What started as quick visits over lemonade, crackers, and cookies turned into dinners out and over 14,000 miles traveled and 15 states visited together.

I met Clarence as a student in 2003 at Trinity Christian College.  He was the 72 year old maintenance man for the building that I was assigned to be an resident assistant in.  I wanted to keep on good terms with the man in charge of taking such good care of our buildings, so whenever I saw him I invited him in for something to drink and snack on.  Over the next two years those short visits turned into dinners at Baker’s Square, Aurelio’s, and Culver’s.

                Clarence wasn’t one to talk a lot, but we never seemed to have a hard time finding things to talk about.  One common topic of conversation was traveling.  We enjoyed hearing and sharing about the places we had been.  Little did I know was that talking about traveling would turn into many trips together.

                As a teacher, my vacation revolves around the school calendar, and Clarence knew it.  In March of 2006 he knew I had a spring break coming up, so he asked if I would like to go on a trip with him.  I liked to travel, so I said, “Absolutely, I would.”  That one trip to Kentucky and Tennessee turned into many more miles, sites, and states.

                As I mentioned earlier, Clarence wasn’t always one to talk much, but he didn’t need to because he let his actions do most of the talking for him.  Over the past eleven years he has shown me what it looks like to serve your family, your Church, your friends, and, ultimately, your Savior.  Clarence showed me what it meant to be generous in time, talents, and finances.  Clarence demonstrated humility in all he did which always brings Philippians 2 to mind.

                I will miss my friend, my mentor, my brother.  Thank you for all the miles and memories, Clarence.

Love,

Tony