Welcome
Friends and Family we have come together to celebrate
Keith Basson’s life and the eternal life we have in
Jesus.
People have gone to great lengths to be present because
in some way Keith has touched their lives. So Keith’s
loved ones want to thank you for all your loving
support.
We have also come to mourn our loss. Grief is an
expression of love, not selfishness or faithlessness.
We
come together to mourn our loss. A memorial service is a
time when, we come together to proclaim our faith—to
affirm that this life is not all that there is, that
even the
longest life is but a vapor when compared to eternity.
Let’s begin with a reading from God’s Word.
Scripture
Reading
Surely he took up our pain
and bore our
suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by
him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was
crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his
wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us
has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity
of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only
Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but
have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into
the
world to condemn the world, but to save the world
through him John 3:16,17
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old
heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea
was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new
Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a
bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look,
God’s home is now among his people! He will live with
them, and they will be his people. God himself will be
with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and
there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or
pain. All
these things are gone forever.”
And the one
sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am
making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write
this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and
true.” 6
And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and
the
Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty
I will give freely from the springs of the water of
life. 7 All
who are victorious will inherit all these blessings,
and I will
be their God, and they will be my children. Revelation
21:1-7
Prayer
In the silence of our hearts
We bring before our Heavenly Father Keith
To thank You for his whole life
And to remember him.
We remember Keith as a child and young adult
His mother Jo, how he lived in a house of girls,
And His love for his pedal car.
Silence
We remember the start and promise of his young life,
The fuller brush Job, The fences built, his first house
and
his time at TGIF.
Silence
We remember how Keith loved his guitar and to serenade
the girls.
How he enjoyed the outdoors and to Bow hunt.
And his ability to hide almost any sin with a little
mud and
sandpaper.
Silence
And we remember and thank for giving Keith a child like
heart, that loved kids.
How he loved to joke and laugh. How he would have
nothing, but he would eventually find a way to give
that
away as well!
Silence
As we remember and give thanks for Keith’s life and our
time with him.
So we also remember ourselves,
And we to you Father our Sorrow, our questions, our
sense of loss, our grief.
Silence
And we bring to you O God the harder feelings we may
have over his death.
Help us to forgive and hurt real or imagined Keith has
caused us.
And forgive us for any hurt real or imagined we may
have
caused Keith.
Silence
Father, you hold us in a bear hug of love and
compassion
You know all we feel and endure at this time
You also invite accept and invite us to lean into your
arms.
Through the forgiveness in Jesus. Amen
Amazing
Grace
Robert Keith Basson
Robert Keith Basson, 55 years old, whose nickname was
“Ke Ke”, lived in Elbert, Colorado for many years. He took
his own life at his home in Elbert on February 3, 2014.
Keith was born
on September 18, 1958 at Travis Air
Force Base in California to his parents, Robert and
Hilda
Basson. He has two sisters, Pamela Basson Richardson
of Elbert and Janice Basson of Rancho Cordova,
California. Keith grew up mostly in California until he
moved to Colorado approximately 20 years ago to be
closer to his sister, Pam.
Growing up in
California was some of the best years of
his life. He was always loved by his family and
friends. He
grew up with many childhood friends that remain his
friends today. He was very involved in sports in High
School and was a very good Pole Vaulter in track. He
held
the Pole Vaulting record at his High School for 4 years
until
his own cousin broke the record. He loved playing his
guitar and “serenading” his family and friends.
As a young
adult he became a “Bar Master” for “Thank
God it’s Friday” Restaurants. He had quite the
reputation
for putting on a real show mixing his famous drinks
that
he created and are still being served today at TGI
Fridays.
But unfortunately while working at “Fridays” he got
involved with drugs. He struggled with this addiction
off
and on until the last 4 years, when he became drug
free.
He also struggled with depression off and on throughout
his adult years.
Also as a
young adult he became quite the construction
worker. When his family moved into a new neighborhood,
he noticed no one had fences so he created a Fencing
Company, and literally built most of the fences
throughout
the sub division. Many of them are still standing
today.
Keith owned
his own home by the age of 21. He loved
construction and was always honing his skills. He was
always lending his building expertise to his family and
friends. For the
last eight years he has helped Don and
Hannah Griffiths build a three story turret to their
house. It
is a really amazing project, shows off Keith’s
abilities. He
used his fantastic gifts to build and remodel many
homes
throughout Elbert and Colorado.
Keith was baptized into Christ on May 16, 2004 and
became a part of Elbert Christian Church.
In 1997 he
married Debi Silvanic, who had 3 children,
Matthew, Justin and Brittany. He loved his instant
family
and tried his best to be a dad. But with the demands of
supporting a family, working with chronic pain and an
injured hip, his drug use returned along with his
depression. Keith and Debi have been separated for the
last 3 years. He lost his beloved mother, wife, family
and
home all within a year. He really struggled with all
this
loss.
