In Memorium (Times Two)

During the past few days two people I know have passed away. One I knew quite well, one I only barely knew. Both impacted my life in different ways.

Allen Vancil was the pastor of Macon UMC for 9 years. He retired from that post 10 years before I arrived. By the time I came Allen had gone from pastor of a church to spiritual leader of a community. He was not a man of reknown, but a man who was a steady hand, a constant presence, and a quiet but strong voice, in a small town. With only one exception, no one I have met has anything but praise for the fine man and committed Christian that were the marks of Allen's life. (I would judge that one person as wrong on a great many other things as well.) I suppose there is no higher praise than to say that you are a better person for having known someone. I can honestly say that I am a better person for having known Allen. Allen leaves his wife, Betty (for whom I can say I am a much better person for having known) and a son, airline pilot Steve. My prayers go out to this family and the Macon Community.

Vince Chen was the propriotor of the Jade Garden restaurant that my family frequented. It is a small Chinese restaurant just a few blocks away. Vince would always greet you with a smile, seemed very pleased to have you as his guest, and would, in his very broken English, joke with the kids. Mr. Chen's impact on my life was significantly less and limited only to restaurant visits. However, I always appreciate a neighborhood restaurant where the owner welcomes you warmly and is pleased that you are there. That was Vince, and he will be missed.