Time

John McKay

John McKay was not afraid to live. He lived with such a vigor and appreciation for life that few in this life ever will have. He was the guy that trained me in surveying, the man that taught me and as such I will remember the "advice" / "admonishing" and the many lessons he gave me. He was unashamed of what he had done, he had nothing to hide or to prove to others, he was a father a husband a mentor before giving into the system. He enjoyed adventure after adventure no matter if it were a 60 mile trek into roadless wilderness for back country powder or if it were simply to go on a walk with his wife though historic Bend OR. John was never too good for anyone. He was a salty old dog as the result of a full 61 years; from time in the marines, war protest rallies, horse logging in the back country, wrangling cattle in Montana, "exploring" the insides of Mexican prisons, remote backcountry skiing from Oregon to Alaska, to surveying and training young journeymen with an appetite for authenticity.

(David) John McKay, one of my mentors passed away on Saturday 1/5/08. John McKay slipped off a latter in the first week of December while building his house and suffered severe head trauma. He was taken to ICU and remained there 3 weeks. At this time they brought him out of the induced coma (lessened medications) and was found to be in a natural coma. Short story is that he never came out of it.

No one can deny the simple fact that one day we all will meet this fate. The end of this life we all lead will come, just as surely it began. Though it is through much pain that I admit I know not the destination of John's final adventure, it is with 100% confidence that I say it does not have to be like this. There are those who know what comes next after the curtain is pulled on this fragile life.

Have you asked yourself this question? Have you even thought about it. Just because it is scary or unknown, does not change the fact that we all will one day face it. Why not face it now? Those that know myself and Jamie know what it is we believe. Faith? yes. but it takes faith to believe Jesus Christ, and it takes faith to deny and choose against Him.

On a lighter note....

I got laid off for the week. Consequence of the "economy" - that is that no one wants to build and hence pay surveyors. My office is going from 6 field crews to 3. Each crew will rotate with each other and be laid off every other week until the market picks itself up again.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
	Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.