I lost a Lifelong Friend Today ... Or Should I say ...

I lost a lifelong Friend today.

Or should I say, “Doug Buchanan beat me Home today!”

I’ve known Doug since we first met in a Camp outside Thamesford, a small village not far from London, Ontario, Canada. It was one of those places Kids get attached to and always remember fondly. We were in our mid-teens the first year we met and hung out there for several Summers, through at least 3 or 4 girlfriends. We next connected in College. Roberts Wesleyan to be specific. He was one of those “science” guys. I was an English/Religion major. Doug never let his cerebral superiority affect who he was. He was kinda cool, walked straight and seemed taller than he was, quite at ease with himself and other people, and comfortable to be around.

The last time I saw him was at the old Campground, then sophisticated enough to have its own name – Maple Grove. I can’t remember the year but it was Summer and I was among the Staff. Doug was, well, “Doug.” We hung out with the same ease as though we’d never been as far away in geographical terms or elapsed time as we had been. I’m especially grateful, today, that we had that short time, in that special place, once more!

One day we’ll walk a more sacred ground, if there could be grounds more sacred than those. I know there are. And he’ll be the same laidback guy with that unaffected way of his and another project in the works. He is, after all, one of the King’s boys and there’s always a Mission afoot for those guys!

My belief in Doug’s integrity and nobility were affirmed when I received the Announcement of his Memorial Service, apparently prepared and mailed out by his Family. What they chose to close their communiqué establishes beyond doubt that their Dad, my Friend, gave them a legacy that has no limits nor leaves no uncertainties!

This is what they wrote. “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. . . . Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. . . . One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.” Psalm 62 (select verses)

Doug, I’m proud of you, My Friend …