Menno Place has the practice of saying farewell to the residents who have passed with a butterfly quilt covering the gurney as the much loved resident takes their final journey. For families, this is a time to gather alongside the staff who have loved and served the resident – to say good-bye, to share words to honour them and memories of their life with us. It is a time for staff to thank the family for the privilege of serving their loved one. There is often a song shared or sung together. Several women from Emmanuel Mennonite Church fashioned this quilt that drapes the body of Dr. Victor Dick while the staff of Menno Hospital West 2, Terrace East and administrative staff gather around for a final good-bye. It is a time for tears, for laughter, for music and for memories.
Pastor Kerry Dyck led the Passing Quilt ceremony as we followed after Dr. Victor Dick as he left his home at Menno Place for the final time.
For Dr. Victor Dick, a man of deep faith in Christ, the fullness of his faith was realized when he breathed his last breath:
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:12,13
A Bible verse that was very meaningful to Dr. Victor Dick is the one chosen by himself and his wife, Helen for their wedding verse:
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2, NIV
