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IN LOVING MEMORY

January 2022 Rick McPherson

It seems that old Texas cowboys say important stuff.  “Some friends are for a reason, some for a season and some, for a lifetime!”  When you think about it, you’ll probably agree.  Maybe you’re making a list right now and putting people in their place. 

Just last week, I lost a lifetime friend.  Carl Maier was promoted to Heaven.  He lived this life for 98 years and it was a privilege to call him friend for over fifty.  What a wonderful man he was!  All of us who knew him will miss him dearly.  His wife Lois, who was married to him for over 75 years, his daughters, Shari and Carol, their husbands and children will grieve his passing but rejoice knowing that he is in Heaven with Jesus, his Lord and Savior.  The Scripture says it so succinctly, “We sorrow, but not as those who have no hope.”  Our hope is in the Truth that we will be reunited with our loved ones who have preceded us in death, on that, “great Resurrection morning.”

I met Carl in the spring of 1971, when I was a student from Central Bible College, Springfield, Missouri.  I was invited to Portland, Oregon, as a candidate for the Minister of Youth position at First Assembly of God.  The pastor, Rev. Jim Swanson, picked me up at the airport in a yellow MGB GT (which sealed the deal immediately for me) and drove me to the hotel.  “But first we need to stop and visit a couple in the church who are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary,” he explained.    When we arrived at the Lake Oswego home, the front door was opened and a smiling gentleman said, “Welcome, my name is Carl!”  Friendship, day one!

His business career included real estate.  He was the one who helped my wife and I purchase our first home.   He said at the Title Company when we signed the papers, “Rick, never miss a mortgage payment!  No matter what, never miss a payment!”  The monthly amount was $254.00!  I remember leaving the office and wondering what did I just do?   Heeding Carl’s advice, no mortgage payments have been missed. 

Integrity is the salient word that comes to mind when I think of Carl.  He epitomized it.  He served as a Board Member, Secretary-Treasurer and Administrator in several different churches and most recently as the Chairman of the Board for Pacific NW Outreach, Inc.  He was committed to serving people and particularly Native Americans in the mission that helps them physically and spiritually.  His faithfulness, commitment, humor, tenderness and disposition set high standards for us to follow. 

Now, this life’s work is over and Carl has entered his final rest.  I know that he was welcomed into Heaven with this greeting, “Welcome, Carl!  Well done, good and faithful servant!”  I imagine that he has already rounded up his hunting buddies and is having coffee and visiting around the campfire. 

So, from this lifetime friend of Carl Maier, “Good bye for now…I’ll see you in the morning!”