Tribute to a Gentle and Humble Man
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“Humble yourself before the Lord and he will exalt you.” James 4:10
I received the phone call that my brother-in-law, Don, entered Heaven. Don was the oldest brother of my husband, Dave. He was four years older than Dave, and even as a young boy, Dave always looked up to his older brother. Early in his life Don made a commitment to follow Jesus as His Savior and Lord. He lived his life for Jesus and faithfully served him all his life. Now Don is with Jesus in Heaven. We celebrate that he is free from the pain and sorrows of this world and is reunited with all his family in Heaven. We are sad for our loss, but we rejoice in Heaven’s gain and Don’s new life in Heaven.
Years ago, when I wrote the book – Glimpses of God – I wrote a story about Don being the “Greatest Man I Had Ever Known.” I would like to share some of this story with you – paraphrased with additions.
Don had many great achievements in his life. He had a wonderful marriage to Alice and was blessed with two daughters and many grandchildren. Don graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. He earned his wings as a Naval aviator, became a surgeon, served tours of duty in Vietnam as a surgeon, was Captain of the USS Mercy providing humanitarian aid to needy countries, and achieved the rank of Rear Admiral in the Navy. He taught surgery and provided care to many military families.
Through all these achievements, Don daily read his Bible and lived out his faith daily in his work and home. Don was always available by letter, phone or in person during the joys and sorrows of life. Tears were not foreign to his cheeks. They were tears of strength, support, and a deep love for those he comforted. Many people achieve great things, but Don’s greatest achievement was his unselfish giving of his Christian love.
As a doctor, the term “bedside manner” has been given a positive step forward as he shared his love and compassion with his patients as if each were the most important person in the world. And at that moment the patient was the most important to Don.
My first encounter with Don was through a phone call. Before Dave and I were married, Don called me to send his love and congratulations. He talked with me as if he had known me forever and sent his love and prayers. His spirit flowed across the phone, and I already loved him as a brother before I met him. Through the years, I had many conversations and visits with Don. We always shared our love for Jesus and the Scriptures. I treasure the times he interacted with my parents and how he treated them with love and respect.
Over the years my love and respect continued to grow for Don. As I learned more about all his accomplishments, achievements, and travels, though he was very shy and humble to share them with you, I was in awe of all he had done with his life. (Google – Admiral Donald D. Sturtz and you will find his achievements). But what makes him the “greatest man I have ever known” is his genuineness, his gentle spirit, his love, and compassion. I have never known anyone with such deep, gentle, and outward compassion. When you were with Don, you became the focal point of all his gentle spirit and attention. Don made you feel at ease and that you were the most special person in that moment. He lived his faith daily in all that he did in his work and in his home, naturally and without reservation sharing his love for Jesus and his own need to depend upon Jesus. When it came to looking on the positive side of life, Don walked the straight and narrow path, and he was willing to take a stand for what was wrong.
I could describe in detail all the big and little things Don did throughout his life which would be very uplifting, but being the humble man Don was, he would not want me to do it. But what I desire to convey in all of this is that being great is not based on human achievements or standards. Being great and humble is what we do for God and for others gently and quietly without calling attention to ourselves. It is humbling ourselves before our Lord.
I am grateful that Donald D. Sturtz was my brother-in-law, my friend in Jesus, and the most gentle, humble, and great man I have known. I give thanks that he was in my life and was an example to learn from and grow in faith together. I give thanks that he loved me and that I loved him. I give thanks that he is now in Heaven free from the limitations of his earthly body. I will miss our phone calls. I am sad that he is not on earth, but his love and spirit remain in all the hearts that he has touched. He is part of my foundation, and I am forever grateful for his life and love.
Fly High, Don!
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