This is a post I am sad to write, but I feel like writing about someone is a good way to honor them, so this is my tribute to Ken Courtney.
One of the most dear people in the world to me is my sister in law, JC. She is one of the most loving, humble, giving people I will ever meet. This Christmas morning, her Dad, Kenny, passed away after a nine month battle with brain cancer. He fought like a trooper every step of the way, but God decided he was to be called home. We got the call this Christmas morning that Kenny had gone on to meet the Lord. As devastating as it was to lose someone Christmas morning, I really loved the comment my friend said about it. Her reaction was that it was amazing to think of getting to have your first encounter in heaven on the Lord's birthday!
There were many things to admire about Kenny, just as there are about his only daughter. Kenny was kind, easy going, hospitable, crafty, helpful, strong and one heck of a cook! Kenny was a man of God. My favorite memory with him was when he invited our family over to their home to eat deep fried turkey. I had never seen a deep fried turkey, and if you never have, they are pitch black! I laughed when he told me to try and eat the skin, and that it was the tastiest part because it looked absolutely disgusting. However, I soon realized that he was completely serious and when I ate it, it was one of the best things I had ever tried!
JC shared with me that her Dad's favorite color was orange. The next day, I was talking to Emma about gingerbread men, which led to Christmas being over, which led to Jesus's birthday party in heaven, which led to Emma confidently saying that she knew what heaven looked like. When I asked her what it looks like, she said that there is a big orange building and that Kenny is inside it. We hadn't been talking about Kenny, nor did she know he loved the color orange. I couldn't believe it. Sometimes I think God speaks through people to reassure us that our loved ones are ok.
So, I imagine Kenny in his big orange building in heaven, with endless meats to deep fry and smoke, beautiful lakes to fish in and the presence of his Lord to fill his heart with joy. I imagine him restored, without the pains of cancer to worry about anymore.
What a blessing this man was to the world!! Kenny, you will be missed but I know we will see you again someday.
Here are some pictures of him:
He was really tall, so this Easter he helped Lily reach the eggs that were up in the tree!
This was the first of many years that we did the breast cancer walk together. JC's mom passed away from breast cancer when she was 11, so this was a way to honor her memory.
Kenny, JC and Debbie (her stepmom) on JC's 30th birthday.
Oh you made me cry Julie. This was a beautiful tribute for a dear man who you obviously loved very deeply. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and memories. I love thinking of him in his big orange building too. May he rest in peace and much love to JC and the family who loved him so much.
Posted by: Mom | January 07, 2012 at 08:51 AM