Pastor Bob Hempy

FROM BARBARA September 22, 2005 - Guardian angels were watching over us…not visible...but I had 3 visible City of Hope angels. Tami (Logan) Case…a year old when her family became a part of our lives. She is the Administrator/ Director of Pediatrics and was our contact person to become a patient at City of Hope. Her best friend, Terry Closson is Director of Patient Access, and she was the one I always rushed to when I knew Bob was going to be admitted. She knew he needed a private room because of his low white count. Katie DuBois, a secretary, was willing to do anything and knew exactly what to do. These three angels would instantly appear just when I needed someone…many times when the news was not good. They quickly learned of my difficulty in eating and food would suddenly appear. What a gift they were. Making the trip to City of Hope 7 days a week (except when he was an inpatient…which was almost 2 months) wasn't all bad because of wonderful caring nurses who were always so pleasant and so concerned. To survive I would think they would have to have detached caring. But we surely got attached to them and that feeling must have been mutual because some of them attended the memorial service. We asked Susan Dilks to share and represent the nurses. She spoke from her heart and also read tributes that the other nurses had written…this was sooo touching. Two drove right from work still in their uniforms…not wanting to miss the service. Janelle O'Guin, our Dr.'s nurse practitioner asked that last day if nurses could come see Bob…"I'm fending off eleven nurses who want to be with him." We loved having them because by this time they were like family. These special care givers would visit Bob on their breaks when he was in the hospital and would even come after their long work hours. They brought us gifts and food…concerned about our weight loss. And they loved the sick Bob…they never knew the well Bob. My heart was warmed when some of them asked if we could stay in touch! Our Dr. O'Donnell and Janelle did all they could to give Bob better days. Our Dr. even had a goal of Bob living to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary…6-2-06! We'll always be grateful for their care and compassion. You just don't know when something you say or something you do touches someone else's life and works a miracle. This happened every time you sent a card…letter…gift.. a call…provided financial support…giving of your life's blood and platelets…even taking your valuable time and keeping up with Bob's condition on the web. Special people…and you are all that to us…can turn an ordinary day into an extra ordinary one. You made our days more beautiful and our hearts very glad. The isolation we experienced was made more pleasant by you…and you…and you. So thank you… thank you…thank you. You were an important part of our lives at such a critical time when we needed you…and you touched our lives more than you will ever know. Friday afternoon we had a private family burial service. With Pastor Ron bringing us such timely words of comfort and hope. Oakpark is located in Claremont, California…beautiful with huge old oak trees and Bob knew this area well…his 10 mile paper route was on this street. Upland Church provided us with a delicious meal and we had time as a family to share memories…we could have had a comedy hour because Bob was a part of so many unbelievable events and he was transparent and didn't mind sharing them. My mother kept saying that we should write a book of our lives for our children. Humor was such a part of Bob's life so we included a few of these stories in his service. Just yesterday, I received a card saying…"Your service was beautiful and entertaining and Bob would have loved that". Someone said…"one minute we were laughing and the next minute crying". Through the years Bob would say I want a simple service…no production…don't talk about me…lift up Jesus!! Well for 49 years I was submissive (we always said we had mutual submission) but those vows were until death do us part…so I was free to do as I wanted! He would not have liked the length of the service…he'll forgive me! I still cannot believe that I was able to share about the love of my life and was able to stay composed! Wanting to speak never entered my mind until several days before the service. My plan had always been that Bob would have my service. Our children also shared, as well as a few friends, and our Pastor Ron Graff gave a meditation that was a perfect ending to our celebration. I would have loved to have had an open mike section for the benefit of our children…to hear how their Dad had touched lives…but this was not practical. During Brett's tribute he mentioned that Grant had said…"every day is your birthday in heaven…and you get to choose any cake you want"! He said in a loud voice…"I didn't say that! What he really said was…"you get to eat as much cake as you want." When I showed him the program at the private burial service with Bob's picture and the words "Celebration Service"…his comment…"No, no…it's sadabration and I'm not a little bit sad…I'm a whole lot sad." Seeing Tsunami pictures for the first time he asked if God had made a mistake." He may still think God made a mistake in not answering his prayer to make his Papa well. Now he's hoping when he gets to heaven his room is next to his Papa's! I feel sad when I think that Matthew and Grant (6), Taylor (5), Dylan (2), Joshua (2), and Rhett Walker (4 months)…our youngest grandchildren, won't grow up hearing Bob's marvelous gift of story telling. Bob was not a computer person and didn't even care for ATM banking…he loved going inside the bank. Three of his bank tellers had been praying for him and loved the service…one said "I felt so close to God." What a thrill and surprise to see them. I had the same feeling when his two mechanics greeted me. Bob only knew how to fill the tank with gas and the tires with air…so he depended on these two men. What a special gift I received the day after Bob's service was to have all my family together at Beverly and Dave's home…Solid Ground Church fed us with such a tasty beautiful meal with leftovers! They also gave a dessert reception after the service. So many people did so many things for our memorial