Memorial Service for Robert Dorshaw

We gather today for two purposes.  One is to glorify God, as He is the author of life.  The other is to celebrate the life of Robert Dorshaw

On behalf of the Central Schwenkfelder Church, deepest sympathy is extended to Robert’s family: Greg and Amber, Kim, Steve and Denise, Carter, Baylor, Delaney, Ryan and Emily.

This morning, we turn to the Scriptures to shed light on our situation. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 states,

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-- A time to give birth, and a time to die… .”

This passage might give us the impression that death is something natural, just because it is expected.  After all, the Scripture attributes a time for everything under heaven.  There is a certain inevitability associated with death.  But it is never to be thought of natural in the purest sense. 

Death entered our world for a reason.  That reason is due to the presence of sin.   Romans 5:12 states,

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned… .” 

As a result of the Fall and our disobedience to God, humankind suffered the sentence of death.  All people die because all sin. We are told in Hebrews 9:27 that

“...it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment… .”

Every human being has an appointment to appear before the sovereign God of the universe and give an account for his/her  life. 

But as frightening as this situation may sound, it was for this reason that Jesus Christ came to this earth as God incarnate so many years ago.  Christ died and rose again to abolish death for those who trust in Him.  Note Christ’s words in John 11:25,

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.”  

The believer possesses the sweet knowledge and anticipation of life after death, because Jesus arose from the dead.  The Christian lives in this world knowing that his real home is not of this world.  Rather God has prepared a place for him. 

So how can we access this gift of life after death?  It is not through being a good person or adhering to a moral code.  Rather, it is through the gifts of repentance and faith.  Jesus preached at the outset of His ministry throughout the villages of Galilee:

“The time is fulfilled; the kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent and believe in the gospel.”

Repentance is a change of heart and mind.  It means we go from your way of living to God’s way of living.  It is implied in the act of confession, when a person comes before the Lord and seeks His forgiveness for the offensive things he has done.

And there’s faith.  Faith is not just believing that there is a God.  Most people believe that there is a God.  Faith, rather, is embracing God and following Him.  Jesus said:

“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny Himself; take up His cross and follow Me.” 

Death is a transition from one state of life to another.  The apostle Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 5:1:

“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 

And, that when we are “…absent from the body, we are …at home with the Lord.” 

This is good news for the Christian, especially when he finds himself in a world where there is so much death. 

So there is urgency for all to repent of their sins and place their trust in Jesus Christ, in order to possess heaven as their home.

We are also here to reflect upon the life of Robert Dorshaw.

Robert was an easy going man who went with the flow. When his kids were younger, he was a great dad. They remember times when their dad was playful. Saturday mornings and vacations were set aside to relax and have a good time.

Robert was an educated man, having studied business administration at Bloomsburg University. Robert put in lots of hours at his job. It was stressful. He worked for over 30 years, many of those were for the Budd Company in Philadelphia.

Robert was a supervisor over material handling. He was responsible for having automobile parts shipped all over the world. He retired in his mid 50’s.

He sought solace in music and television. Bob enjoyed George Thorogood and the Destroyers and other classic rock bands from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. He possessed an extensive vinyl collection and enjoyed listening to them on his large component Kenwood stereo system. Anything Beatles, Rolling Stones or Elvis. The only time he cried was when Elvis died.

Robert also enjoyed a good movie. Friday nights meant going to Blockbuster and renting several movies to enjoy over the weekend. Robert indulged his kids by showing them their first R rated movie: “The Terminator II.” He told them: “Don’t tell your mom.”

If he were cooking, the menu was simple: French Toast, spaghetti or out to a restaurant.

He also loved dogs. Chelsea was a beagle-sheltie mix. There was a mental picture of Robert watching his movies, enjoying popcorn, with Chelsea on his lap, waiting for the next kernel to be thrown her way.

Robert was a calm soul. He did not get worked up over much. He was even-kiel.

He believed in giving back. He volunteered at the Pleasantville United Church of Christ.

Happy times were found at the lake with extended family.

He was married to his wife Patricia for over 30 years.

As a father, his children described him as a great dad. “Fond memories were made of Dad picking us up from school and getting ice cream. He would do anything for you. He was dependable.”

In later years, Robert was reserved. He loved to reminesce. He would like to be remembered as a friend to everyone. He was sensitive to others and tried to keep the peace. Robert was helpful and got along with most everyone.

As you say goodbye to him today, may the Lord grant your His grace to trust Him for comfort and strength. Amen.