Ron passed away last night at 11:50 PM. He went very quietly and peacefully. When it was getting close to the end, Donna asked me to say a prayer and within seconds of the close of the prayer he left this world. I have never experienced death this closely before. I have never even been to a funeral. I must say I do not know what I was so frightened of. It was so peaceful. And we just felt such a calm reassurance that he was now with his family and with The Lord. We know that he is serving a mission like he has wanted for so long. I am so grateful to have had that man in my life. Sometimes he was infuriating with the way he would talk to everyone without restraint, and the way he pulled no punches when he wanted to tell you what was on his mind. There was never any doubt as to how Dad felt about things. But he was also hilarious. He could keep everyone in stitches! He was the one who got me to watch my first Jazz game! Who would have thought I would be a sports fan!!! I am one of the TOP Jazz fans now! I try not to miss a game if it is televised. With all of his brashness and sometime crude sense of humor, Ron was also one of the most spiritual and faithful servants of the Lord that I will ever know. His testimony is unwavering. His strength unparalleled. I never had any question of his faith. Even from his difficult upbringing in an orphanage, he overcame all of his difficulties and rose above the ashes to become a remarkable phoenix. And the most important thing to me is the wonderful father that he was. He raised 4 incredible children. One whom I call my best friend of all time. Justin learned the importance of hard work and the importance of the Gospel from his father and mother. And I know that he is the father he is because of the amazing job Ron did of being Justin's father. I love him with all of my heart and will miss him more than words can express. I look forward to the day I will see him again. I love you, Dad.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Ronald LeRoy Bates
Ron passed away last night at 11:50 PM. He went very quietly and peacefully. When it was getting close to the end, Donna asked me to say a prayer and within seconds of the close of the prayer he left this world. I have never experienced death this closely before. I have never even been to a funeral. I must say I do not know what I was so frightened of. It was so peaceful. And we just felt such a calm reassurance that he was now with his family and with The Lord. We know that he is serving a mission like he has wanted for so long. I am so grateful to have had that man in my life. Sometimes he was infuriating with the way he would talk to everyone without restraint, and the way he pulled no punches when he wanted to tell you what was on his mind. There was never any doubt as to how Dad felt about things. But he was also hilarious. He could keep everyone in stitches! He was the one who got me to watch my first Jazz game! Who would have thought I would be a sports fan!!! I am one of the TOP Jazz fans now! I try not to miss a game if it is televised. With all of his brashness and sometime crude sense of humor, Ron was also one of the most spiritual and faithful servants of the Lord that I will ever know. His testimony is unwavering. His strength unparalleled. I never had any question of his faith. Even from his difficult upbringing in an orphanage, he overcame all of his difficulties and rose above the ashes to become a remarkable phoenix. And the most important thing to me is the wonderful father that he was. He raised 4 incredible children. One whom I call my best friend of all time. Justin learned the importance of hard work and the importance of the Gospel from his father and mother. And I know that he is the father he is because of the amazing job Ron did of being Justin's father. I love him with all of my heart and will miss him more than words can express. I look forward to the day I will see him again. I love you, Dad.
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4 comments:
Jenny what a beautiful tribute. I am thinking of you and Justin during this difficult time. Please know my heart goes out to you and your family!
What a sweet, beautiful tribute to a man who had such an influence in your life. I'm glad that it could all happen so peacefully. Love you guys!
Jenny, you and Justin and the family are in our prayers. I am sorry for your loss but, so appreciated what you shared about him. Keep your chin up, the Lord is blessing him and all of you at this time. Sending a great big hug...Kirsten
What a peaceful way to go and what a beautiful tribute to your father-in law.
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