A homily at the funeral of Henry Howell
by the Very Rev. Sam Candler
Thanks to each of you who brings remembrances of Henry Howell to this holy place, on this holy day. I, too, am honored to have known Henry through the changes and chances of life.
Henry Howell understood lots of things in life, but he especially understand those values of life that last a long time. Henry was in this life for the long run.
He grew up in these Atlanta woods and creeks. He grew up imbibing the values of family and community. These woods and this family and this city nurtured him.
He was attracted to things that last. He was attracted to things that last forever. Family and heritage, which last forever. Education, which lasts forever. Solid and wise investment decisions. He took to the mountains. He took to the river. He was devoted to Stephanie, and his love for her lasted forever. It was so strong that Henry kept on loving, and he loved Margaret.
I believe the good gentleman Henry also learned something else from these loves, and these woods, and the mountains, and the rivers. He knew that they all go down to the sea. They all move to somewhere else. The trees grow and fall. The mountains themselves are the results of change. And, of course, the river changes daily. It is the same river and it changes by the day.
So it is with our dear brother, Henry. He has followed the way of all life, from the sturdiest rock to the most nimble creek. They change. And they have taken Henry with them.
All this is to say, that it is God who stewards this change. It is God that has created the rock and the river, it is God who created Henry, and his loves; and it is God who has now taken Henry through the same course that all of creation grows through.
Yes, creation grows through change. And we know death as change. For sure. But it is also growth. In the grace of God, Henry has grown on to the next stage, the next glorious bend in the river, the edge of the mountain, the new generation of his family.
Thank you, Henry, for caring. Thank you for caring for family, for caring for resources, for caring for mountains and rivers, for caring for education. And, finally, for caring for love. You have lived a life of love and careful care.
That love will last a long time. That care will last a long time. Your love and care are now part of God’s eternal love and care, God’s eternal life.
AMEN.
The Very Reverend Samuel G. Candler
Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip