Monday, December 12, 2022
Basil was a quiet but astute observer of the human condition. His response to hearing of awful situations was usually, "imagine."
He was a fixture and Trinity United Church suppers and breakfasts, taking in the cash and welcoming customers. I recall one supper when customers suddenly stopped arriving and we sent Basil out to find out what was going on. He came back and quietly announced there was a two-car collision on the Bay Road outside the church and emergency crews were on the scene. While the rest of us were wondering what to do with all the turkey and vegetables and pies, Basil observed to me, "The ambulance out there seems to be putting people off their supper. Imagine."
He was always a reassuring and comforting presence. I recall at my graduation from the Atlantic School of Theology in 2014 I was awed by the magnificent setting and gowned professors and majestic music from the pipe organ in the cathedral. I felt that a Sunday school teacher didn't belong with all these smart people. But as we paraded in I spied Basil and Yvonne in the pews and Basil shook my hand as I went by. He left me then as he always did, with a sense that life was good, we were loved and we were in the right place. Imagine.
Kevin Cox
