We were so sorry to receive a note from Tracey early Saturday morning to say that Floyd had gone to be with Jesus about 11:30 Friday evening. It was not unexpected based on her earlier notes, but it was troubling to read. Our good friend Floyd was gone at a young age – a deep loss for Tracey and for the family.

When we retired I had hoped that Floyd and Tracey could come and present our certificates in a Sunday morning service – and I’ve explained here then why that was important to us. I was however unsure based on his health whether they could travel. But it all worked out and they came.

We first met in the autumn of 1987. We were appointed to Erin Mills late in the year and they had just arrived in Mississauga to plant Meadowvale. Energy, creativity, and an attitude of can-do marked my first impressions. We were young and full of ideas and we often would meet for lunch to take a bit of time to “fix the Army”. In the most recent days we had laughed at that memory wishing we had as many answers now as we did then.

We were neighbouring corps officers, dys’s, and eventually divisional leaders together. Upon their return from Australia, we worked very closely together. And we had fun together too! From Christmas dinners to baseball games to sharing with work on the road! Floyd was the one who helped me think more creatively. He was the one who pushed us to think more strategically. And it was on his approval that Wendy and I were able to establish our home in Edmonton while still working in our roles in Toronto. He could imagine new ways of working.

We will miss our dear friend and continue to pray for Tracey and the family as they experience life without the man who seemed to made their worlds richer and deeper.

One thing is for sure. Cancer cannot touch him now. He is safe in the arms of Jesus and has surely heard “well done good and faithful servant”!