Thomas Markwalder
Frank was a wonderful man, always gracious, warm, and giving. He was so much more to me than just my father-in-law. From the day we met he accepted me readily and treated me not just as a friend but as a son. My own father passed away many years ago and Frank filled that void for me in a way that I will always cherish. Though I most often came to him for a father's advice, there is nothing he would not have done for me, had I asked. That was who he was and it was how he was with everyone. He made you feel cared for.
Frank had an easy touch with others. He walked this earth with a smile backed by a genuine concern and love for others. Nor did his optimism or generosity fade with circumstance. He endured serious physical challenges through the years but never wavered, always placing others before himself. Dorie and I went to visit him in the hospital a few years ago, prior to yet another procedure. The first thing he did was flash us a toothy grin and ask if we wanted something to eat or drink; they'd just brought in his meal tray and he had plenty.
How very Christ-like. Even from a hospital bed, when no one would have blamed him for being focused on himself and the moment confronting him, Frank was thinking of others. His faith was genuine, resolute, and most of all plain for all to see. True to Our Lord's command, he was a light upon the hill, salt of the earth, he lived his beliefs. And when I sought his counsel, Frank's words to me were always rooted in faith, never in judgement.
For me, Frank will always be a sterling example of what a Christian man ought to be. No, he wasn't perfect. None of us are. But he did set the bar awfully high for the rest of us. While I will miss his wit, his ready smile, his warm heart, his fatherly love, and our wide-ranging conversations; he was weary and I am glad that his earthly yoke has been exchanged for the comforting embrace of Our Lord.
Though he was far too modest to ever describe himself this way, Frank lived his life by Mathew 25:35-40:
"For I was hungry and you gave me food,I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"
Rest well, Frank. Give Dorie and Ian a hug for me. I love you.
