Dad's Eulogy - Michael's Portion

Shawna posted Michael's portion of our dad's eulogy at her blog this week. You can read it in full there.

"I am so very blessed to have had a father who exemplified these characteristics, who sought God above all else, and who showed me how to be a man, husband, and father, by watching him live what he said he believed. I am thankful this was a challenge my dad succeeded in and now I have the opportunity to pass these lessons on to my kids. I find peace in knowing he is in heaven with his creator, and that I will see him again one day. During the last few days the Lord has brought me comfort by directing me to these verses: 'That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.' 2 Corinthians 4:16-18"

G&P
- Andrew

Funeral Arrangements for My Father

This is the announcement that we sent out into the community this week.

It's with great sadness we announce the passing of a loving husband, father, and grandfather, Don Haak - a local dairy farmer from Enderby - who died on Friday July 29th. 

His funeral will be held noon Saturday August 6th at Broadview Church in Salmon Arm. 

We invite family, friends, and those whose lives Don has influenced to join us as we celebrate and remember his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations  may be given to BC Children's Hospital in his memory.

We thank you for your prayers, concern, and all the support that we have received.

In God's Trust

- Andrew

Josiah's Memorial - Bulletin

Here is a scan of the bulletin that was printed for Josiah's Memorial.

(front and back cover, front page on the right)

(inside pages)

- Andrew & Marie

Josiah's Song - Lyrics

Our friend Greg Harris wrote a song for Josiah over a year ago. For Josiah's memorial, Greg updated a few of the lyrics. This version of the song can be found below.

==========================================
JOSIAH'S SONG

Little boy , so sweet , so small and so strong
You taught us how to live, to love and hold on.
Little boy , you fought so hard and came so far
And you taught us what strength and courage really are.

Through the tears of joy and pain , You kept fighting
Through the fears and doubts and strains , You kept fighting
Now you’re home our beautiful son , Now you’re home our beautiful son, Because He has Saved
When we think of these past years, and all that you’ve done, we can almost hear you say…

Daddy when you held me in your arms, I was home
Mommy when you held me close, I was home
Daddy when I heard you laugh, it cut right through my fears
Mommy when I heard you cry, I tried to dry your tears
And I kept fighting, I kept fighting, But now there’s no more fighting
Because He has saved me

Little boy , there is so much of life , you didn’t see
But in the arms of Christ, now you’re free…

Josiah Trees

Marie & I will comment sometime later about Josiah's memorial service and the celebration that it was. There were a couple people who left without being able to purchase a tree because they were all sold out. Afterwards we found a few trees in the gym that were not sold. If there are people interested in still purchasing a small tree in memory of Josiah, go ahead and contact Arnold Community Church and they will arrange it.

- Andrew & Marie

Josiah's Memorial - Live Stream

Yup, I'm up this late. Kinda wired because I was working on Josiah's Life Story.

We're going to streaming Josiah's Memorial online (thank God amazing church friends!) Check out the following site if you are unable to attend Friday evening:

http://josiahmemorial.homeip.net

UPDATE: Reminder, the memorial begins @ 6 PM 'BC Time' (pacific)


- Andrew & Marie

Josiah's Memorial - Recording etc.

Hi Everyone

A few have wondered if Josiah's memorial will be available online/live. At this point, I don't think it's going to be available live, but we are aiming to put it online for a while so that friends and family who can't make the ceremony won't feel so left out.

Josiah's Memorial - Directions Etc.

UPDATE: The Abbotsford International Airshow is on this weekend, and so traffic thru town and especially on the Fraser Hwy (leading to Ross Road Community Church) will be full. Please plan accordingly.



Hello Everyone

We just want to confirm that the times and locations for Josiah's Memorial and Viewing are correct.

Friday August 7th, 2009
9:30-11:30 AM --> Viewing @ Henderson's Fraser Valley Funeral Services
(34537 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC)

6:00 - 7:00 PM --> Memorial @ Ross Road Community Church
(3160 Ross Road, Abbotsford, BC)

7:00 PM onward --> Reception @ Ross Road Community Church
Refreshments, memories and open-mic sharing.


Maps for directions are below.

Henderson's Fraser Valley Funeral Services

View Larger Map

Ross Road Community Church

View Larger Map

- Andrew & Marie

Giving in Memory of Josiah

Thank you all for the many ways you have been expressing your sorrow and kindness to us. The decisions to be made and the details that are required have been snowballing as reality sets in and we're hoping that we are getting the right information into your hands as it is needed.

Marie and I have decided that we'd really like to give back to BC Children's Hospital for all that they have given our family. In lieu of flowers and other gifts, please consider these options:

1) BCCH has a "In Memory Of" online donation service which can be accessed here.

2) With the assistance of BCCH, a "Josiah Haak Wall of Tribute" has been created on the BCCH website. While you can there with a little clicking, the direction link is here.

3) Finally, one that Marie & I are very excited about: instead of flowers and alike at his memorial service, we're going to fill the stage with the things that gave Josiah the biggest joy - trees. We are inviting anyone who is interested to purchase a small potted tree that will be available at his memorial as a reminder Josiah's life and how much trees filled him with such joy. All the proceeds of these sales will go to BCCH.

Hopefully this information can answer the questions you may have and give you some direction.

Thank you for the many forms your generousity, devotion, and tenderness has been seen this week.
- Andrew & Marie

Josiah's Memorial Info

Hello Everyone

This one will be brief. I know many of you are waiting for news so that travel plans can be made. Please pray that we will not run into any complications as we prepare to celebrate and remember the life of our Josiah: there is a slight concern that the autopsy may delay things, and that it might be difficult to find a casket that works for Josiah on short notice.

Friday August 7th, 2009
9:30-11:30 AM -- Viewing @ Henderson's Funeral Services (Abbotsford)
Noon -- private graveside service
6:00 PM -- Memorial Service @ Ross Road Community Church (Abbotsford) Reception to follow.

... address and directions will be posted soon.

Thank you for your prayers.
- Andrew & Marie