Wednesday, July 13, 2005


There are no "spiritual Lone-Rangers" in the body of Christ.

My awesome dad, Wayne Brown. February 9, 1951 - July 11, 2005

A Tribute to My Dad, Wayne Brown

I can't believe that my dad is gone. I'm sure it'll seem more certain when I get home. (leaving tomorrow at 6 pm for BC, Canada. (For the next month, I will be found at http://andyincanada.blogspot.com)
There is hardly anything better than a whole family getting together but there is no worst occasion than to do so for a funeral. I take great comfort in knowing that dad accepted Christ as his Savior and will be with Him in heaven. I can't imagine what it must be like for those who "hope" but really have no idea when their loved ones pass on.
The boat flipped 1:30 pm on Monday. Mom grabbed onto a log and screamed "I'm alright, Wayne." Dad screamed back "That's all that matters" as he disappeared around the corner of the violent rapids. That is so "dad" to have such last words that show his love and care for mom.
I am really going to miss him but I also know that all things work out for God's ultimate good. (Romans 8:28) It's also reassuring to know that our separation is only temporary as we shall someday meet again in heaven. Our family could cry out "Why, God? Why?" but we know that God has a purpose behind even the worst tragedies.
Wayne Brown was definitely one of a kind and I am so glad to have been blessed with such a wonderful father.

The Greatest Dad The World Has Ever Known

"Come on, Wayne. You can beat the train!"
"Come on, Wayne. You can beat the train!"

We used to chant this teasing song
on the highway in the car,
as Dad raced along, always in a rush
to speed to home, so far.

It's an appropriate little melody
that tells an awesome tale,
of the brave captain of our family
who knows not how to fail.

From "Keddy's" to "The Highways",
and now working at "the Northern Inn",
No matter where, no matter how,
This man knows only "win".

He'll cater any wedding,
He'll plow any snow-filled road.
In short, anything for his family,
the greatest Dad the world has ever known.

The cook of cooks, the Dad of Dads,
Winking and laughing as he smokes,
There aint no bullshit story he don't know
He's the "Master of the Joke".

So sing again the opening rhyme,
and say whatever you think or feel,
But speeding down life's highway
is Wayne Brown behind the wheel.

That's right! My Dad's a dreamer,
always thinking of "what could be",
That is one of the greatest gifts in life
that anyone has given me.
(To Dad, with love, from Andrew on Father's Day, 1999)

The awesome thing is that contrary to this so-called poem, dad "handed over the wheel" to Jesus Christ the last 6 months of his life. God is so merciful and gracious! I will never question His timing, purposes or goodness!
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