Honoring a legacy
Opening remarks by Bishop J.W. Macklin, Glad Tidings International Church of God in Christ, during the Nov. 18 memorial service for Bernard J. Tyson
It is not often in life that our paths cross with a true visionary. Someone whose vision is so powerful that it impacts people who have little knowledge of how their lives will change.
Without the sounding of trumpets or the clashing of symbols. Without fanfare or boastful words, a visionary who would dare challenge the status quo.
A visionary who would have the courage to walk where others dare not and in faith speak to mountains, “Be thou removed and cast into the sea.”
What a privilege afforded us to have known him, and for many others to have walked with him. It is true, we cannot walk in his shoes, but we can walk in his path.
So we have come today to pay respect, to salute and honor a humble servant of the Lord for a race well run and a job well done, his assignment on earth now complete.
But yet we too have come to represent thousands whose circumstances and health challenges would not allow them to join us. But yet they too lift their voices to say, thank you.
Mr. Chairman, Mr. CEO, Mr. President, Mr. Visionary. Our friend in high places, who never forgot to speak for those who could not speak for themselves, thank you for remembering us.
When a leader’s vision is so strong, so powerful that generations, even generations yet unborn, benefit from bold, audacious decisions, no, this person does not leave us, his spirit lives on.
His spirit lives on, in more accessible healthcare for all.
His spirit lives on in healthier communities. And his spirit lives on, in our commitment to helping people live longer, healthier lives.
This is why Bernard J. Tyson, our dear friend and brother, will live on in our hearts and our minds.
And why his legacy will continue to thrive.