The following letter is something that I wrote and was shared at the celebration of his life today... I continue to give God thanks for 'loaning' to me such amazing, precious people.
May the family, friends and church community be comforted in their grief. Blessed are the mourn for they will be comforted.
"One of my first memories of Gary was over a decade ago in Disciple 1 Bible class back at the Green Street church. He brought his can of pop and draped his arm around Debbie and that is how we began to know one nother. Gary was ready to ask questions, like, "what about that or this...?"
Later, I learned Gary was stubborn, funny, proud, a
tease, loyal, a hard worker, and a great member of any team! Gary was the only Vietnam vet I ever met to tell me
funny, silly stories from Vietnam. He had the spiritual gift of
encouragement. He knew what to say and when to say it. Gary also had the powerful gift of
intercession. He was a warrior at prayer! I was glad he was on
my side.
One of the very best
things about Gary... Which is why he
was awesome husband, father, father in law, grandfather, uncle, friend,
teammate, solider, and church member - is that Gary had your back. His fierce loyalty,
consistency, and tenacity of love was all ways and always
there. He made sure you knew that he was ready to do or be anything
for you.
No wonder we are all
deeply saddened by the huge hole in our hearts at his passing. Who will
have our back now? Block us from the winds of the world? Make us feel safe in
the dark of night?
Gary was humble enough to
know his limitations... As much as he'd enjoy this funeral fuss he would
much rather just go and get a beer and talk about your life.
Then he would remind us that what he did for us is small, tiny in
fact, in comparison to God's tremendous love and loyalty in
Jesus. God had Gary's back and
God will now watch over ours.
Your friend,
Michelle Knight
