Pastor Bob Hempy

 

     Reverend Robert Walker Hempy, who served as pastor in this area for 50 years, went to be with his heavenly Father on Tuesday, August 16, 2005, at City of Hope Hospital.  His family was privileged to be by his side as they walked him to the gates of heaven encouraging him with songs, prayers, and favorite passages from the Bible.

 

     Bob was born on October 3, 1933, in Pomona, California.  He grew up on a family orange grove in Montclair.  Attending local schools, Bob graduated from Chaffey High School in 1951.  During a 1950 Billy Graham Crusade at the Rose Bowl, he accepted Christ as his Savior.  This event changed his earthly life and secured his eternal destination.  He graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 1955 and went on to earn Master’s degrees in Divinity and Psychology. 

 

     He met Barbara Brown at APU and they were married in 1956.  They served as a pastoral couple at Arrow Highway Wesleyan Church in Covina, Upland Brethren in Christ Church, and Solid Ground Church in Alta Loma.  As part of their ministry, Bob and Barbara conducted marriage and family seminars known as Lasting Love, throughout the United States and Canada. 

 

     Bob is survived by Barbara, his loving wife of 49 years and their four children: Beverly and her husband David Ryan of Etiwanda, Brad and his wife Cheryl of Santa Barbara, Byron and his wife Karen of Florida, and Brett of Alta Loma.  Bob has nine grandchildren: Todd (and Holly), Lisa, Lori (and Mike), Kristin, Scott, Kevin, Matthew, Grant, and Joshua.  His three great-grandchildren are Taylor, Dylan, and Rhett.

 

     Bob is also survived by his brother, Harry Hempy and his children: Fred, Rick, Sandy all of Pleasanton, California, and Sally of Pennsylvania.  Loved ones from Columbus, Georgia, include mother-in-law Elsie Brown, brother-in-law Kenneth Brown and his wife Frankie and their children Sheri and Christy.

 

     Four words that help to describe Bob are grace, mercy, humility, and humor.  He preached God’s grace and mercy to his congregations throughout his ministry.  Bob was a humble man and found many ways to encourage those in need.  Family and friends also enjoyed his subtle humor.  Never taking himself too seriously, Bob brought a smile or laugh on many occasions.

 

     Bob spent the last eight months of his life battling leukemia.  He was greatly assisted in that battle by an army of people at City of Hope.  The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at City of Hope for their love, care, and compassion.  The prayers, love, and encouragement from the community are also greatly appreciated.

 

     The following verses describe Bob’s faith and hope in the Lord:  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day…” II Timothy 4:7-8

 

     Memorial contributions may be made to The Bob Hempy Memorial Fund at Solid Ground Church or to Gideons International.  Contributions to either fund may be sent to Solid Ground Church.  A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life and homecoming will be held on Friday, August 26, 2005 at 7:00 p.m., at Solid Ground Church located at 9974 Nineteenth Street in Alta Loma.