Anna Gilkey
Dad was a kind-hearted man, who loved the Lord above everything else, and loved his family, second only to God. He was passionate about sharing the Gospel message with other people, both people he knew and strangers. He was proud of his son and daughters. He called his daughters "the fairest daughters in the land", a quote from the Bible book of Job.
Dad worked hard to provide for his family, and tried to make his time spent with us fun. Always had a joke, a pun, or a silly story. He had an incredible memory of people, places, and history, and of Scripture verses and where to find them. He loved music and was talented with language. He could listen to any music and pick out every instrument played in it, and tell you exactly what they were. He loved unusual words, and plays on words.
Dad was compassionate towards people who were sad or hurt, and was willing to do anything to improve their day. He sometimes brought home small gifts or treats for his family after work, and if you went in the store with him, you were very likely to come out holding your favorite candy bar. You had to be careful about pointing out what you liked, because if you said you liked something, it was almost guaranteed you would get it on the spot.
He led his family in prayer and devotional times, making sure we understood the importance of having and maintaining a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and studying His most precious Word, the Bible.
I thank God for giving my Dad to me and my family. I thank God that Dad knew the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior, and that Dad taught me and encouraged me to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior, too. Since I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, I know I will meet Dad again some glorious day. I thank the Lord for that blessed hope.
