This is a long posting, for which I apologise, but I offer it for a good reason: to illustrate what a really “good life” looks like, a life that would have been greatly admired by Epicurus and all his fellow philosophers. I have disguised his real identity as W.H for the sake of his family – he died just a few days ago. This is the homily, slightly shortened, delivered by a minister who is clearly full of admiration of the deceased, and for good reason:

Held in Trust

It is both an honor and a challenge to do what this homily must do: describe how we have seen the love of God expressed in the life of W.H. It is an honor for me because of who he has been to this church and this community. It is a challenge because there is so much that is compelling, so much that could be said. The extent and variety of W.H’s accomplishments have been exceptional. But amid the quantity of what he did, we must seek the quality of who he was. There we find the marks of God’s love. There we find that we have forged bonds with W. H, and because of him, that can never be broken.

With affection for one another and for their parents, his three children have shared memories that prove wonderfully revealing. Time and again, W.H. served the needs of others, often associates with pressing needs, at times even buying used vehicles from them. He had a way of giving generously and having fun in the process. I wish I had seen him racing along the freeway on the used motorcycle he purchased to help someone in need. I can only imagine him in black leather looking like Fonzi!

Service has been a major theme, including service of his country in the Navy. And then, after education with honors, entry into the legal profession where he excelled, with state and national recognition. He was a trust and estate attorney of the highest caliber. And along with the theme of service, the theme of trust looms large. W.H, in the finest and broadest sense, was a trustee. He was literally a trustee of various institutions, including school and University. and a trustee of various clients and organizations. But in a wider sense, he exemplified trust, that is, reliability, careful management, faithful and principled reliance. He could be counted on, in a world where trust has become fragile, and where few can see that the basis of trust is faith. He modeled what it means to hold others in trust.

That has included a wide circle of friends too numerous to mention. W.H stood by friends and acquaintances when they faced difficulties. In

He had an unusual sensitivity to the changes taking place within the State, and showed us all what it meant to hold something or someone in trust. His intellectual achievements were significant, and he had a thirst for knowledge and a delight in it. Learning was never totally abstract; it was animated, enjoyed, readily shared. He loved to learn.

Even more, W.H loved his family. He and his wife were married for 61 years. Their commitment to one another and to their children and grandchildren has been faithful and energetic.
In recent years, his efforts to encourage others has extended to their grandchildren, with close attention to their studies and their activities in sports, the arts, and scouting. Always with loving interest and warm encouragement.

Such a depth of commitment. Such a foundation of learning and breadth of ability. Such striking humility, that would balk at this praise. Where do such qualities arise? They were the product of a deep Christian faith, which shaped his commitment to service, his capacity to hold so much in trust. His service to this Church and Diocese of is difficult to enumerate because it was extensive. He offered leadership on an array of committees and boards, including terms as junior and senior warden here in this parish.

Yet it is the quality that matters more than the quantity. His principles were clear, his standards high. He was known, when raising funds for this church, to ask why it was easier to spend lavishly at the Country Club than to give to the church where membership was claimed. He wanted to reach for higher standards of service. To hold the Christian faith and the church as matters of the greatest trust.

W.H has left us quite a legacy. Now we celebrate that legacy, with not enough time to elaborate upon it as it deserves. Even as we grieve his passing from us, we are stirred by his example. As we entrust Him to God for the life that is eternal, we face a considerable challenge. As his long-time friend would say, W.H fought the good fight. Now it is our turn.
The quality matters more than the quantity. May we see clearly how God worked in his life, and may that example carry us forward in faith until at last we are reunited in God’s eternal realm. May we take to heart the example of one who served, who learned, who loved. Above all, one who knew what it means to hold in trust.
Amen.
May 15, 2017

The church was large and there was not a spare seat to be had. A huge gathering by most standards. The minister’s words were not hyperbole. As a follower of Epicurus I the respect the religious words spoken above, even if I cannot believe all they mean. The deceased was indeed a genuinely religious man. My point is that we can all choose to live a good life and earn all this respect,as described, with or without the trappings of the Christian church. I would be delighted if half of what was said above were directed towards me personally upon my death.