Deceased May 20, 2016
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In Memory
My mother said it was hard to imagine the world without my father, but even the strongest oak tree eventually falls. His body showed the wear of 99 years, but his mind was sharp and clear—his ready wit and sense of fun as well as a love for serious discussions never failed him. He always appreciated the classical education he received at Amherst and shared with his family a love of learning and a respect for Amherst’s founding seal and motto picturing a sun and open Bible illuminating a globe with the words “Let them enlighten the lands.” We were a talkative family and he shared many memories of his college years, but the one I remember most was his going alone in the evening hours to the music room to listen to the power and beauty of many favorite composers. Just a week before he died, I brought Brahms’ First Symphony over for us to listen to, remembering it as one of his most loved during those evenings of solitude. As he closed his eyes and hummed along, I saw tears and know he was moved by the music, but also feelings of those youthful days now gone. My beloved dad was a professor and CPA in his professional life. He also preached God’s Word, and it was his love and devotion to Jesus that will be remembered by those who knew him. His wife and my cherished mother, Doris, didn’t live to see the world go on without him, but his son (recently deceased and with them) and I did and he is sorely missed. They moved from New Jersey in the mid-1980s to live in Seattle near me and in 2001 moved permanently to Sun Lakes, Ariz., where I also had a home. Home was where they hung their hats and always special, but a part of them remained in the East Coast and with their dear son and his family. I was blessed to have had them nearby for many years.
Born 2/14/1917—To his eternal home 5/20/2016
Submitted by John’s daughter, Nancy Cordner