Reflections on the funeral of a friend
David Dewees' funeral was one of the most extraordinary celebrations of a human life I have attended.
I never intended to write about it. I went to mourn the loss of a friend I've known since I was 16. But after reading some of the vicious comments written about David recently—including a few e-mails that have landed in my own inbox—I felt it right to let ChristianWeek readers know how those who knew David remembered him that day.
It was raining on the day of the funeral, and even as I left the subway I could see the steady stream of umbrellas heading up the hill towards Runnymede United Church. The church seats about 500 people—but close to 1,000 turned up. Students, colleagues, former campers and friends from Ontario Pioneer Camp filled the pews, blocked the aisles and packed out the back of the church. Even the overflow room in the basement was standing room only. The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, of which David had been a member, performed several pieces.
David was celebrated and mourned as a man who wrestled earnestly with God, who had questioned the seemingly impenetrable darkness that had suddenly descended on his life when charges were leveled against him. The media branded him as a monster; police tore apart his home, and everything he loved seemingly disappeared overnight.
The eulogies were quirky, heartfelt and extremely loving—prompting more laughter than tears. Over and over people spoke of David's great love for God and his dedication to throwing all circumstances to God in prayer—even up to the night before he died.
And, we were asked to remember that even in the darkest moments of our lives, there were people who would love us and stand by us too.
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