My Tribute...

My dear friend in the Lord and former co-worker, Florence Dice, went from this earth last night, and on to enjoy her eternal reward that God has prepared for her.  To say she will be missed is an understatement.

I recall the first time I met her...at church.  She was gentle and soft-spoken and sincere.  She truly listened...and remembered not only my name the next time I saw her, but what our conversation had been about.

She and I worked together every day for nine years at the Bible College.  That's a good long time to spend with a person and her sweetness was evident with every single person she spoke with.  Nothing was too much for her to do when asked....and often she would offer before she was asked.  She saw needs around her and met them with a joyful spirit.  She was my mentor and taught me about patience and kindness and genuine love for others. We laughed together every day...or cried...depending on the circumstances.  But she took on the emotions and feelings of those around her and empathized. 

She had little, in the eyes of the world but she gave sacrificially not only to her church but to those in need.  I do not believe she said "no" to anyone.

Never once did I hear her raise her voice to any one or any thing....other than raising her voice in song and praise to God!

She remembered not only my birthday each year, but everyone I knew, including all of my own family members.  I have kept some of those cards with words of encouragement and friendship and love.

She worked hard and tirelessly in her positions both at the Bible College and in her capacity as Canada Conference Secretary....and her work was meticulous. Our motto together as we worked was "Great life, if you don't weaken!"...and then we'd laugh.  After talking about various things that needed to be done in the Bible College office, we would look at each other and say "Well, let's have a go!" (in an English accent, of course, as both our fathers were Englishmen)....and we would make our way to our respective desks with a set determination to get the job done.

She was a friend to everyone.  I don't mean "friend" as in, a person whom you are acquainted with, but "friend" as in "one who goes the extra mile"....as in "one who remembers you in special ways"...as in one who sends Christmas cards to you long after you have moved away....year after faithful year".  Some of you know what I'm talking about here....

Florence had a heart for God.  She was the closest to being a saint as anyone I have ever known.  She loved Jesus and it was evident that she followed after Him in all she did and said.  A true believer.  A faithful one.  A saintly one.  A beloved one.

Florence has left a legacy to everyone she knew...a legacy of grace and compassion and love.  I know there will be many, many tributes offered to her memory as the days pass.

I could write pages on this dear, fragile, gentle woman but even that would never do her justice.

She will now be enjoying the rewards that God has said would be waiting for her.  How happy I am that this has come about...free of pain and suffering.

Today, I offer a heartfelt tribute in memory of this marvelous lady, my dear friend, Florence.  A life well lived.  A life that changed many lives for the good.....of which I am blessed to say, I am one.

Florence had a favourite Bible verse and it read:
"Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."  I Peter 5:7

Her favorite color was pink...she loved pink roses.  These are for you, dear friend....

Florence in her last "official" capacity of service to her church...

Gateway Covenant....the lighting of the Christ Candle

in the Advent Wreath, Christmas Eve Candle Light Service

 2009 while her great-niece, Sara, read Scripture

and dear care-giver and special niece, Linea,

helped her along.

Peace to her memory.....