Remarks from Bishop McMullin

Testimony of Bishop Keith McMullin, shared at the funeral on February 14th, 2009
This has been a most fitting tribute to a wonderful woman, and I couldn’t help but think as I listened to the memories shared and the testimonies that have been given and the teachings that we have enjoyed, that Sister Pat was powerful in her life, her stature, and influence because she became what God wanted her to be, a handmaiden of the Lord. When she left that heavenly home to come here, it was with gifts and talents which He, under the influence of the Spirit of the Lord, would cultivate, nurture and bring to full flower and fruitage. And, because she was a hand maid, she shared those liberally, generously for the blessing of us all. I give thanks to Heavenly Father that he has been so good to us. To send us one who could have such an influence in our lives.

Kent, I felt deeply stirred, as a father, grandfather shared with us the things that he knows to be true. Standing with his dear wife, now separated for a season, but not in faith, not in devotion, and not in testimony. God be thanked for those gracious gifts of a father who instills in us the understanding of eternal life.

We shall sing, before the close of this service, “Heilig, Heilig, Heilig, Heilig ist der Herr” -- Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord. Pat knew that. Kent knows that. Their posterity will come to understand that -- time to time, day in and day out. We all know that. Oh may that ever be on our memory. Brigham Young suggested that “Holiness to the Lord” would serve the saints well if it were emblazoned upon the frontlets of their eyes and even upon the harnesses of their carriages. That we might always keep in mind that Holy is the Lord. It was He that was born in Bethlehem of Judea. It was He who walked the dusty roads of Palestine—Jehovah, the great Son of God. It was He who submitted himself voluntarily that He might culminate the purposes of Heavenly Father for Heavenly Father’s children here upon the earth. I bear witness of Him and I bear witness of the great blessings that we enjoy as a consequence of his consummate perfect life. “I am the resurrection and the life,” He said. “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. He that liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” On the morning of the first resurrection Pat will be there, and Kent will be there, and, because of the sacred covenants entered into so many years ago and observed so diligently since that time, their posterity have the blessing of being there.

In a little graveyard not far from where my wife and I live, there is a grave stone fondly engraven with the memories of a parent long since departed, in this case a father. The engraving on that head stone has touched me deeply, and I share it with you in conclusion. Those who have been left behind often go to that grave site and reflect upon the fond expressions of this father engraven upon his head stone. But of all of the reflections that are engraven there, some from his scouting years, some from his outdoor life, some from just the interesting experiences of a father, is this concluding statement, undoubtedly offered at the close of each day. “Good night, see you in the morning.” Now think about that. Because of Jesus the Christ, this is merely a good night and we shall see one another again in the morning. I bear witness that that is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.