William (Bill) David Greenlaw, July 9, 1925 to January 13, 2005
God Was Your Closest Friend (by Randall Beers)
I knew you were hurting although you wouldn't cry,
And could see you were suffering, see the pain in your eye.
I wanted to comfort you, to hold you, be with you that day,
You looked so helpless and frail while in bed you did lay.
I watched as you shivered from a new pain,
And wondered how I might have handled the same.
I wanted to scream, to shout, and to yell,
You said you were fine although your skin was so pale.
I knew in my heart your time was near end,
And wished I could take you, your body to mend.
I knew that soon God would be your closest friend,
You told me many times that's how it would end.
I stood there watching as each breath came slow,
And fought to find courage, my emotions were low.
I promised you when the time came that I'd not cry,
You never saw my eyes wet, always they were dry.
I held your hand as I silently said goodbye,
And knew in my heart that soon you would die.
I stroked your forehead and said how I loved you,
You nodded and smiled and I knew that you knew.
I no longer care, my tears I can't hide,
And as I stood there waiting for death by your side.
I knew then that God was your closest friend,
You had told me many times that's how it would end.
William (Bill) David Greenlaw went to be with the Lord January 13, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. He died in Parksville surrounded by the family he loved. He was born July 9, 1925 in Winnepeg, Manitoba.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce Greenlaw of Sointula, his children; Bruce Greenlaw and wife Marie of Parksville, Dawn Belveal and husband Adrian of Parksville, Juanita Hanson and husband Mark of Colorado, Douglas Greenlaw of Sointula, Duree Melan and husband Frank of Nanoose bay, grandchildren Robert, Savannah, Brent, Joy, Jeff, Jordan, David, Travis, Brianna, Chad, Kelsey, Megan, Colton, Chantel, Ashley, Whitney, Jasmine, and Faith. Numerous great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, January 19, 2005 in Sointula. Burial to follow at the Sointula Cemetary.