Thoghts on my youngest brother's death

Douglas Alan Boyett
March 2, 1959 – January 28, 2012

A few words on the life of “Coach” Doug by his elder brother, Ted prepared February 10, 2012.

Doug often called me the Deacon, Elder, or Preacher. All the while he was the true Minister. He ministered to the needs of all around him. Many, if not most, and I suspect all, of us gathered here have felt his caring and love. He made “his faith” or belief known by his works and by his works both his faith and ours grew. We became better because of “Coach”.

The loss of Doug’s physical presence in our lives culminates a year of great loss for our Family. I find solace in hymns. “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me, “has brought comfort and touched my soul during this troubled time.

“Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea:
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal.
Chart and compass came from thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

“As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild:
Boist’rous waves obey thy will
When thou say’st to them, “Be still!”
Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

“When at last I near the shore,
And the fearful breakers roar
‘Twixt me and the peaceful rest,
Then, while leaning on thy breast,
May I hear thee say to me,
“Fear not; I will pilot thee.”

Doug made good choices in his life. He stayed close to mom and dad. He comforted and aided them in their later years. He married up; to Lisa. They were wonderful helpmates to one another. He always spoke lovingly of her to me, for which he earned even more of my respect. He made good financial investments and his career choice, Foothill, was a great match for his abilities and personality. He invested substantially in that which matters most; students, friends, and family. He had the kindest of heart towards those he served. A major regret of mine is in not living closer so that I could share time with and get to know brother Doug better.

Another hymn which brings me comfort and tells me that we will see Doug and our loved ones again is a children’s song, “Families can be Together Forever.”

“I have a family here on earth, They are so good to me.
I want to share my life with them through all eternity.

“Families can be together forever through Heav’n-ly Father’s plan.
I always want to be with my own family, and the Lord has shown me how I can.
The lord has shown me how I can.

“While I am in my early years, I’ll prepare most carefully.
So I can marry in God’s temple for eternity.

“Families can be together forever through Heav’n-ly Father’s plan.
I always want to be with my own family, and the Lord has shown me how I can.
The lord has shown me how I can.”

Each of us is God’s temple and our vows to one another, if we are faithful, are greater than the bonds of death.

Doug frequently tried and once gave me sound advice that might be applicable in all our lives. Perhaps I should have followed it more frequently. He said and I paraphrase, “keep your head down, do as you are told, and you’ll be O.K;” a good maxim for husbands and wives and for children to parents. While this is not the typical Boyett mantra, it is something we should probably consider more in all aspects of our lives.

We have been commanded by our Creator to “Love One Another,” which is the title of another primary song.

“As I have loved you, Love one another.
This new commandment: Love one another.
By this shall all men know ye are my disciples,
If ye have love One to another.”

God is the Father of us all, by whatever name He is given: Great Spirit, Higher Power, Elohim, Allah, the great “I AM”, and the list goes on. Irrespective of our faith, religion, or guiding principles; from Hindu to Islam, Bahi to Native American, Abrahamic and Christian to African or any other, the goals are the same: to better society and love God, and our neighbors as ourselves. Doug epitomized doing well unto others. He walked the walk.

If I were a great or even average singer, song leader, or chorister, I would lead us in this last hymn to honor my baby brother and friend to let him know we miss him and will remember him and each other until we meet again. Its title is “God Be with You till We Meet Again”

“God be with you till we meet again;
by his counsels guide, up hold you,
with his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain:

“Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.

“God be with you till we meet again;
neath his wings securely hid you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.

(Refrain)

“God be with you till we meet again;
when life’s perils thick confound you,
put his arms unfailing round you;
God be with you till we meet again.

(Refrain)

"God be with you till we meet again;
keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
Smite death’s threatening wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.”

(Refrain)

Doug (speak directly to him) and those gathered here to honor and remember you, I know that my Heavenly Father and His Son live and love us. That God prepared a plan and that Jesus completed the integral part of the plan with his resurrection; so that we can all live together in His Great Family on high. Doug, Danielle, Josh, Romaine, Mom, & Dad, may you be with God until we meet again.

I so request and testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.