time. Bob's nephews and their wives were with us…Fred and Dineen and Rick and Rhonda…and niece Sandy all from Pleasanton, California. Five of my Georgia family came representing many others who would liked to have come…my brother Ken and his wife Frankie and daughter Sheri…and cousin Ralph and his wife Patsy. Extended family was so important for support during those days. My beautiful 92 year old mother…living alone…very active…no real health problems was trimming some shrubbery because she didn't like the way her gardener had done the job. She fell and broke her hip about 2 months ago…a pin could not be put in because the break is inside the socket…not the best kind of break. We're praying for healing through therapy to avoid a total hip replacement. Since she was not able to come for Bob's service, I'll be leaving this Saturday for a five-week trip to Georgia and can be a caregiver for her. I'll also make a trip to Florida to see Byron, Karen, and Joshua. In the early weeks of Bob's illness we tried to pray that we wanted for Bob what would bring the most glory to God…and this meant him going to be with our Father in heaven. From some testimonies that we've heard good is coming out of our sad time. I'll say good-bye with the following written by a friend Betty Roland in Columbus, Georgia the day after Bob's home going. What a gift of words and the timing was perfect. Another champion crosses the finish line and falls into the waiting arms of his savior, coach, dearest and most faithful friend - JESUS. The cheering angels attend the reunion - filling the heavenlies with shouts of triumph over every hindrance that was in Bob's path. They clap, they praise, they sing, they dance around the finish line…..then, they swoop to planet Earth - fast as a blink of our eye, and surround Barbara with love and special words from Jesus - they fold their beautiful wings around her - enfolding her with peace and joy that she can't explain or even understand - she smiles a heavenly smile, stunning in the midst of earthly grief, and begins to comfort others. She feels their presence, upholding her, loving her, serving her….then, she feels a hand on her shoulder, looks up with eternal eyes, and beholds her HUSBAND JESUS, and she is bathed with peace, peace, peace. She knows there will be pain and loneliness and heartaches and "whys", but she also knows Bob's Jesus. And, she will never walk alone - never. Then, one day, another reunion!!!!!!!!! Glory to HIM who overcame death, pain, Satan, cancer… Lovingly, Barbara DVD's and CD'S of Bob's service are available from Solid Ground Church, 9974 19th Street, Alta Loma, CA 91737. DVD $2.00 - CD $2.00 Any additional donation will be used to upgrade equipment for the Audio Visual Department. Sept. 14, 2005 - BOB'S LAST DAYS I loved every minute that I got to be Bob’s “angel nurse” as he called me….in sickness and in health. I experienced super natural peace. He would say….even through his suffering…. “these have been the best months of my life.” We were together 24/7 and had such precious sharing times. I suddenly find myself thinking when I read or hear something… “Oh, I’ve got to share this with Bob.” Oh, how I miss him! What a beautiful difference one single life made…it certainly made a difference in mine and from your calls and cards God used him to make a difference in yours too, and he gave God the credit and glory. These verses have become so real to me and have been a strong anchor….especially during Bob’s last days. Sometimes my Bible opens automatically to Isaiah 43:1-3 “But the Lord who created you, O Israel says…Don’t be afraid for I have ransomed you…I have called you by name and you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great troubles I will be with you…when you go through great difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the valley of oppression you will not be burned up…the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;” Monday: I heard from our doctor what I didn’t want to hear…Bob has a day or two to live. She wanted to know how I was doing and I explained the peace I had and that I felt God’s arms surrounding me…truly a peace that surpasses all understanding. The Great Physician was in charge of Bob and me! He sent John & Pat Kershaw for support at that time. Bob asked me that day, “How are you going to mange?” I assured him I would be fine with Jesus, and our children, family, church and friends supporting me. Later he said, “I can’t stay”…and a few minutes later… “I have to go.” Go, go, was our reply. We released him…but he didn’t go. After we settled in our room Sunday afternoon, we were asked if we were VIP people! Our reply was a quick no. Well, you have the VIP suite (only three in the new hospital). I walked in the room adjoining Bob’s and there was a living area, furnished beautifully, a kitchen area, microwave, and refrigerator, a nice dining area….Unbelievable! We were thankful for this surprise gift that was given to us…and we moved in, and felt very important! Bob kept saying what I’m learning in the darkness I’ll be able to share in the light. So, we didn’t talk about death and it wasn’t until Sunday night that I knew he was really sick. But he was really sick with pneumonia in January and I was told to call the children and they all came, and after 21 days, he was home again! I knew I had to go home for a little while. The last weeks had been the most difficult and I needed some rest. He was in a lot of pain and on morphine. Brad stayed alone with him all night and had a precious time. Beverly and David had just arrived in Branson, Missouri in a motor home for their vacation…a long way back home. By this time the doctor said he could live until Friday so we told Byron in Florida not to come…I needed them more later. Tuesday: Brad and Brett were out of the room and I was alone with him when he was struggling a little and I thought then, “no one is going to be alone again”. Before they returned the door opened and there were two dear friends…Ron and Angie Negrete…only stopping by to bring me a Max Lucado book and a bracelet with angel charms (I collect angels). On the bracelet was inscribed Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you…I will help you…I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What