On June 5, 1999, at the age of 78, Ted went to be with the Lord in his sleep. A few weeks before, he shared with his family a vivid dream that he had. He saw himself at a river. On the far side there was a beautiful grassy knoll that he described as having the most beautiful green grass that he had ever seen. Growing in the grass were trees. Leaning up against one tree was his best friend, Dick Cochrane, who had died numerous years before. He stood there with his arms folded in front, smiling at him, as if he were waiting for him. Leaning up against another tree was Paul Gifford, one of Ted’s close friends from Canadian boot camp days. In the early 1950’s Paul had died fighting a fire at the camp in California. Ted recalled his being sent from Canada to California to identify Paul’s remains and to then inform Paul’s parents. In the dream Ted saw his friend well and happily waiting for him.
It would take another book to tell of the years between 1959 and 1999. Concluding this book, I would like to share a statement by Lyle Herbaugh, excerpted from a church newsletter, Glad Tidings, July 1999, an official publication of the Avon United Methodist Church of Mt. Vernon, Washington.
Celebrating the homegoing of Pastor Edward P. Ware,
On June 9th we celebrated the life of Pastor Edward Ware. It was the most inspiring memorial I have ever attended. This was a celebration of love; love for the Lord, love for his wife, love for his family. The room was filled with love. This was a celebration of serving; serving the Lord in ways most of us can not imagine. This was a celebration of inspiration; for this man, through his love and his service, inspired many people to stand firm in their belief in God, and to go out and serve the Lord.
Posted in the church parlor was a map of the world studded with colored pins; red ones for the missions Pastor Ware had started or in which he had served; white flags for the churches he had started. The pins were everywhere, scattered across several continents. Standing there in front of the map it became clear to me that One man can make a difference . I was inspired to love the Lord with all my heart and to follow His call.
Lyle Herbaugh