Friday, October 10, 2008

Warren loved to fish




20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Tana;
I am writing this with a heavy heart. I was saddened to hear of Warren's homegoing. I know "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Those words were such a comfort to me when my brother died 18 yrs ago at 42 with 2 boys 10 & 12 yrs old. I remember thinking how difficult it was going to be without him and him telling me it is always harder on the support group left behind. His wife, Kitty, and I clung tightly to the hope of seeing him again. It did not always ease our pain here on earth but I knew John was no longer in pain from the leukemia he had suffered with for 8grueling months. He was at last fellowshipping with his Lord and Saviour. When I did not understand why John was going through this he always pointed me to the verse in Job 37:13 of God's sovereign Will. John was much like Warren, everyone he came in contact with heard the gospel and of God's love. I miss him terribly and always will but I know he is in heaven free of pain and enjoying our Saviour.I pray fervently for you Tana and the 3 little ones that God will wrap His arms around you and comfort you.
Because of Calvary,
Ron and Char Antoine

Kevin and Morgan Wilt said...

Tana & Family-
Kevin & I are thinking of you constantly and want you to know that you are in our prayers. We loved Warren very much and he will be greatly missed. It has been so nice getting to know you and your family since Kevin and I have been together and you are all truly special people. Warren touched my life in a way that cannot be explained and I know that Kevin feels the same way. If you need anything at all we are here for you always! God bless..Kevin & Morgan Wilt

Anonymous said...

Tana and Family,

Warren was a wonderful person. He will be missed very much.When he first come to Providence to work he and I instantly developed a friendship or should I say rivalary. For you see I am a New England Patriots fan and I Boston Red Sox fan. I would always be doing something to his desk wether it be leaving a GO PATRIOTS note or hiding his pennant he had on the wall. There were times he would have chemo and I would go in and sit with him for a few minutes just so we could chat.When his office was moved to the new part I saw him very little, But whenI did we got our jabs in.I was recieving an infusion one day and he was in the chair next to me recieving chemo.we laughed and had a good time. On September 15th we brought a very close friend to see the Dr. Warren walked past the door and I called to him. He turned back and came in the room. He talked with my friend about his battle. He prayed with us and was in the best of spirits, and of course we had to do our sports talk.
He touched so many lives and will touch many more. I came to see him Friday but was to late. I even told my husband had the COLTS shirt been clean I was going to wear it up to the hospital just so Warren would be amazed that I put a COLTS jersey on. He is in a much better place. You have many wonderful friends and an amazing family. Gold Bless.

Lisa Sammann

Mark said...

Dear Tana and Family,

It is through tears, but with Hope that I am writing this. You have been blessed beyond measure to see God work first hand in the life of "Broke". When Warren got Christ he did not get a half dose...he got the whole deal! Warren is the second of our dear friends that we have seen fight with great courage as Cancer marched on. He is also the second of our dear friends in whom we saw the incredible peace that comes only from Christ and His ministry in a life.

The impact that Warren has made because of his life and his love will be felt for years to come. I cannot attempt to explain why God allows hardship in the lives of His children. I know that he has promised only His best for each of us. Now His best for Warren is to be Home.

For you, rest in the knowledge that your husband and father, and our fiend has left a legacy of courage, of faith, of love for Christ and others. We will miss him and his zany sense of humor. We look forward to seeing him soon.

Anonymous said...

That is a face that I shall remember as a hero in my life....an inspiration...an encouragement!
~Darcy

Anonymous said...

Dear Tana,
Your mom and I had this phone thing happenin' on Wednesdays; she would always call in to the office and give me an update on Warren so I could have it in the prayer bulletin that night...and if I didn't hear from her first, I called her! I will miss our Wednesday phone calls, so I will just have to keep calling her to check up on you and the children!
With keeping in touch with your mom, I didn't go on the blog site until last week. Well, today I did, and I read comments from you and Warren dating all the way back to 2007. Tana! My heart just broke as I read the entries...I mean, certainly we knew Warren was going through a hard time and we needed to "really pray," but reading his words, begging us to pray for him, and telling us everything he was going through, well, let's just say that I'm so very sorry for all he went through! I remember early on praying for his physical needs, then when he spoke at WBC he asked us to pray for him not only physically, but spiritually, mentally and emotionally as well. And that's what I started doing. It's just so icky, isn't it?!?! Oh! We are soooo happy for Warren and his new, perfect life in Christ! The joys he is experiencing in Heaven are unimaginable! And we know God has His reasons. But, sometimes, here on earth it just doesn't make sense. That's when I run to the Lord and beg Him to be with you, to comfort you, to give you His peace, to gently lead you in the days and weeks ahead. You have hundreds and hundreds of people praying for you and Maddie and Chloe and Spencer! The viewing started one minute ago...I am praying for strength for you to get through the next few hours! I will be praying for the funeral tomorrow. Tana, our hearts are grieving with you and for you. Much love, Kathi King

Anonymous said...