a promise…what a gift…and the timing was perfect!! The boys walked in and here was a couple Brad had never met but it wasn’t long before they knew this was a God ordered day. Scripture quoting and reading, singing, praying back and forth was a part of the next hours…a precious time. C.S. Lewis said this life is just the title page. I started talking to Bob about heaven…telling him what it was going to be like…that he wouldn’t have leukemia in his mouth, but would be getting a new mouth…not more transfusions…no more radiation…no more chemo…no more fevers. Then I reminded him who would be there to greet him….Jesus, of course, and my father, who he adored, and Byron and Karen’s baby, who would have been born about this very time. She had a miscarriage while Byron was here one week. Now a baby girl is due in December!! His breathing was becoming irregular and we felt the time was short. All during this time his mouth was in the same position. I asked, “Darling, do you see a bright light”, and he moved his lips. Everyone around the bed said, at the same time, “He’s answering you”. After a few minutes, I said, “Do you see angels”, and the very same movement!! Earlier someone had asked for a sign and we got one! We knew angels were in the room and we felt we walked him to the gates of heaven, and I would have gone with him if that had been possible. I recently reminded myself of how active and alive and young Bob seemed until his Christmas week diagnosis. He had not retired and went to work every day, and he was still in demand. He had two job offers in 2004. One in Florida, at Byron’s church, and one in California. So I think this is why it’s still almost unbelievable. I never thought I’d live a day without Bob in my life. This is the time to really believe all that I’ve been taught and all that we’ve told others. I don’t understand…but I know God loves me. If we have sadness in our life God can make something beautiful out of it. It might not be well with our circumstances…it can be well with our soul. So, I’m choosing hope…I’m choosing life…in the midst of heartbreak. It’s not over, but, it is a new season in my life. I really thought this would be my last sharing time…but women are verbal, so, next week I have some thank yous to all of you. Also, Bob’s Memorial Service was truly a celebration…some of you have expressed an interest in hearing about that…two of the main comments I’ve heard…. “I felt so close to God during the celebration” and, “I felt like I was in heaven!” Lovingly, Barbara Sept. 6, 2005 Words have been hard for me these last weeks and our pastor has kept you up to date. I will forever be indebted to him for the web site… so many of you have mentioned this in the thousands of cards we’ve received. Now I have so much I want to say, so will you stay tuned in for a while longer… it would be too long and take too much of your time now, but I do want to bring closure to this special bond of communications in the next week. I thought surely Bob would be healed… we both felt he still had a ministry. He loved teaching his Sunday School class… 70-100 people, and all ages were represented. Preparation was a real highlight… he said once he would just keep preparing even if I was his only listener. Two lessons were prepared, but he never got to teach them. We also loved our team ministry of conducting marriage and family seminars. Our “Lasting Love” ministry… and conducted our last seminar a month before he was diagnosed with leukemia. I hope we were a good example of what God intended marriage to be. We completed each other. No one has a perfect marriage… but we were certainly perfect for each other. Golden keys was the name of our senior group, and we loved being the directors. Just 4 days before his diagnosis we traveled by Metro Link and took a group to Los Angeles and had a marvelous long, fun-filled day. We even had to run to catch the train as we returned home. His last outing was going to the Billy Graham Crusade at the Rose Bowl… the place he was saved 54 years ago. We got separated after the service and didn’t find each other for 40 minutes. He was walking most of that time… that’s why we were in total shock when we heard, “You have a very serious illness… 8-10 weeks to live without treatment.” He lived 8 months to the day from the diagnosis. Bob would have been healed if it depended on the number of prayers going up on his behalf. Someone commented they had never known anyone who had such prayer support… thanks to the web. The following is taken from Max Lucado’s book, God’s Inspirational Promises. Fearing Death “The problem with the world is that it doesn’t fit. Oh, it will do for now, but it isn’t tailor-made. We were made to live with God, but on earth we live by faith. We were made to live forever, but on this earth we live but for a moment. “We must trust God. We must trust not only that he does what is best, but that he knows what is ahead. Ponder the words of Isaiah 57:1-2. ‘The good men perish, the godly die before their time, and no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to realize that God is tking them away from the evil days ahead; for the godly who die shall rest in peace.’ “My, what a thought. God is taking them away from the evil days ahead. Could death be God’s grace? Could the funeral wreath be God’s safety ring? As horrible as the grave may be, could it be God’s protection from the future? “Trust in God, Jesus urges, and trust in me.” This has been very meaningful to me. Our answer machine says… “You’ve reached the home of Bob and Barbara Hempy.” The first time I heard this, the tears started flowing. My next thought… I’ve got to change that… but no… it will always be Bob and Barbara. He’s just changed his address! I will never be the same. I’ll have to find a different “normal.” My heart is broken, but I have Psalm 34. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He saves those whose spirits Have been crushed.” This verse is becoming so real to me. My life has had burdens and difficulties too complicated to put into words, and too hard to express or fully understand… but how sweet to fall into the embrace of His blessed arms and to simply sob out the sorrow that I cannot speak! I’ll share about his last days next time. Barbara

