It is with a smiling heart and solemn face that I share this information. My friend and teacher, Ray MacFarlane died from his earthly existence this past week. It is with great rejoicing that I proclaim his new status as a memeber of the Church Triumphant!
My relationship with Ray MacFarlane went from Professor-Student, to being life-long friends. First and foremost a teacher, he was acutely aware of his role as an educator. Undeniably, he was a black man, an African-American/Black who was on the campus of Concordia University of Wisconsin. This in and of itself created a great dynamic for opinions, views, and ideas to be discussed in his classroom. Sharing his faith, his culture, and his knowledge was how he related to me and others on that campus. As I learned more about him, and from him, I realized he did the same thing with many other people throughout his life. Various professional groups as well as community organizations were blessed by his presence, his insight and service.
Family was always important to him. This came in the form of his respect of his personal ancestry and lineage as well as the “Family of Man.” His faith in Jesus grounded him in his eternal destiny, and also drove him to reach out to those who confessed different faiths and beliefs. Never looking down on anyone, he always edified and brought out the best in others. His family, his friends, the random people whom he interacted with – these were the family members whom he loved and who loved him. He trusted in his Father-Creator, his Redeemer and, in following the commandments, honored his Family History by doing extensive research into his personal history especially his earthly father. In being a father himself, he spent the last 10+ years making memories and keeping contact with his children. He always treated me as if I was one of them. For this I am thankful beyond words.
Family was always important to him. This came in the form of his respect of his personal ancestry and lineage as well as the “Family of Man.” His faith in Jesus grounded him in his eternal destiny, and also drove him to reach out to those who confessed different faiths and beliefs. Never looking down on anyone, he always edified and brought out the best in others. His family, his friends, the random people whom he interacted with – these were the family members whom he loved and who loved him. He trusted in his Father-Creator, his Redeemer and, in following the commandments, honored his Family History by doing extensive research into his personal history especially his earthly father. In being a father himself, he spent the last 10+ years making memories and keeping contact with his children. He always treated me as if I was one of them. For this I am thankful beyond words.
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