Tana, Kim and I are so blessed to know you and Warren. While time and geography separated us, we were rich to have the experiences that were allowed by our paths having crossed. From way out here in TN now, we are praying for God's amazing grace to flood the hearts of you and your children, Tana, while Warren basks in the glory rays of God's presence. It is obvious there are thousands of lives that have been touched by the greatness of your family. We are out on the fringe and the network we have in common are all commenting on how incredible you all are. Yesterday, I looked at a Bible your parents gave me for graduation back in 1988. It reminded me again of the unshakable foundation you were reared upon Tana. Let the word dwell in you richly now - you will be with Warren longer than you will be without him. We love you and your family and are praying for you. If we can do ANYTHING for you, please let us know what it is. God bless, Tim and Kim and family

Unknown said...

Dear Tana:

I just wanted to let you know that Caroline and I prayed for you and the kids last night. We will continue to pray for you as you walk this road. I cannot know how you feel other than what my mom has told me. God will be your strength now and the arms that will hold you when you think you can no longer walk that road.

For me, I know that losing a father is not easy especially at such a young age. As I read the blogs, I know that they will have the strength of you and Warren. They will have the faith that you both instilled in them. They will have that same God that loves you and holds you to hold them in these coming days, months and years.

Warren was always special. He always made me laugh and was a friend no matter what.

We will all give you words, but only God can give you strength and power to continue each and every day. As my mom says to me often, Heaven is become more sweeter each day. We so much to look forward to when we get there.

We may not be family as before, but we are God's family. Let us know if we can do anything for you other than pray.

Love, Sonnie and the kids

Unknown said...

Dear Tana:
We are strangers to you, Tana, yet know you through your parents, who have been a great blessing to us over the years! We have been praying for Warren & you for years, and will not cease to pray for you and the kids in the days ahead.

My words fall short...His Word gives life and breath...

"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, ... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the corss. Wherefore God also hath hightly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:1,5-11

Keep your eyes fixed...
Continuing in love and prayers,
Paul & Julie Wilson
Bismarck, ND

Anonymous said...

Dear Tana:
This past week I have been remembering things you brought up in our Heartkeepers studies. Here we all were desiring to learn from other Godly women, how God wanted us to mold our lives, and you and Warren were in the most difficult test of your faith. You both shared things with us during those Bible Studies. You opened your heart to us many times, but I remember one specific day when you shared Warren's treatments, his smile and humor through all of it. Little things he would say to keep everyone focused on our Wonderful Saviour. Neither one of you blamed God for this affliction, but rather used it to share the goodness of God to others. When I think of the years you both went through this trial the verse that comes to mind is "My hope is in the LORD" and the saying "My strength comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth"

Warren knew there were specific times when we prayed for him and your family. They were not scheduled times, just when something specific happened in our family. He laughed when Amelia shared with him the specifics. Amelia loved "her Pastor Warren" and made it a point to find him in the services.

I have run across some articles about Emmett that I was going to share with him. Warren loved to make you laugh and seemed to thrive on causing laughter. He could make you laugh without even saying anything. Words were unnecessary. His humor, love, and loyalty endeared him to us. He was a true "Soldier for the Cross" and a lighthouse to others on troubled waters. May we reflect God's love to others just like Warren did.

I am also remembering the trips you both made yearly with the teens to "The Wilds". He stressed the importance of going somewhere to be bathed in GOOD Bible teaching, away from the things of this world. The video that was presented to the church to show how lives were changed and how God moved through the young people was very encouraging. He made all of the church family see the teens having their fun with beach ball volleyball, the rope climbs, the bungee jump and other relay events, then would show how God was moving in teens lives to make decisions to serve God. I was always a firm believer in getting teens to camp to have time alone with God, preaching and away from the distractions of home, TV, telephone and friends. You both believed in the importance of youth camp as well as its ability to change lives. God used you both to get so many teens under the preaching of the Rice's and be exposed to dynamic preaching that was able to change lives. God has used both of you tremendously and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to have my life impacted by you both. We will not stop praying for your family. May God comfort you, the children, and your families and wrap you in His arms tomorrow and the in weeks to follow. Thank you for the difference you made in my life. Jude 22
Love, Cynthia and family

Anonymous said...

Dear Tana & kids.
We were so sorry to hear about Warren but rejoice to know that he no longer battles ill health. This was the only way we had to get in touch to let you know that we found out today and have been praying for you and the kids. Richard Boyle emailed us. The Lord never allowed us to have enough time together and its possible we'll have to wait for eternity of which, Warren's already got a jump on me. Please know that our hearts are yours and if there is anything we can do please let us know. We'd love to have you all come visit us in Utah I know we'd have a great time.
Keith & Donna South & the Boys

Pastor Adam Love said...