No words can express the profound admiration we had for Pastor Bob. He was a wise and loving friend, a person who could light up the room just by being there. He was a counselor and an encourager in every situation. He was full of the Holy Spirit, and always exemplified the love of God to everyone along the way. Even in his difficult struggle against leukemia, his faith was unwavering. We will miss him greatly, but we would not bring him back if we could because he is with his Lord Jesus now!

2 Corinthians 5:8-10 - We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Bob Hempy was my friend for over 50 years!

We met first at Pacific Bible College (now Azusa Pacific University) in 1953. We were soon in a men’s quartet together—the Ambassadors Quartet. We traveled up and down the West Coast during the summer of 1954,singing and preaching in many churches. Bob was the bass. Ron Kriesel sang baritone. I was the second tenor, and Al Marsala was the first tenor. We made pretty good harmony.

During the academic year 1954-1955, we were known as the King’s Envoys Quartet. We sang throughout that school year. In the summer of 1955, after Bob had graduated, we spent another nearly three months together traveling across the Southwest and the South, up the Eastern Seaboard, back across the Midwest into the Pacific Northwest and back down the West Coast. Trust me, four guys get to know each other pretty well when they live that close for that long.

Many were our experiences together. Bob, Al, and I alternated in preaching. Ron gave personal testimony. We sang our 25 to 30 songs, a capella, over and over again. It was a joy to pray together and minister in Jesus’ name. Of course, we represented the college as well, raising funds through the 50/50 plan (remember that?), and encouraging young people to attend PBC. It was a great run together, something that molded our lives in Christ and in ministry. We formed a life-long bond with each other.

In 1957, Bob and I found ourselves together once again at Western Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Oregon. We both were called to the ministry. We knew that we needed seminary training to be at our best for Christ. We worked on and attained our Master of Divinity degrees. In Portland, Bob and Barbara’s first child, a daughter, Beverly, was born. Rose and I welcomed our first son, Robert, into the world. Soon Bob graduated, while I had yet another year or so to complete.

In the next 45 years, I think we only saw each other maybe twice. We had one quartet reunion in Southern California. Another time, we met at a pastors’ conference at Azusa Pacific for a brief time. Otherwise, we exchanged Christmas greetings and family news. Strange, how hearts can be knit together early and stay that way, even though the actual contact is missing. There were lots of lasting memories.

When I learned of Bob’s illness, I was thunderstruck! I never doubted God’s power to heal. Day after day, I asked for that. When that did not seem to be forthcoming, I pled for a remission of the disease. That too didn’t happen. Yet, I also never doubted the love and grace of God. Bob and Barbara’s faith and courage were a great inspiration to me. How thankful we were for the regular reports on the website.

The day Bob died, I felt like my prayers, and those of many others, were ushering him into the presence of the Triune God.

We all know that the world to come is a greater reality than this world. My heart grieves over the loss of my friend. Yet I rejoice deeply, that he has indeed finished his course and is now safely at home with the Lord Jesus. I, too, shall be there one day soon—I know not when.

Thank you, Bob, for your friendship over the years. Thank you for our quartet and educational experiences together. Thank you for your many years of pastoral ministry. You were a great preacher and a lover of people. Thank you for all the inspiration of your life. I am indebted to you, more than you ever knew. Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord. Home at last!

Farewell, dear friend. I‘ll see you again, when the morning breaks.

Arthur L. Carl
Folsom, California

Bob was a wonderful big bundle of laughter and encouragement. To be around Bob was to get a lift in your spirit. To host Bob and Barbara in our home was a rare and precious treat. Our deep sympathy to Barbara, the family and the church at Solid Ground.

Omer & Marty King

Bob's loving nature embraced all - even those who could be difficult to like. He set a great example of Christian ministry: I loved him dearly and thank God that our paths crossed.

During my term of service to the Upland congregation Bob was serving in Manor, Pennsylvania. Bob invited me to speak at a long weekend of special services at Manor. I reflect on those days of shared ministry with a sense great appreciation and sincere gratitude.

He was a special man who shall be held in a special place in my memories of God's great servants.

Walter Winger

I was the baritone in the quartet with Bob fifty years ago. Art Carl has already told you a lot about the quartet in his tribute, so I won't bore you by repeating it. But I will add a couple of points that weren't mentioned.

Art didn't mention the trip into British Columbia, Canada. It may be that we took that trip before Art entered the quartet, since he replaced another fellow as second tenor.

