the passing of a friend and teacher

Dec. 30, 1938 - March 30, 2008

Dr. Gilbert Wayne Stafford, 69, died peacefully Sunday morning at his home in Anderson, Ind., surrounded by his family.

I never felt comfortable calling him "Gil," even when he asked me to... he had earned the right to be called Dr. Stafford. He read my papers, listened to me rant about things I knew so little and was always quick with a word of encouragement when I was ready to walk out on seminary. I'll miss him. He's the only church of God writer I've required our staff to read. When I had a "Big" question about what was going on in Anderson, he always took my calls, he always listened. I'll miss knowing he's there.

He knew and admired my dad... our dad's knew each other... his brother and I shared a friendship... I liked that...

The passing of a friend... of a teacher... hold him close Lord... set him free.

thanks for his part in our lives.