But one
amazing miracle happened during this time. He
discovered he had a biological son – Zack Gordon ! He
knew of Zack his whole life, but didn’t know Zack was
his
son. He was thrilled to discover when Zack was 21, that
he was his son. It was a very bright period of his
life. Keith
was getting to know Zack and how artistic talented he
is.
Keith was able to attend Zack’s first graduation with
honors. Zack will be graduating again in
September. Zack
has been a great addition and blessing to Keith’s
family.
At this time Pam wishes to share some thoughts with
you, after she shares a song will play
And after this will be a brief time to share memories
of
Keith’s life and after an extended time of silence
we will move to the message.
Worn
By 10th Avenue North
Message
Keith was a sinner saved by grace. Keith Loved Jesus
and also fought many demons, in his life. Keith
struggled with the health problems of depression and
diabetes. Keith
loved Jesus and yet took his own
life, leaving us questions that cannot be answered in
this
life. Just like you I am struggling this morning, and I
do not
have the answers.
I too am burdened with doubt, grief
and questions. Even though I do not have the answers I
know who to go to with our burdens. “Come
to me, all
you
who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take
my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am
gentle
and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew
11:28-30
Those here this morning to celebrate the life of Keith,
some have known him for decades others maybe
just a short time, but all the same he has impacted us
all.
I count it a blessing to have had Keith as a friend. In light
of eternity I am certain Keith would want me to share a
few things with you this morning.
Be
Forgiving of Others
Keith for the last several years was not himself. Yes, he
took his life, on February 3, but he had been slowly
dying
for years, from the cancer of bitterness and un-
forgiveness! “Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set
someone free and realizing you were the prisoner!” ―
Max Lucado In one year, Keith lost his mother, wife,
family
and home. To me
he got stuck and was unable to
F.I.D.O.
There are a lot of big deals in life. Have you noticed that?
There are a lot of major losses along the way! Jesus even
said there will be tears in our eyes; the paraphrase is
you
will get hurt in a big way. When you minimize it, that
cheapens forgiveness.
We must understand the difference between being
wounded and being wronged. They’re not the
same. Wounded
requires not forgiveness but just
patience and acceptance. Being wronged requires
forgiveness.
For instance, wounded is not intentional. If somebody
comes and says something that kind of hurts
your feelings, they didn’t know what they were doing,
they didn’t mean it, they just kind of blab
off the mouth.
It wasn’t intentional. That’s the
difference.
When you’re wounded it’s unintentional.
They didn’t mean to hurt you.
When you’re wronged they did it intentionally. They lied
to you. Or they
gossiped about you. Or they
hurt you physically.
They did it intentionally to hurt you.
Wrongs require forgiveness.
Wounds only require acceptance and patience. So
somebody just says something about you and hurts
your feelings, that doesn’t require forgiveness. So what
am I saying?
Forgiveness is always reserved for the big
stuff. When you
minimize a hurt you actually cheapen
forgiveness.
True forgiveness realistically asses the
damage and allows God to settle all accounts! You go to
God saying: Father; this is the wrong someone has done
to me (name it in detail). If you are suffering today from
personal hurt– big or small, I think your Word from the
Lord today is simple....., FIDO!
FIDO. Have you been neglected, embarrassed,
abandoned, rejected, divorced, overlooked, forgotten,
insulted, criticized, ignored?– FIDO! Bitterness is not
worth
ruining the life God has given you. So FIDO!
Need help? Just focus on what God had to forgive of
you.
Go ahead just make a list– it will occupy your
time for the next 10 years. Then, focus on what God had
to do in order to forgive you. Whatever you are
facing, it doesn’t even come close to the cross of
Jesus.
To enjoy God’s forgiveness, means to extend that same
forgiveness to those who have harmed you? Who are
you picturing in your mind right now? Go and extend to
them what God has freely given you!
Keith seemed to be speechless, when others wronged
him. But none of
us should be surprised when strangers,
family and even lovers betray us. Because we have done
more to break God’s heart, than we will ever be
required
to forgive.
Be
Forgiven
So what is God’s response to our sin? To our betrayal?
He freely forgives all our sin in Christ Jesus! Real
forgiveness is unconditional. There’s no attachment to it.
We don’t earn it.
You don’t deserve it. You don’t
bargain
for it.
Forgiveness is not based on a promise to never do
it again. It’s
just unconditional.
You offer it to somebody whether they ask for it or
not.
Jesus offered unconditional forgiveness to all, when he
gave his life on Calvary.
When somebody says, “I will forgive you, if…” or if you
say it to somebody else, that’s not forgiveness. That’s
bargaining. “If
you do this, I’ll do this.” That’s
bargaining.
Forgiveness is always unconditional. If you put a
condition, an “if” on it, it’s not really
forgiveness. When
Jesus stretched out His hands on the cross In Luke 23:33-
35 When they came to the place called the Skull, they
crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on
his
right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father,
forgive
them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And
they divided up his clothes by casting lots.,” when He
said
that nobody had asked for it. Nobody had said, “Please
forgive me, Jesus, for what they’re doing to You.” He just
offered it. He
took the initiative.
