[Oe List ...] Fred Buss, fun and memories

[George Packard]

Thanks, Fred, for the Fun and for the Memories

 

I want to go to the heaven where Fred is now; mostly because with Fred there
it will be a fun place to be.  In his time with us, he saw the humor in the
every day, and he was ready to laugh at the ridiculous, the mundane and at
himself. It is hard for me to remember Fred without smiling.

 

  I remember him greeting my parents as they arrived in 5th City to prepare
for our wedding.  Fred made Mom and Dad feel at home...even though there was
absolutely nothing in the environment that was familiar to them. Fred was
able to explain that there would be a lovely dinner in which we would be
asked some very good questions to set our new family out on the right foot.
He also explained that a former gymnasium would be the setting of the
ceremony and that there would be two other couples being wed at the same
time.  There would be over 50 people setting up for the ceremony, cooking
for the celebration breakfast, and hosting the guests.  Mom and Dad could
concentrate on having a great time.  Fred had just the right words for the
occasion.

 

I remember that it was Fred who had the idea that over 100 of us living at
the Ecumenical Institute in 5th City should have a celebration weekend at
the Palmer House in downtown Chicago.  We needed a break, so why not have
one at the Palmer House?  Fred was not afraid to think big.  More
importantly, he and the fund development team, figured out how to have the
Palmer House give us a gift.  To add to the style of the occasion, Fred and
team also arranged for a limousine service to pick us up as we emerged from
the subway and drive us several blocks to the hotel.  Remember, "We are
supposed to be able to walk with kings while living in the communities where
we are working.."  Fred was good at the "walk with kings part".  He was able
to connect our work with those in circles of power in many parts of the
world.

 

Thank you, Fred, for the fun and the memories.

Save me a place in the heaven where you are.

It will be a fun place to be.

 

Elise Packard

July 22, 2011

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