ready to show them the way. In addition, I think he really enjoyed the various colors of his own family. He welcomed Chinese, Indian, Mexican, and Afghan people into his own family. Color made no difference to his love.
Third — Dad taught me that one’s treasures are best shared with an open hand and heart. He freely gave to meet the needs of others, but his dearest treasure was the Bible. He shared God’s Word with everyone. Even that last Saturday, when we brought him home from the hospital, Dad had a long biblical discussion with his grandson David, Jr. His treasure was freely shared so others could benefit.
Fourth — Dad taught me that a man’s wealth is not measured by dollars or possessions. I would say that Dad’s wealth was measured by the number of friends he had. Even people who met him only once remembered him and respected him. You can’t take material possessions with you when you die. But at that last trumpet call, most of Dad’s wealth will be with him. He will have a large number of his friends in heaven, and a goodly proportion will be there because of his witness. That’s true wealth.
Before Christ, we were under the law. After Christ, we are under grace. That’s love at its best. When I married Mark, Dad legally became my father-in-law. In reality, he has always been my father-in-love. All this is because Christ was the center of Dad’s life.
