Thank you Heavenly Father for my dad. He would have been 94 today!
Thanks for a dad who taught me “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favour rather than silver or gold.”
Thanks for a dad who served sacrificially. He never “demanded” payment. He never “went on strike.” Some times his hours of income tax preparation for an individual would be rewarded with a simple “thanks.”
Thanks for a dad who was unafraid of hard work. I recall him telling me about time spent in Northern Ontario particularly in the bush. How many cords of wood did Dad personally cut down? How many bales of hay did he move to feed hungry sheep and cows?
Thanks for a dad who had convictions. Dad was passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ. Long before I ever went to a Bible college or Seminary my Dad taught me that God’s word was infallible, inspired and inerrant. Long before I ever heard a stranger preach or had the joy of preaching myself, I heard Dad open God’s word and feed the flock. This was of course a sermon prepared after a FULL week of many other responsibilities – farming, book-keeping, etc. I’m not sure how many hours dad had in each day but he seemed to pack them full.
Thanks for a dad who modeled integrity. In the joy of pastoral ministry in Northern Ontario I had the joy of reaping many of the “seeds” dad had planted. Dad was well spoken of and respected by neighbours, friends and family. O I know he was a sinner. He didn’t always obey but I still saw a desire to live life wisely for the glory of God.
On what would have been my dad’s 94th birthday, I am most grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing my life with a great dad. Honour your father and your mother! That’s the biblical command and that’s why I posted this today.
Here’s the obituary written in the Simcoe Reformer in May 2004
EDWARDS: Pastor Chester Hutchings – passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday May 2, 2004 at the Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe, Pastor Chester Edwards of Port Rowan and formerly of Thornloe in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Margaret (Veitch) whom he married June 17, 1942. Dear father of David and wife Beth of Ottawa, Joyce and husband Ed Doerksen of Port Rowan, Ronald and wife Catherine of Caledonia, Ruth and husband Dave Reimer and Kathleen and husband Phil Baese all of Port Rowan, Gordon and wife Jan of Haileybury and Rev. Keith and wife Ruth of Thornloe. He will be sadly missed by his 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Also survived by his brother Forde and wife Agnes and sister Grace Johnston all of New Liskeard. Relatives and friends may call at the JEFFREY W. GLENDINNING FUNERAL HOME, 36 Front St., Port Rowan on Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Funeral service will be conducted from the Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church on Wednesday May 5, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Sandy Young officiating. Interment later in New Liskeard. In lieu of flowers donations to the Gideon Bibles or to A Special Project at the Thornloe Crossroads Baptist Church would be gratefully appreciated by the family.
Psalm 16:16 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints”



