Paddy Nash died on the 3rd of July, last Thursday, suddenly of a heart attack. He went home, with no more need for the vehicle God gave him during life’s preschool period here on earth, as he had graduated to that wonderful higher life God has for all of us. I miss him very much.
Do you ever watch a movie where the leader or champion or just the poor guy thrown into some challenge, battle or obstacle has someone step up to them and tap them on the back or place a hand on their shoulder or give them a look, and you see the resolve change in their faces and how that one action has given them heart to take on the impossible?
Well, other than my father, Paddy was like that to me, strange as it may seem to many who knew us. Being a young church leader I often found quiet in the storm of emotion and huge uncertainty when stepping up to the stage to teach a word or preach on a Sunday morning, by looking over to where Paddy and Helen were standing or sitting.
I never experienced criticism from Paddy, or condemnation, or even an angry look. I always found a smiling warm greeting every time we met, no matter how long I was away from South Africa, as on each return whether meeting him at a men’s meeting or running into him at a mall he would smile and greet me with such dignity and warmth that it seemed I had never left.
He could say more with less words than I could writing 10 volumes, and one pat on the back from him did more to my resolve and self image as a man and leader in church than all the embraces of others put together. His silent presence often bore more value to me than the clamour of verbal opinions at a meeting, and I shall miss that. Though a man of few words, he spoke volumes through his devotion to Helen, his love for his children, even through those teen years, and his precise and disciplined approach to everything.
Patrick Francis Nash, I salute you, my friend and silent mentor. I will miss you, miss having a chance for a coffee with you, miss hearing your greetings and seeing than almost-smile of yours. I will miss you, but I look forward to seeing you soon again. I am excited even as I grieve as I know right now you are experiencing the most fantastic and glorious time, and though I know you may miss Helen’s food, I’m sure that Jesus has tried to make up for that with a great celebration in your honour! Bare your crown well, my friend, you have run this race to the end!
Tags: 3 July 2008, De Lange, johan, Paddy, Patrick Francis Nash, tribute
