Thanks for the Fish

The following is a poem written by Gary in honor of John. Gary read this poem at the graveside service on February 8, 2008.

Leslie John Newell
June 10, 1950 – February 2, 2008

“Thanks for the Fish”

John sat by the fire;
The skillet was hot,
And filled with the trout
That he had just caught.

He then bowed his head,
And got down on his knees
In that outdoor cathedral
Of tall Douglas fir trees.

“Lord God I thank you
For creating this scene
Where the river is singing,
And the forest is green.

I thank you for Ethel,
My wonderful wife.
I promise I’ll love her
The rest of my life.

For Timmy and Benjie
And David – My boys.
Lord, help me to teach them
All of life’s joys.

Please give them a life
That’s filled with Your grace;
Daily searching Your Word,
And seeking Your face.

Lord, please let me take
Your Gospel to others;
So when they believe,
They’ll all become brothers.

So on that great day
I won’t stand alone
As we’re singing Your praises
Before your bright Throne.

Today, I saw a big cloud
With the sun shining through,
I watched it with hope-
Hoping it was You!

But then my skillet-
It started to hiss-
Oh - And by the way God-
Thanks for the fish!”

Many years later when
Jesus called John by name;
John entered His presence
Without doubt or shame!

Standing before Christ
On this glorious Day;
Knowing Christ’s Blood
Had washed his sins away!

Falling before his Savior
In Heavenly Glory;
Together reviewing
His familiar life story.

John, you have been faithful;
A good husband and dad;
Sharing My Gospel
Every chance that you had.

A true fisher of men;
Teaching “God’s Word says this” –
Oh – And by the way, John,
Thanks for the fish!