Gratitude and thanks for all you've done for our family. Hope you are hanging out with Bobby and God and giving Grandma a hard time. We will be ok without you, but we will miss your presence, generosity, and advice.
My wife and I met Bob and Diane in the 1980’s and to say Bob made a difference for Christ would not be tribute enough! He’s truly one of those sent into your life that was a blessing from God! He lived in California and we in Indiana and work brought us together. His mentoring, kindness, discipleship, and love of Jesus will never be forgotten by us! We look forward to seeing him in heaven!
Can people that pass away ever know what an impact they had on others? Bob was one of those that HAD an impact on whomever he met. If you were fortunate like myself, you could also say that he had a tremendous effect on those that knew him for decades! His smile that was second to none. His warm and friendly demeanor made you be more like him. His legacy is his great family!
Monday, August 15, 2022
Thinking about my relationship with Bob Radcliff
“Mr. Bob,” as I got used to calling him out of respect. Someone I could always count on and look up to. Even though our friendship lasted two decades, I felt I had known him since childhood.
Each time we met, when shared man to man our Christian walk. It would occur when we would go to Lucky’s for groceries or met quite frequently at the country-club restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, which we love to eat. A few times, he took him to Costco and briefly discussed over a hot dog. I remember this one time he needed to ride on one of those scooters to get around, and I said, “slow down, Mr. Bob,” you're going run someone down, and I can’t keep up with you…I had a bum foot at the time and using a cane (lol). Other times we take our wives on field trips down south or up north, and always a time of joy and laughter. In the later year, many trips to the hospital.
Mr. Bob was a man who was not well-adjusted to today’s culture. He wasn’t too concerned about fitting into the culture. His focus was on God. And that’s why I had mentioned earlier that he had lived out scripture; he was strong and courageous. The Bible tells us in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
In these later years, Mr. Bob knew his health was failing. We would spend time talking about this. The most important part of this discussion was what would happen to his dear wife if he were to pass. His love for his family and grandchildren was precious. Mr. Bob knew in his heart that his body was wasting away.
Again Mr. Bob lived out scripture; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
In this world, most of us would easily conform to the pattern of this world, but Mr. Bob would have no part of it; the renewing of his mind transformed him. Always wanting to approve of what was God’s good and pleasing perfect will.
I learned that changing my conforming patterns and focusing on Christ would change my life. Seeing what Mr. Bob was going through allowed me to witness and understand God’s love and mercy for me.
Mr. Bob would tell me that when he couldn’t sleep well, he would spend time in prayer, reading scripture, waiting on God, and listening to God's voice. Truly a man living for God.
As I had mentioned before, he was not selfish with his time; he was indeed a servant of the Lord, serving others and focusing on God rather than his circumstance. Mr. Bob was quite a living example of my purpose in life.
I truly miss my Dad more each day. But along with the sorrow of not being able to see him for a while I am filled with memories of all the wonderful times we had as a family as well as time alone with him. Riding and showing horses, my horse having a foal which we got to raise, doing a giant garden with him, camping a catching LOTS OF FISH, spiritual and financial guidance and much more!