Omer and Marty King have mentioned in their tribute that "Bob was a wonderful big bundle of laughter and encouragement." In my experience, that may be an understatement. In quartet days, he was actually quite able to get into mischief of various kinds. It was never a destructive mischief. It was always just plain fun. However, I can think of one time when it upset an individual who simply didn't have a sense of humor and didn't recognize plain fun when he saw it. We all got called on the carpet.

Here's a little sample of Bob's sense of humor. Kids often asked him how tall he was. His answer was usually, "Five feet, seventeen." The kids always accepted that.

There have been a few times in my life when I have failed to recognize until later that I was enjoying the presence of someone of such great stature. Bob is one of those individuals. I had no idea in those days that he would become such a highly respected pastor as he was destined to become. I've been reading on the web the impact he's had on the Brethren in Christ. I guess the Lord wanted me to be aware of his illness, because I stumbled on your church web site very early in his illness, and it told about Bob’s illness. I had lost track of Bob, but I have followed the web reports of his illness ever since. He has also been on our church prayer chain, although we are not in the Brethren in Christ.

When I was first asked to enter the quartet, I was a painfully shy individual. To show you just how shy I was, Deanna, who is now my wife of 45 years, asked me for a date. That, in itself, was unusual in that day and age. She couldn't imagine that at the age of 24, I had never dated. Being as shy as I was, I said "No," but fortunately I reconsidered. Now, after 45 years of marriage, she is still my only girlfriend and I am definitely not shy any more.

Although my wife has played the major role in bringing me out of my shell, I think it's safe to say that Bob also played an important early role in the process. My wife then finished the job.

Although I have not seen Bob since the 1970's, I have many VERY HAPPY memories of him. I know that Barbara and the congregation will miss him terribly. We have both her and the congregation on our church prayer chain.

Ron Kriesel
Moore, OK

We had the greatest admiration for Bob Hempy. He was our Pastor at the Upland Church and the Alta Loma Church. Bob was a great preacher, Sunday School Teacher, friend, and comforter. Our family will never forget Pastor Bob.

Gordon and Adele Reed

We were blessed to have Pastor Bob Hempy as our pastor both at the Upland Brethren in Christ Church and the Alta Loma Brethren in Church Church. His leadership always reflected his love for our Lord, his constant encouragement, his love for his church family, and his personal care for each individual. The application of his messages to the practical needs of his congregation was, to our thinking, the symbol of his ministry.

We were personally impressed by his willingness to release us with his blessing, to leave the Upland congregation, to participate in the church planting at Alta Loma B. in C. Church. (Now, Solid Ground B. in C. church).

Over the years, our relationship with Pastor Bob and Barbara has become a cherished experience. We consider them to be among our dearest friends. Our memories of Pastor Bob will always be special in our hearts.

Gordon and Eunice Engle

Bob Hempy was so very dear to me. Our family first meant Bob in 1986 when we began to attend Alta Loma Brethren in Christ Church. I could not begin to list here all of my "special" memories, but some stand out.

Before the completion of the new church building, Bob baptized both my wife and myself in a swimming pool. Later, he baptized my two children on the occasion of the first use of the baptismal in the new church. Within a week of that joyful occasion, my wife passed away suddenly. Bob was so supportive by guiding me through the necessary processes that followed, including the very thoughtful memorial service.

Bob really enjoyed American history. While in Pennsylvania for the BIC church conference, we drove down to Gettysburg and Bob gave me a personal tour based on his knowledge and a previous visit.

Pastor Bob was so Godly and so loving. When I was in his presence, I experienced the light and love of God. What a blessing that was to me. It is so difficult to accept that I will no longer be able to embrace that big guy, but it fills my heart with such joy knowing that his soul is now being embraced by his Savior. I'll see you later, my friend.

Bob Carpenter

I have known Bob Hempy ever since he came to Upland Brethren in Christ as pastor. I much respected his wisdom, humor, humility, knowledge of the Bible, and his commitment to his wife and family. I appreciated the way he preached and especially the way he officiated at funerals. I thank the Lord that he can be with his Saviour whom he loved.

Miriam Frey Zook

Pastor Bob performed the Infant Dedication for both of my children, Ryan and Kimberly Gloss. He was such a warm, genuine and approachable man of God. He demonstrated God's love by being so real and personal to each one that he knew and came in contact with. He will always have a special place in our hearts and minds. We just grieve with his loved ones at this time. We are also grateful to have had the opportunity to know him and learn from him while he was here in Upland.

Diane & Tom Mosier

Our thoughts and prayers have been with Bob since hearing of his illness. Our minds can not grasp the exhilaration he felt when he stood before our Father. We can only imagine Bob’s joy as the Lord rewarded his life of service to Him with all the splendors of Heaven.

As a family, Bob will always be in our hearts. We worshipped with him at both the Upland and Alta Loma Brethren in Christ Churches. We are better people to have known him and to have served under his leadership.

