Today my uncle Tom Ritchie of Lowell, MI died of meningitis that suddenly attacked his weakened immune system after undergoing chemotherapy for the last few months.
My memories of Uncle Tom go back to my earliest days. He and his family have always been part of the "inner circle' of family gatherings. His father and my grandmother were orphaned siblings in the 1920's. Their sibling bond held tight even among their respective children, that being my dad and Uncle Tom and subsequent families.
Uncle Tom was a very successful businessman having started his own paper products brokerage then expanding into other recyclable products then eventually into meat and deli products. He was very successful by this world's standards but even more successful in building the kingdom of God through his ministry with Baptists for Life and many short term mission trips to Romania working with adoption agencies there. He is to this day known as "dad" by many Romanian people. His love changed many lives.
He radiated love in so many ways. He always had a smile on his face - and always had a funny joke to tell. You knew he loved his kids and grandkids because of the love they showed to him. It was obvious- he was full of love. I know the love came from Christ who meant everything to him.
I also remember Uncle Tom as being able to give a whooping when he needed to. One time many year yore- I was on the receiving end of that much needed discipline and I am grateful for it. He always disciplined in love.
My dear wife had the privilege of working for Uncle Tom the year we met at Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference in Muskegon, MI. Darlene actually worked for him for two full years until we moved to Portage, MI. I'll never forget Uncle Tom crying as we loaded the moving truck from our Grand Rapids apartment in regret that Darlene would be moving away. He was really fond of Darlene and it was clear that she was more of a daughter than an employee.
Darlene loved Uncle Tom and has always thought the world of him. Uncle Tom in a way was an "ambassador" of the Perrine family to Darlene in that he represented all the positive traits that I wanted to show to Darlene of my extended family. In fact, Darlene could not imagine a better work experience with such a Godly leader and boss as Uncle Tom was. To this day, Darlene compares every boss to him. The measuring stick is very tall making it tough for any boss to compare.
Most of all, Uncle Tom was a Godly man. I'm sure those closest to him knew his shortcomings, but to most everyone he came into contact with, he was Christ. He loved so deeply.
Matt, John, Phil and Leah and Aunt Terre - I have no idea how you can cope with this loss. Only through prayer, time and a clear image of Uncle Tom sitting next to Jesus.
Uncle Tom- you are a model to me and I praise God for you. Your life was pillar of love and goodness for all to see.
To your beloved family -
from Mark, Darlene, Kellen, Benji, Kaylee and Brianna Perrine