Jesus died on the cross for the thief who repented of
his
sins. Jesus died
on the cross for the thief who rebelled to
the bitter end.
Jesus died for the Roman Soldiers
gambling for his clothes. Jesus died for Keith! Jesus died
for you! Please
do not let today go by without asking for
his forgiveness through Jesus death on the cross!
That is why Peter in the first Sermon to the church said: Therefore let
all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus,whom
you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
When the people heard this, they were cut to
the heart and said
to Peter and the other apostles,“Brothers, what shall we
do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be
baptized, every one of
you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your
sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The
promise is for you and your children and for all who are
far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Keith would want us to . . .
Be
Aware of God’s Love
About four years ago, Keith came to me and said I need
to
talk to you. He
was really guarded and I had thought I
had done something wrong. He got real quiet and
nervous saying: I have a drug problem.
My reply was; I knew that. He was like who told you?
Kieth no one told me, I just knew. I went on to explain
that nothing was beyond God’s forgiveness. Keith
understood God’s forgiveness, what he tripped up on was
forgiving himself.
Keith was harder on himself, than God
was.
That’s one example of why we need to be aware of God’s
love for us. How does God see you?
Why couldn’t Keith see himself as God saw him. Romans
12:4 states we are to think of ourselves with sobriety,
seriousness and good judgment. Human frailty means
most of us fill our tires too full of hot air and we
burst with
pride and arrogance!
But others some have such a low
view of themselves they run around on flat tires all
there
life, with the sparks showering off the rims.
Psalms 139 gives us God view of every man, woman and
child. I praise
You because I’m fearfully and wonderfully
made.” You are
fearfully and wonderfully made. Some of
you are having a hard time swallowing that. There’s
something about hearing that we are fearfully and
wonderfully made, that is hard to swallow! I think it
maybe the fact we far more often hear in this life,
“You
dirty rotten so and so,” and “Boy you are a loser!” and
“Look at the way you look.” After hearing these
Satanic lies it becomes easier and easier for us to
begin
stinking thinkin of ourselves and then to say and
then to believe when we say we are’ “Good for
nothing.”
God is our creator and he does not make Junk! We need
to look ourselves in the mirror and say, “I’m fearfully
and
wonderfully made.”
It’s not prideful. You’re not the
one
who made yourself fearfully and wonderfully. God's the
one who did that.
It’s recognizing the truth of God’s greatness! In fact every
life is an amazing gift of life, and this is exactly
why we
grieve!
When we become aware of God’s love in the gift of life it
enables us to. . . Forgive and give as if it were
our last opportunity. Love like there's no tomorrow,
and if
tomorrow comes, love again.” ― Max
Lucado, Every Day
Deserves a Chance: Wake Up to the Gift of 24 Hours
But Today is a very dark day, isn’t it?
Conclusion: How do we find God in the darkness?
(Silence) By
clinging to each other! Jesus knew after
His death it would be very dark for his disciples and
He
left this command to comfort them. “Let
me give
you
a new command: Love one another. In the same way I
loved you, you love one another. This is
how
everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—
when
they see the love you have for each
other.” John 13:34-35 MSG
How do we find God in the darkness? By clinging to one
another! How do
we find God in the darkness?
(Silence) By
Being One. How do we find God in the
darkness? By having one!
Take out your cell phones and text one person and
simply
say; when you are in a dark spot, call me and I will be
there for you!
Repeat This was easy for Keith, he was
always giving and being concerned for others. What was
hard for him was the next text we will send it’s called
have one: Go to your contacts and find one person text
them, when I am in a dark place, can I call you ? You
need to be one, but you must also have one! Keith never
Made that Phone call.
Promise yourself and your loved
ones, before it gets too dark-YOU WILL CALL
SOME ONE!
But that simply is not enough-Texting, Computers, and
phones are part of the reason we do not deeply
connect with our loved ones. So in this service you can
text, but when you leave this service promise
yourself-you will go one step further- YOU BE THERE FOR
THE ONES YOU LOVE IN THE FLESH-WITH YOUR
UNDIVIDED ATTENTION!
The shortness of this life calls us
to cling to those we love!
Music I Can Only Imagine
Benediction
God our Father, we thank you for the life of Keith
Basson.
The years we shared with him, the good we saw in him,
The love we received from him, we are thankful he is in
your loving care
And we trust in your promise of eternal life through
Faith
in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen
Balloon Send Off
LET YOU GO
Into the freedom of the wind and sunshine,
WE
LET YOU GO.
Into the wind’s breath and the hands of the Maker of
stars.
WE
LET YOU GO.
We love you, we miss you, we want you to be blessed.
GO
SAFELY, GO DANCING, GO RUNNING HOME INTO THE ARMS OF JESUS!
And all of God’s people said;
AMEN!