We will surely miss him, but find comfort in the knowledge that he is now pain free and living abundantly in eternity. Because of Him,

The Stuter, Moore, and Brenner Families

Bob and I were friends in High School years and at Dad's church in Pomona, were he learned about Christ. He only came because his girlfriend did, and was Saved on a church trip to a Billy Graham revival. What a change came into his life; before that he was an original party guy.

We both worked together on the construction of the Pomona church building in 1952; in fact Bob may have saved me when I heard him yell about a collapsing scaffold, which I was under. As I recall, he was on top of it and rode it down without injury. I almost got away, but got a scar on my back from a nail sticking out of the scaffold that caught me across the back.

Bob and my favorite cartoon was "Major Hoople" in those years. Major Hoople always said "Fap!" in lieu of the other common swear words people used. We adopted "Fap!" as our favorite expletive, and it kind of became our "secret" greeting. So on hearing of his untimely death, I can only say

"FAP!"

Vernon H. Fix, Gardnerville, Nv

Bob was a very special person in our lives. He and Barbara's daughter, Beverly, is married to our son, David and we share three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They have been a part of our family for many years and we have shared many holiday and birthday celebrations. Bob was our pastor at Arrow Highway Wesleyan Church where our children met. We can't imagine life without him and are looking forward to the day when we will all be reunited in Heaven with Jesus and where our real life will begin. God truly used Bob to minister to so many people in his caring, loving way.

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15.

Roger and Sherry Ryan

My first job was at Arrow Highway Wesleyan Church where Bob was the Senior Pastor. Bob gave me the opportunity to be the church secretary at the ripe old age of 18. I really appreciated him having enough confidence in my abilities to give me a chance at that young age. I can honestly say without hesitation that he was the most honest, loving and sincere man I have ever had the pleasure of working for. He always made time to speak with anyone in need at anytime. Pastor Bob made a huge impact on my life,

I loved how he lived and was so impressed that he was so genuine. I love you Pastor Bob and I know that Heaven is rejoicing because you are there. God bless you and the family Barbara.

Dottie Gunderson

How thankful I am for Bob and Barbara coming into my life. They represent the kinder, gentler people. How I enjoyed them both. Bob's sermons were encouraging and instructing. Our conversations were stimulating and thoughtful. And his hearty laugh was contagious. How much I felt God using him at Manor BIC Church.

And Barbara, here is a short poem for comfort:

There is no time
That we could set for parting.
We who remain
Are never ready for such pain.
Ever our prayer would be
With us let our beloved stay.
We must believe
When falls the blow-
That wisely God has willed it so.

My deepest sympathy and love,

Esther Snyder

To our dear friends, the Hempy family,

As we look back over the 30 some years that we have known Bob and Barbara, many things flash through my heart and mind, for a little time spent with Bob, was truly an experience one would remember, whether it dealt with serious matters or humorous. We shared many, both joyous times, and sad times.

Bob was a loving, caring, and compassionate person who was not only our Pastor for nine-plus years, and always so willing to "fill in" whenever needed, but a true friend who listened with his heart, and was concerned with the "every-day" happenings in one's life. There was no such thing as "My day off" with Bob, if one of his friends was having a difficult time. He was right there for them.

This man was truly a Pastor, in every sense of the word, and cared deeply about the salvation of all.

I don't remember ever hearing Bob complain about anything except the SHORT beds he always had to sleep in when he was away from home.

I'm not sure if this thought was original with Bob or not, but I often thought of and was encouraged by a statement he once made - - - "Just remember that, Wherever you are, there God is."

We can't imagine life without a "Bob Hempy" in it, and actually, that won't be, because the life you lived, Bob, will always be a part of ours, even in your physical absence.

Bob, God has called you to a different kind of ministry now, and your little statement has been reversed, to say, "Where God is, there, you are." and we are looking forward to seeing you there "in His time."

God has said to you, "Come, enter thou into the joys of thy Lord, (Matt. 25: 21) and you have answered, "Open for me, the gates that lead to the presence of the Lord, and I will go in and praise him and thank him for saving me." (Psalm 118:19, 20)

To Barbara and the family, we send our love and prayers that you will continue to feel those strong and loving arms around you, and that God will provide all the strength and wisdom and encouragement that you will need as He leads you through the days ahead.

