Henry Lee Sanderson

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Quent Bates on July 23, 2010:

The gathering of friends was at the Congregational Church on Tuesday afternoon at 4 PM, in Crested Butte, Colorado. The location is about 25 miles, as the crow flies, South of Aspen. However, there is no access as the crow flies because of rugged mountains, the Maroon Bells, and accompanying wilderness area with peaks above 14,000 feet. The area is primarily known as a ski area, but the town and its surroundings are ... what should I say ... just lovely. Maren has had a home there for many years, and she and Sandy split time there and in Texas. As a small community, the involved residents are a closely knit group. Sandy and Maren were/are involved. That was impressed on Anna and me when we entered the church about 10 minutes before the commencement of the service. The Chapel was almost full, with only a few spaces on the side away from the entrance and toward the front. We went that direction, found Bob and Cynthia Camp on the front row with space enough for us to slide in. I would judge there were close to 150 people there, most of them over 50. Prelude music was being played on the piano, and as it ceased, the pastor, a young, ruggedly handsome and athletic man, strode to the pulpit. We later found out that the congregation affectionately calls him, "Preacher Tim". He stood there as a lady lit candles at the front of the Chapel. There was a simple bouquet of flowers beside the pulpit. There was a stained glass window in the wall behind Preacher Tim, illuminated by the sun. At precisely 4:00 PM, he began to speak. His initial remark was that Sandy had been known for his punctuality and, that in this memory, the service was starting on time. He read a scripture commemorating the blessings of life and read several messages with memories of Sandy from friends unable to attend. He then made brief comments on those messages, and invited those in the audience to share stories and/or memories of Sandy. Those memories and stories included revolved around friendships, kindly deeds, willingness to help in any situation, a constant friendly smile and many recounting of "friendly" political discussions - Sandy being the conservative, they being the liberals. In these discussions, they noted, Sandy had the knack of smoothing disagreement so that differences never affected friendship. Many comments raised chuckles, even laughter. I added a few words - apologizing for being the only man in the room wearing a tie - and then giving background on our Class tradition of being represented at events such as this to convey support, and the strength of the experience we share. I also told a couple of stories related to Sandy's love of singing and dancing, as well as his excellent record as a cadet and army officer. Bob Camp also shared his memories, and expressed his gratitude that we had the opportunity to be in attendance. Anna also stood, she did not go to the pulpit but, as Maren was near us on the front row, she simply stated how much we loved and respected both she and Sandy, shed a few tears and embraced Maren. I would guess 15 or 20 men and women shared memories. Preacher Tim made closing remarks, again quoting a biblical verse on well lived life. He then read a poem which Anna will send. We sang a rousing closing hymn, and a closing prayer was given by a congregation member. We were then invited to move to a nearby room where refreshments were available for fellowship and conversation.. I could go on, but this seems a good point to end. Maren is certainly experiencing loneliness, and appreciated so much the many expressions of support and comfort she had received from friends in the Class. We stayed at her home that night, had breakfast together at a great little cafe in town, then drove off with a touch of sadness, but, with the warmth of memories kindled by this special. "Celebration" of life and the friendship of a remembered classmate and Maren, his companion for many years. Quent 20 July 2010

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