A good man passed from this life to the next last evening. Husband and father of eight children, Cliff Eckstrom was a God-fearing and prayful man.
He was our neighbor when we lived in Columbia. Many the Saturday I would break from my yard chores to talk with Cliff over our fence. He also loved our kids and loved seeing them play in the back yard.
One day shortly after the birth of one our children he came over and knocked at the door. He just wanted to say congratulations and make sure Mrs. Curley and baby were well. As he turned, he looked back and said with such sincerity and knowledge, "It's a great feeling isn't it?". Only a man who has cherished his manhood and fatherhood could have said that line like he did.
When Cliff was about 82 or so (a few years ago) he undertook with a Christian group to bring Christianity to (if I recall correctly) Afghanistan. I believe they were turned away at the border, but what an effort!
Cliff's family are very close and good people. He lost a son several years ago to a brain tumor. My Dad had died maybe a year or so before that. Several times then we talked of life and death. Cliff loved life. Before he loved to listen to the birds and see the flowers bloom. In later years he was almost completely deaf and blind-so he savored the fresh air as if it was the most beautiful and sweetest rose blooming. He loved life and was greatful for every moment, but he was also ready for the day God would call him.
Since we moved to the country, I had only seen Cliff 2-3 times, the last being some 9 or 10 months ago.
Please take a moment today to say a prayer for Cliff's family who are mourning and for the soul of wonderful husband, father, and neighbor.
Eternal grant to him O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen
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