Yesterday marked twelve years since my dad’s home-going at the age of 71.

Calvin (pictured above) and I spent the afternoon on the golf course, and much of it was quoting Dad’s (Papa’s) sayings that he used to tell on the fairways and greens, like when I took too big a divot: “Hit the wrong ball first!”; or when our scramble foursome actually had to take a bogey: “This is a very humbling game!”

Richard Chanski was a mighty man of God.

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me” (Jeremiah 9:23-24a).

Dad knew his God, whom he called his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  He lost his left eye in an automobile accident back in 1973.  But he always said it was a bargain, because the LORD used that calamity to bring him to Christ.  “Lost an eye, but gained a Savior!”

Dad was once sitting with Calvin on the living room chair (as pictured above).  He said to his adoring grandson: “Calvin!  You’re my favorite!  But don’t tell anyone.”  Calvin responded: “Even if I want to, I won’t!”

Austin, whose firstborn he named Richard Chanski (after Papa), well summarized his Papa’s life while all were reminiscing on Dad’s funeral day.  Austin said: “Papa was always there.”  That nailed it.  He was always there for us!

Edgar Guest’s poem “Only a Dad” nailed it too regarding my dad.

My Dad WAS the best of men, a mighty man of God who held his integrity to the end.  He finished very, very, well.  He is my hero.  I want to be like him.  I want my sons and daughter and grandchildren to think of me someday, as I think of him today.

Praise God from whom my father came!