John Cavinee is home in Heaven this afternoon. We are all still somewhat stunned by the suddenness of his passing. Without any preliminary signs, in virtually a moment, a massive stroke caught John away early last Saturday morning. His body lingered for another few days, sustained by human mechanical means, but the facts were settled from the onset.

Although John's vocation was in Aerospace Budgeting and Marketing, he was best known here at the The Church On The Way and in other local fellowships as a remarkable layman teacher. His uncanny ability to function in the liberty of the Holy Spirit, communicating with the precision of an aerospace executive at the same time, enriched all who sat at his feet. The depth of this man had a way of making you always feel deeply about truly important things.

John was raised on a farm in Kansas as the seventh of eight children born to Harry and Glendora Cavinee. He answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. After his service in the Navy, he remained in California where he soon met a woman he could not resist, named Rebecca L. Flores. Early in their relationship, Rebecca encouraged John to attend services at Angelus Temple with her. It was there at one of the services in November 1950 that John met Jesus as his personal savior. Less than two years later, he and Rebecca were married in Angelus Temple on June 15, 1952, with Pastor Howard Courtney officiating.

Their marriage was first blessed with the birth of their daughter Denise and later their son, Philip. This happy family made their home in Burbank, California, where he resided until his death. John was a man of constancy - working for Lockheed Aerospace for nearly forty years. He started out as a cabinetmaker and advanced to being the Executive Assistant to the Budgeting and Marketing Vice President of the corporation.

In the early years, John served as Sunday School Superintendent at Angelus Temple. He and Rebecca became members at The Church On The Way in 1978. He and his wife led a significantly large gathering in their home for several years as Home Group leaders. Most in our congregation who are acquainted with the Cavinees recognize their faithful service to the Senior Adult Ministries of our body. John relished his ministry experience on several WorldTeams which let him into Prayer Journeys, a ministry devoted to praying for the Nations. Also, he was involved in the Wednesday night "Homeless Ministry" for several years.

He will be sorely missed by Rebecca, his wife of fifty-seven Years, his daughter Denise (Rainer) Koenig, his son Philip Cavinee, and sisters Ruth Burnett and Pat Smith. Please continue to remember this family with your love and prayer support in the days ahead.