Erl Purnell Sermon

Dennis Ferry Funeral Service ~ February 2, 2007 ~ A sermon preached by The Rev’d Erl G. Purnell at Old St. Andrew’s Church, Bloomfield, CT

Song of Solomon 2.10-13; Psalm 150; 2 Corinthians 4.13-5.1; Luke 8.5-8

“A sower went out to sow his seed…” Luke’s telling of this parable feels right today because I’m thinking of the seeds that Dennis sowed in his 64 years. Seeds of love, hard, hard work, children, and fun.

Isn’t it amazing how short a life on this earth seems when it’s ended? Just a few short trips around the sun. And each year, the chance to plant the seeds in the fertile ground of life as it warms toward summer.

Of course the fruit of Dennis Ferry’s life includes a career in the world of bedding. Who else but Dennis could wax eloquent on the merits of mattress and box spring construction, or, more generally, the business of marketing and distribution for Gold Bond/Standard Mattress. My point isn’t so much to talk about Dennis’ business acumen, but to underline his dedication and hard work. He took seriously the success of his employer. Dennis was the kind of man you wanted on your team because he would do the job and do it well … every time.

Dennis also worked hard for the benefit of his family. He loved his kids and was so proud of them. Just ask about them and he’d go on a roll. And, Barb. I know how difficult this is for you. But just let me say what you already know—Dennis adored you. You were his best friend. When he and I talked in recent months, his only concern was for you. He knew he was dying, and so, he was intent on putting everything in place for you so after his death, you would be OK.

In the past few days a slew of memories have come back about Dennis. For me, the most prominent is his wry sense of humor. Not only was what he’d say incredibly witty, but the timing of his delivery was worthy of Saturday Night Live or the best stand-up comedian. And, what ever he quipped, wasn’t there a little physical piece, the cock of his head, smile, or chuckle along with it? Sometimes I’d try to think of things to say just to evoke a funny Dennis response. You all know what I mean, don’t you?

Thinking back to the sowing seeds story, wasn’t that what Dennis was doing with his humor? Sowing the seeds of relationship and growing trust with others … along with having fun.

I loved Dennis’ quirkiness, too. If anybody got hold of the NYT or the Courant before Dennis, before he could read it, woe to the one who didn’t reassemble it in perfect order. There was Dennis’ place on the couch, too. And, was there ever a time when Dennis wasn’t smartly dressed, even to mow the lawn? Did he even own a pair of blue jeans? Probably not. He loved to play golf, especially if he could beat his brothers-in-law.

Which reminds me that Dennis was actually pretty shy. He could be retiring and shy … until somebody started talking to him. I remember when he joined the men’s chorus to sing Ain’t nothin like a dame. After a couple practices, he was quietly cracking his one-liners to those next to him. I always made sure I was nearby because I didn’t want to miss one of his zingers.

There is more to say—about his piano playing; his support for the Philadelphia Eagles; and his ability to start an evening with beer, have some V.O. on the rocks, switch to red wine, and end with a stinger or two while never so much as wobbling. Dennis always had the last word … often because everybody else was asleep.

Today, though, it’s for us to have the last word. From the wonderful hymn we just sang, “The strive is o’re, the battle done, the victory of life is won, the song of triumph has begun.” No more pain. Time to rest.

Dennis, you’ve been such a fine man, a wonderful friend and husband to Barb, a loving father and grandfather. Thank you for sowing all those seeds of laughter among us. Blessings Dennis and Godspeed.

Amen.