Friday, February 27, 2026

Red Plaid

 I helped to search my photo archives for photos of our brother in law.  I found a few photos on a flash drive that belonged to my Mom.

It was curious that in two of the group photos that included Dean he was wearing a red plaid flannel shirt.


This photo was taken in 2019. 


This photo from Father's Day I think in 2020.

From part of his obituary.

Throughout his life Dean shared his faith and encouraged others to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He ended his phone conversations with "Have a Blessed Day." Dean was blessed with a servant’s heart and was kind and helpful to everyone. He was known as a mechanic and fixer of all things. He helped anyone who needed it with joy. The week before his death he volunteered at Camp Shamineau's Rock Ridge in Ely, MN refinishing the dining hall. He loved and cared for his family; he fiercely prayed and was the definition of a good and faithful servant for the Lord. Even his last day here on earth is a testament to the way he lived life. Saturday was a beautiful Minnesota winter day, the earth had been covered by new snow earlier in the week, the sky was cerulean, blue, he noticed how the American flag flew in the wind. He started the day with Saturday morning Bible study via Zoom with his treasured Pastor Jim, and dear friends he met while living in Massachusetts. While having breakfast he noticed two rabbits out the window and laughed at their antics. He kissed his wife goodbye and traveled to Aitkin, MN planning to help his siblings and mom care for his dad. He saw a vehicle stuck in the ditch just before getting to his mom and dads, so when he got to his mom and dad's he said a quick "Hello" and headed back outside to offer his help. His heart gave out while helping shovel the snow to get the vehicle out of the ditch.


John 3:16

God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Far Side

15 comments:

  1. What a beautiful testimony about your brother-in-law! You'll miss him tremendously, but what an encouragement the text about the love of God the Father, as it says in John 3:16, is.
    Lots of strength!

    ReplyDelete
  2. So sorry for your family’s loss. Your brother-in-law truly had a servant’s heart. RHill, TX

    ReplyDelete
  3. May the perpetual light shine upon Dean.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That is an absolutely beautiful testimony of his life! Your sister and those who knew him were blessed. Praying for your family and also those he helped on the side of the road.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Truly a servant’s heart - my condolences!

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a wonderful man! Many Condolences to you and your family

    ReplyDelete
  7. So glad you were there to honor your sister. Red plaid is good. I think of timber workers when I see it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your BIL was a special man. I know he'll be missed.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great photos and what a wonderful testament to a life well lived for the Lord. We all have a time we have to leave this earth and what a wonderful way to go, helping others as it seems Dean most often did. Thank you for sharing this with us today. It gives me hope and peace, knowing there are good people like Dean in the world, caring for others even in the midst of all of the craziness.
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  10. He lived his faith. Not everyone does. I'm sorry for your loss of a relative.

    ReplyDelete
  11. A beautiful testimony about your brother-in-law who lived well and generously until his work here was finished.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I hope you all can find comfort in how Dean spent his last hours. He sounds like a very special person. He seems like a flannel shirt guy, warm and and ready to help others.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for sharing. What a beautiful life he lived. Prayers for all who knew him.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Losing such a wonderful man so suddenly is a great sadness to his loved ones. Peace be with you all.

    ReplyDelete
  15. He sounds like a man who brought joy to those around him. My condolences on this loss, and the other 2 you lost this week.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your comments! If you have a question I will try to answer it here. I no longer accept anonymous comments. All comments will be approved before posting...due to spammers...may the fleas of a thousand camels infest every hair on his body. Connie