Dear Ones,
I wanted to let you know that our dear Don Grove passed away on earlier this month.
I visited with Don on Sunday after church, at the Mercy Center. He was in good spirits, joking even then, that he felt that a 600 pound gorilla had been sitting on his chest, and he was relieved that it was only a 200 pound gorilla now. I had a chance to thank him, on behalf of all of us, for his kindness, and dedication to us at Skyline, as a loving member, and as a talented member of our Green team.
Don was calm, and at peace. He had just seen a grandson that had been estranged from the family for 10 years. My sense is that Don was ready. My sense is also that his family, while sad, were prepared for his passing, and are at peace.
Don and his family shared a “sweet tooth.” I shared Bee Frank’s cookies from Sunday hospitality with him and his daughter and granddaughter, who in turn shared these with the care team at the Mercy Center. It was a bit like communion.
Don was an extraordinarily kind, intelligent, curious, hardworking, fun loving, authentic, and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and human being.
I give thanks to God for his life, and for the gift of having him in our lives. On a personal note, I will always love him.
Cards may be sent to his daughter Barbara Grove at 353 Crestmont Drive, Oakland CA 94619.
We will be celebrating his life here at Skyline, Saturday, April 7 at 2 PM.
with love, Pastor Laurie