Tana and children,

Just wanted to let you know that we are still praying for you in these quiet times. I know this is when all the real emotions begin and are harder than ever to understand. There are a lot of people praying and remembering you right now. Hold dear to the memories and also to the present. For today is the day of hope and help. May God richly comfort and bless you. May He be gracious to you and endue you with strength you thought impossible to have.

tacky said...

Tana,
Just wanted you to know you are still in our thoughts and prayers...especially now as life settles into a new routine for you and the children. You can continue to trust God for tomorrow...for He was faithful yesterday!
In His Love, Kari (Turbett) Tackeberry
*also known as one of the fairies who "danced with the donkey" on MBBC's stage...the memories are precious!

Steve and Shannon Steuerwald said...

Dear Tana, We were saddened to hear of Warrens passing away and yet are comforted in the fact that He is in Glory with no more pain. You are in our thaughts and prayers. May God's grace be abundant to you during this time. Love Steve and Shannon "Brock" Steuerwald

Anonymous said...

Dear Tana and Family,
Although you do not know me, some of my siblings were at MBBC when Warren was there. The reason I am writing is because I understand what you are going through right now. 2 1/2 years ago I lost my husband to colon cancer when he was 43. As I read through your last day with him I was right there with you as my last day with Bill was so similar to your situation. It is a day that will never leave your mind. Some days I am glad those memories are there and other times I wish I didn't have to see him struggle so much. If ever I can be of any assitance to you in any way, even to vent or as questions, please don't hesitate to reach me at coachwlj@bellsouth.net. I would be glad to just listen. I have found that journaling helps. My children have gone through counseling, both at different times. We understand the pain, shock and feelings you are going through. May God be your refuge and strength in this time of trouble. Because of His great love,
Kimberly Johnson

Unknown said...

Tana, this is from my mom. We are praying for you!

Tana and family. I know I have no idea what you are going thru but your man has touched many lives and I've heard of all the souls that he lead to the Lord. Warren's abilities to work with the youth was interesting. I remember when you guys where dating and first married, Ben Nelson, and Joshua Antoine and a few of the other boys looked up to Warren like no other. He welcomed the goofy boys into your home with no strings attached. He had a way to talk about the Lord even playing a video games. Ben repeated many things Warren told him and to this day he still remembered them as we spoke of Warrens passing. You are so much a part of what Warren was. AS a church family I know you know we have prayed for your family so often and I believe God has showed us all how loving you are and how we can take strength from this life ordeal. As Warren will be missed he will never be forgotten. The Lord has given you a wonderful family and what a better Mom to those three children. Hugs and kisses will get you through.
I believe I speak for my whole family. We will continue to pray for you all. Jarmella and Bill Nelson, Candace and Jason Joppa, Ben ,Andrew, Angela

Anonymous said...

Tana and children -

We are continuing to remember you and yours in our prayers. We love you all and trust that our God will be very close to you and bless you richly in these times. 'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints'. We heard awesome stories about how Warren (and you) were used of the Lord - and that will live on. Heard that an attendee at the funeral, upon flying home, lead a seatmate to the Lord, as a result of the funeral. PRAISE THE LORD. Was so glad that Mark was able to go to the reviewal.

Dan and Dorathy Larson
Mpls, MN

Anonymous said...

Tana,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the children as you adjust. I had been following your blog for over a year and was so saddened to learn about Warren's passing. I have some fun memories of him from colllege. He left a godly impression on many lives. He is getting many rewards in heaven!
Julie Gaschke Novotny

Anonymous said...

Dear Tana,

My heart hurts with yours as I DO understand what you are going through. I'm sure that Doug and Warren have found Peter, James and John and are having a fishing contest! :)

Be Faithful. God DOES reward and HE will see you through.

Love
Diane

Anonymous said...

Tana, I came across this tract and wanted to share it with you. It is entitled NEVER ALONE "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

I'm never alone in the morning
As I rise at the break of day,
For Jesus who watched through
the darkness
Says, "Lo,I am with you alway,"

I'm never alone at my table
Though loved ones no longer I see;
For dearer than all who have
vanished
Is Jesus who breaks bread with me.

I'm never alone through the day-
light,
Though nothing but trials I see.
Though the furnace be seven times
heated
The 'form of the fourth' walks with me.

I'm never alone at the twilight
When darkness around me doth
creep
And specters press hard round
my pillow,
He watches and cares while I
sleep.

I'm walking and talking with
Jesus
Each day as I travel along.
I'm never alone. Hallelujah!
The joy of the Lord is my song.
----by Elizabeth Osborn
Love, Ron and Jan Simons