Sherwood Long: The passing of a Saint

We were saddened by news from back home; our friend Sherwood has passed away. Just wanted to memorialize him with a picture and a copy of the letter we wrote to his daughters, to be read at his memorial service.

Karen and Sharon,

we are greatly saddened by the passing of your father and our dear friend Sherwood. Charity had the opportunity to know Sherwood her entire life, and Kevin just a few years, but his impact on us will never be forgotten. He was a servant-hearted man, gentle and strong, a role-model for all who knew him. His legacy will continue on in our memories and our stories. The many projects that he handcrafted are a monument to his creativity, patience, and perseverance (we own—we treasure—a handmade quilt and wood end-table that Sherwood gave to Charity years ago). And these great qualities are continuing on in the life to come, where there is no pain, no suffering, no dialysis, no amputations, and no diet restrictions.

His many years of song-leading, teaching, encouragement, and service at the Collins church have spurred many people, ourselves included, on to works of service, and we believe that the Collins church would not still be in existence without Sherwood’s steadfast service over the years. Perhaps the greatest testimony to Sherwood’s love and influence is the way that you honored him in his last years and months, through countless trials and ordeals, through great personal sacrifice of time, money, and energy. We admire you for this.

We wish we could have been present to say goodbye to Sherwood, and to share the memorial with you and the family at Collins. Our prayers are with you at this time, and will continue to be with you for the days and months to come, and we hope that you will let us know of any way we can serve you; it is the least we can do in memory of the one who taught us to pray, serve, and encourage in the first place.

With sincerest condolences,

Kevin, Charity, and Josiah Linderman