Everill and Hazel Lee Keith

I had the honor and privilege of being Bob’s daughter-in-law for 7 years. He was like a father to me. I will never forget the spiritual healing that happened for me through our many discussions about God and His love, grace, and mercy. He seemed to understand my pain and confusion having been raised in a spiritually abusive environment. He listened with patience, acceptance and love as I walked my journey. Bob was always interested in me and my life. When I had a dog I loved, he loved my dog. When I had an interest, he explored it with me. He always wanted to see the office where I was working or hear about my education. He traveled many miles to visit no matter where we were living. He once stayed for a week in a small house we were renting in Maine. The ceilings were only 6’ 5” tall – he had to walk around with his neck crooked to the side to accommodate his 6”6” frame! We traveled across the county together and I never tired of his stories. I’ve never met a man who could tell stories like Bob – stories of his youth, his courting of Barbara, his ministry and historical stories of interest. I still laugh out loud thinking of some of them. He didn’t take himself too seriously. Bob was there when I gave birth to my son who was born at home. Bob paced the sidewalk in front of our house praying for a safe arrival and was there to welcome Grant Joshua Hempy to the world. My son is now 6 years old and he would say that he had the best Papa in all of the world. We are grieving together this great loss. I want to share an example of how Bob loved Grant. He sent him a card not too long ago that said, “It is morning now – about 10:30am. I wanted to tell you how often I think of you and do it differently. I decided to send you a crisp dollar bill every time I thought of you today. By 10:30, I had thought of you 12 times. So I am sending you these $12…You are in my heart and thoughts, Love, Papa. P.S. I would have thought more but I ran out of dollars.” Grant says that what loved about his Papa was that “my Papa loved me.” I’m so grateful that my son was loved by this gentle and amazing man. I will forever be grateful for having had Bob in my life in such a deep and meaningful way. My heart goes out to those who mourn his loss. Grant and I have spent days talking about what Papa is doing in Heaven ~ this is our comfort.

~Nichole Bowden and Grant Hempy

I met Bob 53 years ago when I was a freshman at Pacific Bible College, and he was a Sophomore. He was something to write back home to Virginia about. I remember describing him to my parents as a GIANT in everyway:
" stature - as tall as John Wayne
" handsome with a golden curl that hung on his forehead; we all teased him in college that someday he'd lose that curl, but would still be handsome; he did, and he was.
" personality plus
" great leader - everyone gravitated towards him.
" dynamic speaker
" excellent bass singing voice
" sense of humor that I didn't know Christians could have. (Southern Christians were pretty serious in the fifties.)
" walked his talk as a young Christian and all through his life

During college days Bob asked me out for one date, and it was hilarious. We went out for a spaghetti supper with a group, and he whispered to me that he thought it'd be a good idea for me to get a child's place. He wasn't concerned about my diet, but was concerned about spending too much money on his date. I learned right then and there that Bob was as frugal as he was funny. His wife, Barbara, and I never let him forget that "tight wad" story and what laughs we had over it!! Years later she and I had fun sharing the story with groups of friends, and laugh as Bob turn red.

Those PBC choir trips could be grueling as we traveled all over California in a bus giving concerts. Bob always managed to keep us laughing. Two incidents I'll never forget:

" We had a concert in Santa Barbara. Bob was speaking that night at the church concert, and he left all of us after choir rehearsal to go down to the beach and practice his mini-sermon for the evening. When he returned we asked him how he did and without a pause his reply was, "I did great because 9 sea gulls came forward when I gave the invitation."

" On another choir trip Bob decided he would switch slacks with his shorter quartet friend, Ron Kriesel. Out Bob pranced on the risers with these short slacks that looked like the old time golfing knickers. The crowd roared, and the concert was off to a great start.

Barbara Brown, his beautiful Southern wife, was my college roommate at Asbury College and had a keen sense of humor as much as Bob did. We had lots of good times. During their engagement, Bob came back to visit Barbara. He was staying in a guest room on the Asbury campus and one evening at midnight something hit our window that made us sit right up in bed. We lived on the 3rd floor of the dorm, so we couldn't imagine what could have hit the window. Barbara opened the window, and there was Bob screaming up at her, "Barbara, I need to talk to you; I can't sleep without you." Barbara's reply, "Bob, get back to your room. I've never slept with you before, so go to bed."

Barbara & Bob's marriage always seemed to me like the perfect match and a marriage made in heaven. They complemented each other in every way. Both were bright as stars. Barbara was the valedictorian of her high school graduating class in the days when high schools only had one valedictorian. Bob was an avid reader, a student of history and prepared so thoroughly for all of his sermons. They conducted marriage seminars all over the country, Unfortunately, I never got to hear them, but the reviews were raving because they were so honest about their relationship with each other, their family and most of all with God.

For a number of years it was a tradition for me to spend Mother's Day with my old roommate, Barbara, and my old boyfriend, Bob. Each Mother's Day I would drive from my home in Orange County to Alta Loma and enjoy hearing Bob & Barbara speak at the morning Mother's Day service. Both paid tribute to the mothers in their church. Barbara spent hours collecting interesting information on many mothers and would weave it into a beautiful story about each mother. She had everything memorized. Bob would then personalize his sermon for the mothers, and the two of them made a terrific team in the pulpit. I was always so touched, as was everyone else, after I attended those Mother Day services.

I once attended a funeral service that Bob conducted, and I was amazed at how much he knew about the person who had passed, the family and all their history. It was personalized in everyway, and I knew at that moment, I would ask Bob to handle the service of my loved ones in the future. A woman who stood next to me at the service and someone I didn't know made this comment. "How fortunate the family is to have a minister who knows their loved one so well. They certainly must have been good friends. What a beautiful service." Later Bob told us he had never met the deceased. That was just his way of caring enough to visit with the family and learn all he could about a human life that mattered. Bob loved people.

