Rest In Peace, my brother

[grim23]

Carl Stevens suddenly died Tuesday, of a heart attack at his home, one of many serious medical problems he lived with for a long time. He had a Masonic Funeral on Friday. I found out about his death and funeral today, and I have just returned from his gravesite, paying my last respects.

Carl was the Senior Warden for the three consecutive years I was the Worshipful Master, because I asked him to. He was a twice Past Master himself, once before I was even born. He would sit at his place opposite the Lodge from me, and give me looks when I was about to say the wrong thing, and he had a gentle way of correcting me before I was about to do the wrong thing. When Rickreall Masonic Lodge was falling apart, Carl was the one who helped me hold it together.

He gave me wise counsel for years, he was one of my Best Men at my wedding, and my ex-wife and I were, in fact, married between two huge oak trees on his front yard. Carl was Salt of the Earth, who belived in Masonic virtues and principles. This world, and especially I, miss him terribly. Carl was one of the people I could call, day or night, if I had a ethical or sticky situation, and he would invariably let me tell both sides to him, and just saying it to him gave me the answer I needed.

I have been changing and cutting away so much in my life that is not good. Carl was not part of that. Carl was one of the people I thought I could hang on to forever, but The Universe needs him more.

Go In Peace, my brother. I love you, and you have influenced my life, and I will always think of you as the standard of what a Mason should be.

Comments

[jic]

That's a beautiful eulogy.

*hugs*

Honor to your beloved Friend

[aurorawyndancer.livejournal.com]

The paths we walk whether long or short, the length makes not a difference,
It is the lives we touch along the way, the love we freely give
The hope and comfort, friendship and wisdom, that means we truley lived.

Impromptu poetry to honor a great man who influnced a man I dearly love, I am sure Carl is proud of you and will continue to guide you from beyond.

Be comforted Kindred
*hugs* Aurora

very sad

[mrrazor.livejournal.com]

I am sorry about the loss in your "family"

Re: very sad

[grim23]

Thanks.

Grim

Eulogy

[grim23]

Thank you, JIC.

Re: Honor to your beloved Friend

[grim23]

*bow*

Thank you for the poem. I'll try to get it to his wife and children.

Strength from sadness

[ms-pinkk.livejournal.com]

We're sorry for your loss, and hugging you tightly! love Christy & Brian

[(Anonymous)]

Very well said Samuel.

Carl was one that I was very impressed with, who had it all in one place.

He certainly had a presence that was most impressive.

It is rare though that a eulogy is as well written as this one. Well done.

A Missoula Man

Eulogy

[grim23]

Thanks. I miss him.

condolances

[prairie-kittin.livejournal.com]

May the Goddess hold him gently in Her hand until he decides it's time to return.

I'm sorry for your loss. If you ever need anything, even if it's "just" a shoulder to cry on, let me know. You were always there for me. I can be there for you.

I love you, my brother.

Kittin

Re: condolances

[grim23]

Thanks, Kittin. I know I can count on you, and I know you're there for me.

I love you as much, my sister.

Here's to Carl

[nericksx.livejournal.com]

That was just beautiful, Grim. Carl was one who had mojo and I know that he appreciates your words (even if they make him blush). I didn't know him as well was Ian did nor nearly as well as you, but I liked him instantly. His eyes had a wise yet mischievous sparkle and I enjoyed the time I spend with him immensley. We weren't able to attend his funeral, as Greg only gave us two hours notice and we had an appointment for Morgan that morning. Ian and Charles drove down this morning to pay respects.

I'm not so eloquent as you, all I can say is that it sucks and we'll miss him lots.

Come visit and we'll commiserate and drink a toast to Carl.

- N

Re: Here's to Carl

[grim23]

I'd like that. Soon.