Late at night, when my soul is quiet br I sense his presence so strong and true br He stands before me, soul revived and strength replenished br Comforted by his meaningful smile, it gives me faith anew br br When times were tough, he was at his best br Beneath his calm, the sheen of steel br A man of his word, no promise ever faltered br His character of honor, to each man he did reveal br br He was a quiet hero, a man of subtle strength br Many ways a wonder, though perfect he was not br Always gracious and giving br Forever my flaws somehow forgot br br His shining smile, his wit and wisdom br Become precious memories profound in my heart br Known to all and respected by many br His life a vivid painting, a masterful work of art br br The land his passion, an unfathomable part of his life br A valued and precious gift, deemed worthy of respect br His love of the land was witnessed by all br My life it would affect br br He was a giving man, always foremost to help br Giving to many, no need ever forsaken br All who knew him observed his giving br The talents he exhibited became his secret fortune br br His departed family called to him, their voices sweet and assuring br Willing to embrace him in an angelic arm br Gently he waited, a last wish to be resolved br Knowing that his loves would be in grief, but suffer no more harm br br His final days were difficult, his beloved family by his side br But, strength of spirit he did display br His thoughts were always of his family, never of himself br He left on his terms, onward to God on his mountain stairway br br Now, he stands unassumingly before the Lord br Unabashed and unafraid, his duty deemed complete br Humility and humbleness were his gifts to us all br The Lord smiles on him now restored, his wings strong and repletebr br Michael Deskisbr br