Bob & Barbara were a creative pair. All six in their family have names that begin with the letter, "B". I knew Brett Hempy, their youngest son, best because we both worked at Azusa Pacific University. Brett was the assistant debate team coach, and I taught as an adjunct professor in the School of Education. Brett would speak to my graduate classes on leadership and the students loved him. You knew he was Bob's son because he was the same great giant with all of his dad's wonderful abilities.

As I close Bob's chapter in my life, I know I am so fortunate to have known a dedicated Christian such as Bob, who is so difficult to say goodbye to.

Frances Banks Newman
Newport Beach, CA

I feel privileged to have known Bob Hempy for over sixty years. We both attended San Antonio Elementary School, Vina Danks Junior High, Chaffey Union High School and Pacific Bible College (now Azusa Pacific University). The crowning experience was my opportunity to serve as Minister of Music with Bob as pastor at the Upland Brethren in Christ Church.

Prominent in my memory bank are some of his messages--including one in chapel at P.B.C. lo, those many years ago. It was on the topic of music and singing. Bob was not only a gifted speaker, but he was one of God's special people. He cared and he shared. He certainly enriched my life.

Pauline and I cannot begin to fathom the difficulties that the Hempy family faced these last few months. We continue to pray that God will richly reward them for their loving, caring service.

Don and Pauline Grant
August 25, 2005

From the first time I met Bob we seemed to click as friends--just like we had known each other for many years. I love him as a dear brother in the Lord. Every time we were together we enjoyed conversations over coffee regarding the church, counselling, family, and solving all the world's problems. I surely will miss those occasions; also our reltionship as brothers in the Lord.

John Fries

I was involved with pastor Bob when he pastored the Faith Community Wesleyan Church in Chino CA . It was a real privilege and I will never forget the experience. Sometimes we ask if death is ever premature?

This is a good question at a time when a loved one dies. The family members wonder how they will be able to go on without them. There is an answer however, and that is, with God's help it will be possible. But, will God be there when we need Him? Actually, God is always there and we read this in Matthew 28:20.

God is in control and continues to be in control no matter when we die.

He is the one who gives life and the one who controls death (Deut..32:39).

"Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted."

Ed Unruh

My mother, Clara Belle Langford, and I met Bob when he and Barbara were dating; attended their wedding, and Bob pastored The Sanctified Church on 13th Ave, Columbus, GA. My Mother and Beatrice Beach helped Bob by visiting new mothers and inviting the mother to enroll their baby in the Church Nursery (increasing the number of church attendees because the Mother and Father and maybe a sister and brother to the baby would attend Sunday School and Church).

I would really enjoy seeing a video of Bob entering heaven and Clara and Beatrice seeing him.

Barbara and Bob also held a Young People's service before the Sunday pm church service.

Both were very encouraging and caring and helpful in every way.

May the Lord continue to enable Barbara and their family to continue to enjoy the blessings of God.

Love & Prayers,

June Langford

Many years ago when we moved to California, one of our first tasks was to find a church. God gave us Bob and Barbara Hempy. What impressed us most about Bob was his authenticity as a believer, his genuine love for people and his ability to explain the Scriptures in ways which inspired us to walk out our faith. In his great hour of trial we were privileged to talk to him and pray with him on the phone. And his love for God and authenticity were still strong in spite of his suffering and bewilderment. He will always be a part of the fabric of our faith. And we look forward to meeting him in heaven.

Barbara, God paired you well. You were God's gift to Bob and empowered him and worked beside him in ministry in a beautiful way. And in his suffering, you were a strength and example to us all.

May God give you the needed grace in this time of deep loss as you look forward to seeing Bob in heaven.

Don and Anita

We were at Alta Loma BIC when Pastor Bob came as Senior Pastor. Our two children were entering their early teen years and were already turning our hair grey. Our previous pastor was wonderful and prayed with us, but he had no children of his own, and, we thought, couldn't really relate. On Bob's first Sunday he told a story about his early ministry. He told of beginning as Senior Pastor at a church (I think it might have been in Florida). As he was preaching at an evening service, his son and another boy were outside throwing some pods of some sort that had fallen from the trees in the church yard. They were throwing them at passing cars. As Bob told it, a police car drove by with the window down. One of these pods hit the officer in the head. Bob said during the service the officer marched his son and the other boy into the church, much to Bob and Barbara's embarrassment. I don't know how much of this story was exaggerated, but we knew that day that this man would understand our "kid" problems. And he has been a blessing ever since.

Jim & Susan Keith

Pastor Bob was my youth pastor at Lents Evangelical Church while he attended Western Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Oregon. I do remember that I "looked up to him" literally! He (they) helped to mold my life during those days. Both he and Barb gave solid instruction and lead by example, I am forever grateful for their leadership.

Esther Entenman