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Note: 1. Following is the sermon was preached at Keith's funeral by the Rev W. C. Miller:
How remarkable it really is when a family gathers-
not primarily to confront the reality of death, but to celebrate the GIFT OF LIFE! persuaded that when life has been lived with integrety and loyalty, death is met with dignity and serenity.
And when a family reminisces upon eighty remarkable years of life that flowed like an effervescent stream
then indeed we gather to celebrate that stream of life now cascading into the ocean of God's great love!
What fullness of life Keith Needels knew! Encircled a lifetime by those he knew and loved - a life couched in the beautiful simplicities of home, family, and community! and there drawing vision and wisdom - like securing life sustaining water from a long loved and private spring!
Keith drank deep of this stream - it nourished all of his days - and the quality of those waters brougt him happiness, wholeness, and healing to life.
Keith was a craftsman, too - a craft none other than the skill of the world's Saviour - the Carpenter of Nazareth!
Mr. Needels was a skilled cabinet maker - How many things he has mended - how many new creations he fashioned!
Proud of his craft, he added beauty and artistry to the world.
Keith carried the shield of caring against the hurts of life's experiences. - He took the tunic of his spirit - and graced life with strength and courage. - And then...what bonus years God gave! - good years - unexpectantly happy years! - Years filled with encircling love and care that added luster to latter years.
At a time when storms closed in around his life, suddenly the rainbow of kindness descended upon him!
No man is richer than he who knows the love of his family - his children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren! - and Keith shared this so fully!
- And how Inez then gave such extra measure to that last trek of the journey!
Keith's perceptive young four year old great-grandchild, weeping at the loss of as companion she loved dearly - was tenderly told that 'Grandfather is with Jesus' - to which she replied, "Oh, then I won't worry any more!" -0 and returned to her play. Small wonder we celebrate! - We feel that way too, today! - One we loved, fell asleep in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father - and he is everlastingly cared for and loved!
"A giant pine, magnificant and old, Stood staunch against the sky and all around Shed beauty, grace and power. Within its fold, Birds safely reared their young. Th velvet ground Beneath was gentle, and the cooling shade Gave cheer to passers-by. Its towering arms A landmark stood, erect and unafraid, As if to say, 'Fear naught from life's alarms.'
It fell one day. Where it had dauntless stood Was lonliness and void. But men who passed Paid tribute - said, 'To know this life was good. It left its mark on me. Its work stands fast.' Amnd so it lives. Such life no bonds csn hold - This giant pine, magnificant and old." -Harkness
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