Former Blackout Artist

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Harold and Freda celebrating his 95th birthday

My in-laws (Harold and Freda) were married for 72 years. Sadly, Freda passed away back in February 2024, at the age of 94. Harold had to do without her for nearly 2 and a half years, until yesterday, July 28, 2026. He passed away peacefully, at the age of 102.

This is in honor of both of them.

The older I get, the more I realize that greatness is rarely loud. It’s not found in fame, titles, or wealth. Real greatness is found in ordinary people who faithfully follow an extraordinary Savior.

That’s who Harold and Freda were.

When I think of Harold, I don’t first think about what he did, although he did many wonderful things. I think about who he was.

Without question, Harold is the most Christlike man I have ever known. If he were reading these words, he would chuckle and say, “You need to really get out more often than you do.” Of course he would deny it. That’s who he was. Quiet and humble, no pretension whatsoever. But here’s why I make that claim:

Because day after day, year after year, he quietly looked more and more like Jesus. He never had to preach a sermon – his life was his sermon.He was steady, gentle, humble, and faithful. The kind of man who made you want to know the Savior he loved.

And beside him was his beautiful bride for 72 years – Freda.

If Harold showed the strength of Christ, Freda reflected His tenderness.

Freda’s kindness never felt forced. Her love never seemed hurried. She had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for. But make no mistake – she was strong too. She had such a devotion for her family (as well as her extended family)! She was always writing someone a letter, sending someone a card, or visiting someone who was going through a tough time. She loved people as though heaven had already taught her how.

Together they built far more than just a home. They built a testimony. They created something increasingly rare in this world – a marriage that reflected the love and faithfulness of God.

Their children saw it.
Their grandchildren were shaped by it.
Their neighbors experienced it.
Their church was strengthened because of it.

And I… I was blessed by it. I didn’t just marry into their family – I gained another mom and another dad – one of the greatest gifts God has ever given me.

When Freda went home to be with the Lord in February of 2024, it felt as though part of Harold had already crossed the finish line with her. 

Yet he kept running.
He kept trusting the Lord.
He kept loving his family.
He kept the faith.

Yesterday, his race ended too. And while our hearts are heavy, we can’t help but picture what happened next. A lifetime of  faith became sight. The One he had trusted for so many years welcomed him home. 

As I think about them this evening, I find myself praying one simple prayer.

“Lord, make me that kind of man.” Not famous or important. Just faithful.

Faithful enough that my family sees Jesus in me. Faithful enough that I point my friends and neighbors toward Christ. Faithful enough that, when my own race is over, those I leave behind won’t remember my accomplishments nearly as much as they remember the Savior I loved. 

Harold and Freda have now both heard the words every believer longs to hear:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

PS – Back during Memorial Day this year, Harold shared some thoughts on his life and service. You can check that out HERE.