Warren Wilcox Memorial Service On 9-19-08

ABOUT 600 gathered at the Bear Valley church of Christ building for the memorial service for Warren Wilcox on Friday, September 19th. The atmosphere before the service was more like that time just before worship on Sunday morning. You could hear the loud buzz of visiting and fellowship, as former students, area church members, friends of the Wilcox family from other states, former BV members, those who had been trained or directed at camp or through SYD, and so many of our current members all met or were reunited. Warren was able to bring such joy to those present on this day, continuing to bless us though he was not physically present. As was said several times, he would enjoyed being here for this (and surprised at how many came in his honor). What a blessing to see one live such a life and be able to die such a death.

Pictures do not give justice to the size of the crowd.

Those participating meeting together just before the service starts.

The auditorium was near capacity in the pews, an entire row of chairs lined the back of the auditorium, maybe 50 were seated in the foyer, a few were in the chapel, and 15-20 were in the balcony. Wayne Nelson spent hours and hours getting the auxiliary areas set up with a video and audio feed.

There was a beautiful rolling Power Point of Warren's life.

View of the crowd from the north side of the auditorium as family enters.

Dean Murphy and Ken Dawdy led us in congregational singing. Warren had picked out 41 songs and Carolyn was able to narrow it down to 13. The singing filled the auditorium with the full, rich sound of enthused, strong voices blending. Perhaps more eyes were wet with tears during this time that at any other.

Ken Dawdy delivered the funeral sermon, filled with personal recollections as one of Warren's closest friends.

Denny Petrillo, former student of Warren's and longtime friend, shared with us the "8 stages of Warren's life." He began the journey using Power Point, but then "technical difficulties" made it "necessary" for him to revert to the overhead projector. Warren was surely smirking.

What a rich journey we took through Warren's fruitful life.

Mike tells us that Warren, the consummate teacher, could teach valuable lessons even with a rod and reel.

Ray Lewis shared many anecdotes from Warren's days as director of the Singing Youth of Denver.

Jim Burrough, student from the early 1970s, was a "show stealer." He told a few hilarious stories about the great teacher outside the classroom. He impacted hundreds and hundreds directly, and through their teaching "others also" his impact is staggering.

As Wes Autrey shared, Warren had a profound impact on the Bear Valley congregation, too. He was a member here for 43 years, serving as the pulpit minister and as a deacon along the way. Wes shares the humor and wit of Warren.

People visited for over an hour after the service, which went just short of 2 1/2 hours! After lunch for the family there was a private, graveside service. Garrett Bookout (our intern minister, seen near the far right in the photo below) was asked to speak during the graveside ceremony. He did an excellent job! Warren was encouraging his students to the very end.