When I left Washington DC for the East so that Melinda and I could visit Kelley in Taiwan, I did so knowing that upon my return, Ed might not be waiting to hear about my journey.  Ed passed away as we were flying over the China Sea from Hong Kong to Taiwan.

For a while now I have been ministering with Ed as he prepared to depart this world.  In my 27 years of ministry, I have not met anyone more at peace with his life and his destiny in God than Ed.  His release from this mortal world is experienced by us as a great loss but be assured, Ed knew it would be his great gain to be translated from this world into eternity with Christ.  We will pray our farewells and rejoice in the gift of his life to us.  He served Riverside with love and joy. He was a wise person, a deeply devoted servant and truly, he prayed some of the loveliest prayers I’ve ever heard anyone pray.  A memorial service will be scheduled in March. In the mean time, it is requested that you not send flowers to Pat but make a donation to the church in his honor.  Please keep Pat in your prayers.

Now Deacon Yates, dear brother in Christ, deacon servant of the Crucified and Risen Lord, we commend you to the Good Shepherd.  May angels, the martyrs and apostles meet you. We commend you to the bosom of Christ with both sweet sorrow and unmeasurable joy. 

Pastor Bledsoe

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