Patrick, Catherine, Mark, and families,
Your folks were some of the first people we met when we moved to Jacksonville -- probably a Mac faculty get-together. Years later they welcomed us as we joined Faith. Their leadership at church was absolutely extraordinary, as you well know. We enjoyed their leading of adult Sunday School -- I seem to recall many interesting discussions about the Reformation (smile). Several generations of folks will remember your dad reading the Scripture on Sunday morning; when he spoke those words, it was as if God the Father were speaking. (smile). They often included us in Symphony events, and we have tried to continue that tradition with others. Rand and Pat certainly lived their faith; Prairie Council on Aging, the NAACP, the Historical Society, the Jacksonville Public Library, and just about every other organization in Jacksonville benefited from their generosity. of time, talent, and treasure. We will especially miss talking to your dad; the only word that describes his knowledge is encyclopedic. I once heard a story from another couple who played Trivial Pursuit with your parents; the other couple never took a turn because your folks never missed any questions and quickly filled up the "pieces of the pie." Perhaps that is an exaggeration, but it's certainly believable. (smile). We loved your parents and are grateful to God for their presence among us. To lose both of them in such a short time is really tough, and we send you our sincere sympathy. They loved you all dearly and were so proud of you. We know that the words they first heard after death were: Well done, my good and faithful servants. Shalom to you all.
Sincerely, Dennis Backstrom and Elaine Chapman
Dear Patrick, Catherine and Mark,
May God’s peace that surpasses all understanding rule in your hearts and minds and may our confident hope in resurrected life bring you great comfort during this time. Pat and Rand were such stalwarts in the church and community and will be greatly missed. May God bless your families today and always.
Your folks were some of the first people we met when we moved to Jacksonville -- probably a Mac faculty get-together. Years later they welcomed us as we joined Faith. Their leadership at church was absolutely extraordinary, as you well know. We enjoyed their leading of adult Sunday School -- I seem to recall many interesting discussions about the Reformation (smile). Several generations of folks will remember your dad reading the Scripture on Sunday morning; when he spoke those words, it was as if God the Father were speaking. (smile). They often included us in Symphony events, and we have tried to continue that tradition with others. Rand and Pat certainly lived their faith; Prairie Council on Aging, the NAACP, the Historical Society, the Jacksonville Public Library, and just about every other organization in Jacksonville benefited from their generosity. of time, talent, and treasure. We will especially miss talking to your dad; the only word that describes his knowledge is encyclopedic. I once heard a story from another couple who played Trivial Pursuit with your parents; the other couple never took a turn because your folks never missed any questions and quickly filled up the "pieces of the pie." Perhaps that is an exaggeration, but it's certainly believable. (smile). We loved your parents and are grateful to God for their presence among us. To lose both of them in such a short time is really tough, and we send you our sincere sympathy. They loved you all dearly and were so proud of you. We know that the words they first heard after death were: Well done, my good and faithful servants. Shalom to you all.
Sincerely, Dennis Backstrom and Elaine Chapman