My brother Tim's 79-year-old wife, Jan, died 3 January.  Her memorial service is today, 6 February 2024.

Marjorie's 79-year-old brother, Don, died 30 January.  His graveside service in Spring City, Utah is also today.  Marjorie and I have elected to go to his memorial service that will be held 19 May, rather than to brave winter roads to be in Utah today.

Don was Tim's classmate.  Orrin Lay was another classmate.  He died 2 February, also age 79.  Another classmate, Glenda Hallgarth, also passed away this week.

This coming Friday Bishop Matt Kerns has asked me to dedicate Ernie Collard's grave at his graveside service.  Ernie is a past bishop of Baker First Ward, and a wonderful man.  He was age 87 when he passed away 19 January.

Those are five acquaintances who pretty much simultaneously stepped through the veil to the other side.  It makes me wonder what they each experienced and how they're now faring.

The first-mentioned was a detractor of the Church.  She actually listened to the missionary discussions, but was firmly opposed to baptism and to having her husband show any interest in the Church.

The second was a baptized, endowed member of the Church who turned against it.

Orrin was a good member of the Church, a former high counselor, who suffered the pains of four divorces.

The fourth person I didn't know.  I suppose she was a typical non-member of the Church.

Ernie Collard was the husband of Elaine.  Many years ago I interviewed Elaine for a temple recommend.  I asked something about her husband.  She straightened herself in her chair, looked me squarely in the eye, and said with emphasis, “He's the best man in the world!”

I believed it.  What a wonderful testimonial, coming from the one person on earth who knew him best.

It strikes me that these new arrivals in the world of spirits run a gamut in preparedness to be there.  I don't know the status of each, nor do I know what they're doing; but I'm sure that of them all, I would want to be Ernie.  He died in the faith, after a lifetime of service, with his covenants intact.