My deepest condolences to Linda (Mom), Joe, Simon, Beth, Jane, Elena, Angali and the grandchildren. May you be filled with strength, grace and peace over the next few days, weeks, months, years.

There are many things I wish I would have said to Richard (Dad) while he was here with us. I would like to share a few now.

When I think of you, Dad, I think of Tim Hortons, dark roast double-double. You would drop by our house for one thing or another, and you would bring me a dark roast double-double almost every single time.

You were thoughtful like that.

I thanked you, but I didn't tell you how amazing you were for it, and that this is how my heart felt in that moment. I hope you know this now.

We used to talk about current events, the state of the world, Bible prophecy, engage in philosophical debate from time to time, but mostly connect. Heart to heart. Mind to mind. Spirit to spirit.

I don't remember telling you how much I enjoyed these times with you. I hope you know this now.

You talked about your life, so many stories, sometimes through laughs, sometimes through tears, always from the depths of your all encompassing heart.

I don't know if you truly knew the impact you had on me, how loved you made me feel and I wish I told you so in these exact words.

I don't know if you truly knew what a treasure of a man you were, and I wish I told you so in these exact words.

I am not the only one who feels this way and remembers so many beautiful and meaningful moments with you. You've left quite the legacy.

Thank you. With love, always.

Richard’s departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but his memory will forever be cherished by those fortunate enough to have known him.

Richard was a kind and generous soul who considered everyone he met as part of his extended family. His warmth and hospitality made you feel instantly welcomed and loved. I consider myself privileged to have known him and to have shared a special bond with such an extraordinary person.

Richard's ability to touch hearts was unparalleled. His legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the honour of knowing him.

My thoughts and condolences go out to Linda and the entire family. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you shared with Richard, and may his spirit continue to watch over you.

With deepest sympathy

Ivona 

Dear Linda & family, sorry to hear of Nat's passing. We are happy that we got to see you both a while ago. Sending you lots of love and prayers during this difficult time.

Much love

Peter and Samaria😘🙌

I'm so sad to hear of your dad's sudden and totally unexpected passing. He's now safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast. 

I knew him many decades as my friend and my very close friend Linda's husband. Almost without fail every time we met he would tell me Bible verses that he had memorized in my native language Finnish, and every time we would wonder how after many decades of being in Finland he would still remember them perfectly! I really enjoyed his music , singing and playing guitar accompanied by Linda's violin. Last year or so I was able to attend to many of his Sunday  Fellowships and interesting Bible classes. He's surely and greatly missed. 

My best memories were time spent together at Point Inspiration Bile Camp and a year at CBC.  Richard and I shared a room together on the top of the old boys dorm.  With the windows removed, steam heat shut off and the roomed filled with old quilts, we survived a cold winter.  By candlelight Richard would artistically compose love letters to Linda, the love of his life.  They were written in circles, squares, triangles etc.  Do you still have them Linda?  He entered a dream world with each letter he received from Linda.  A man in love.

Many nights he would sudden leave the room, returning in the wee hours of the morning having composed the words and score for a new song.  All things ordinary were not ordinary for Richard.

I will always remember ther day that the girls transformed Richard and Duane Johnson into "girls"!  Richard, a beauty queen and Duane, not so.  Don Josephson and I took these two girls on a supper date to a downtown restaurant.  The men's washroom was downstairs and we waited for a man to go down.  Richard followed him down.  We heard a little female scream and Richard returned to our table to enjoy the man's reaction when he came up.  Lots of wolf whistles directed at Richard that hilarious night.

I will always remember Richards warm smile.  Never a frown.

We were out of contact for years as ministry took both off us to various parts of the world.  Our times we were able to connect face to face were delightful.   I really enjoyed following Richard, Linda and family through their blog.