My father, Harold Kreider, was an amazing man. He went to be with the Lord last evening after fighting a courageous battle with cancer during the past few months. LaVerne and I were with him when he passed from this life to the next. Here are just a few of the reasons why my father was so amazing.
He loved my mother as they worked together side by side for more than 63 years farming and raising chrysanthemums. He loved my sister and me, and he loved our spouses, our children and grandchildren. He loved our Lord Jesus Christ and he loved his church. He loved to have fun, whether by playing his fiddle or telling jokes or playing checkers. My father just loved life.
He encouraged me again and again to follow my dreams, and he never criticized me when my new ideas did not work out as expected. I was encouraged to try again.
More than 20 years ago my father encouraged me to write my first book, before I had ever even thought of this possibility. He told me he wanted to finance this new venture for me. The money was never needed.
Dad would have loved if I could have taken over the family farm many years ago. I was the only son. But he never pressured me or made me feel guilty when I took another path. He encouraged me as I followed the call from God to minister the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God in the nations. He taught me sound financial principles and modeled what it meant to be a true entrepreneur. I am eternally grateful.
I really miss my dad already. But now I know it is my turn to carry the mantle. My desire that is my father’s legacy of faith and encouragement will live on through me with a double portion; that I will have the grace to encourage others in their God-given dreams and visions as he has encouraged me again and again. Much of what the Lord has given me today is due to the sacrifice and obedience of my father. I am a blessed man.
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Larry, it was so neat to read your tribute to your Dad. What went through my mind as I was reading it, is that you are already like your Dad in so many ways! And, when I meet your Dad someday, I’d like to thank him (& your Mom) for raising a son like you…..so that persons like me, who meet you, are so incredibly blessed by you! Knowing Godly men like you is an awesome privilege! Blessings!
We are praying for you and your family during this time. Be assured that your father’s legacy of faith and encouragement is already living through your life. May the God of all comfort be with you now and always.
Thanks Larry for sharing this! What you write inspires me to be a good father and to honor my father.
Lot of blessings to you in this season and say hi to LaVerne!
Dear Larry,
This was wonderful reading about so much love in your home. I come from a family with a lot of domestic emotional violence. It’s so wonderful to hear what a loving family sounds like, rooted in the Lord’s love and shown throughout the family. Thank you for sharing.
Tina
Dear Larry,
I remember the first time I met your parents, your father gave Sue and me two mums, one he named Larry and the other was LaVerne. This showed us the very heart of God – as our Father is so thoughtful and generous. Jesus said, “If you see Me you see the Father.” There is a spiritual principle here – you, Larry, are a reflection of your father and it is a good reflection!
Larry,
I just caught up with your blog about your dad. My brother, I celebrate with you the wonderful legacy your dad left in you. When he joined Jesus in Heaven he left you a wealthy man because of the richness of his life of integrity, honor, and faithfulness to God, family, country, and friends. How could one ever place a price tag on such a rich legacy? Such a blessing. I rejoice over a man of God who, although perhaps not highly visible, was a hero. Thanks for telling some of his story so I can tap into and salute his enduring memory with you. You know it but I concur, you are blessed!
What a wonderful Godly inheritance you have received from a very Godly man and Father. You are certainly blessed and we are to as you are handing on your Fathers legacy not just to your natural family but to many spiritual children all around the world.We have been blessed to be some of them. We have treasured memories of your Dad and Mum and their love and passion for life and giving to others.
Larry, our love and prayers to you and your family in the ‘loss’ of your dear dad. Most wonderful is what you said about your dad letting you develop your life the way God purposed for you. And in it he loved you.
That’s a mark of humility and obedience. What a rich heritage and example he has left.
HiThere Larry and family, we were visiting Murray and Heather the other night and they told us of the loss of your dear dad. We will always remember you and your gracious spirit which we had not experienced with our church back ground, our conversations are often about our Dove years of healing,fun and spiritual growth. Our blessings to you all, Bob and Sharyn Gray ( we still love having a good party)!!!