HOME AT LAST!!

In a globally inter-connected world, I know that most of you reading this blog already know that my beloved father went home to be forever united with his Heavenly Father, on Friday night around 10.30pm. His passing leaves a gaping hole in our lives, and we have spent the past few days, laughing, crying, reminiscing, and ultimately celebrating the life of an extraordinary man, a man who we were honored to know as a husband, father and grand father.

As this will be the last post on a blog established by dad a short time ago, it seems only fitting that as my father's son, I spend a little time reflecting on my dad's life.

Sometimes when you've been blessed to be so close to someone so special, you can lose sight and at times take for granted, the gift that you've been given. While we know that none of us will live forever, until 7 weeks ago, I couldn't imagine my dad not being in my life. Blessed to live 5 minutes apart, I'd typically drop by for a cup of tea numerous times each week. We'd talk about my business, family, a little politics, life, cars, music and God's grace in our lives. Dad was a man of many facets. His fascination (some might call it obsession:)) with cars, is well remembered around the world. Folks coined the term "bircherized" to describe the meticulous condition of every automobile he every owned. His impeccable garage, has two laminated directional signs, intended to assist the driver in lining up the steering wheel for precise parking. You knew the car was exactly where it needed to be, when you felt it nudge up against two wooden blocks strategically placed on the garage floor!!

There is a sign, located in the garden, aptly named "Burchard Gardens" a tongue in cheek reference to the world famous Butchard Gardens in Victoria, BC. Although mom has always been the driving force behind their wonderful garden, dad's meticulous attention to detail ensured that their garden always was a summer show piece. My mind is flooded with memories of sitting on their deck on a beautiful NW summer afternoon and enjoying some tea and goodies. I know many of you have enjoyed their remarkable hospitality, and have enjoyed time on their deck.

While I never got to work for, or with dad, I am well aware of his reputation as an administrator par excellence. In many ways he was ahead of his time. His commitment to excellence in all areas, always drove him to look for more effective ways to get things done. His commitment to integration within the church in South Africa is well known. His commitment to the under dog, or those he felt were being treated unfairly, was evident throughout his career. Once he arrived in the US, I know that he played a meaningful role in helping many South African pastors to obtain positions in this country.

Despite the success that dad enjoyed in his role as an pastor / administrator, he never ever forgot where he came from. Born in Benoni, South Africa of humble beginning, dad's life was defined by his immense love of people. He looked beyond color, status, religious belief system, or any of the other things that are so often referenced by society in an attempt to define people.

Dad, of all the gifts you gave to Pam, Diane and myself, perhaps the greatest......... was your complete and total love and acceptance of us, not for what we did or do, but for who we are. You never questioned the path that our own journey of faith took us down, even when it meant not being part of an organization you had committed your life to.

You really did understand, that God's grace is all about relationship, NOT religion. You really understood that when Jesus said, I've come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly, he really meant that we should live that way... RIGHT NOW! You knew that it was all about 'sonship', not trying to appease some far off God thru our vain fruitless attempt at good works. You knew that ultimately, Jesus death on the cross was full and complete payment.....LACKING NOTHING, and needing nothing more from us.......other than to accept the gift and live our lives in freedom as Royal son's and daughters.

You knew that if we truly understood this profound reality, our lives would never ever again be marked by striving, but rather by the fragrance of our sonship (a gift freely given),touching the lives of those we encounter.

As I will never ever need to be reminded that I am your son, and how I should behave accordingly, so the knowledge of my sonship with my heavenly father, guides my life each and every day, and you affirmed that.

I was one of a gifted and blessed few, who enjoyed your remarkable influence in my life for so many years. While I knew I was blessed to have you as my father, your passing only highlights that reality!

 Even though I know it's perfect up there, I'm sure you're finding  a way to Bircherize your villa or chariot! And just in case your heads getting a little big, Dennis Kimble said to remind you that you cheated in Monopoly 50 years ago!!

Your friends and family will be coming together on February 16th to celebrate and honor your incredible life at the Meadow Glade SDA Church. Your Meadow Glade family honors you, and they have already shown incredible love towards mom. You would be proud!! 

See you soon Dadzie........I cant' wait to Tee it up with you!

Forever your Son,

 ~ Ray ~

Family emails are as follows:

estellebirch@comcast.net    Yes, I know mom's email is full, but we'll try to get some of it cleaned out:)
raybirch58@gmail.com
pberger21@hotmail.com