52 minutes. One measure of a man and his life. Red was the name he went by, from the color of his hair, but his name was Roger. I met Red early on in my current job. Our paths crossed due to our work, but we connected and enjoyed our time together based on our common love for God, for family, and for conservative politics. While my shift away from focusing on politics change in recent years and I haven't been assigned jobs that had me working with Red as often, we still had a bond and I always enjoyed seeing him and even more so talking with him. Red worked for a contracting firm that did work at the factory where I work. Because of the constant need for repairs, maintenance and new equipments installations, Red was what was considered a resident contractor, meaning he wasn't an employee of the company but was there every day just as if he was one. Just about everyone who knew him at work though of him as not just an employee but as family to some degree. That's partly because of what he did, but more because of who he was. What he did was do mechanical work at a level of excellence I haven't seen with anyone else I've worked with. Red combined a high work ethic with skill, dedication, patience and a gentle spirit. He never blamed anyone. He took responsibility and he focused on what needed to get done not who got the credit. He worked for his company for over 50 years and worked at our plant for over 20 years. He was committed to his wife for life and to his kids and grandkids. Red was a constant in a changing world. He was often being assigned a partner with much less experience than him. With each one, I saw him intentionally try to pass along his knowledge to the less skilled person, along with patience and kindness. Red recently died tragically. The visitation and funeral were not far from the plant where I work so I decided to at least attend the funeral and pay my respects. As I entered the funeral home I instantly heard the quiet buzz of chatter and hushed tones. Then I saw the line. I stretched throughout multiple hallways and was the path to meet and greet Red's family. While in line I enjoyed sharing stories with others who appreciated Red. No-one was there out of obligation. They were there because they loved, at some level, the man everyone knew as Red. 52 minutes I waited in line to share with Red's wife, brother and children how much Red meant to me. Red more than anyone else exemplified glorifying God through his work, while also cherishing his family. He also demonstrated having convictions while not being divisive more than perhaps anyone I know. The world and my workplace is not the same, and won't be the same, without Red. I look forward to being with him in the glory that is to come, and cant' wait to see the great work the Father has in store for Him there.
