KEITHS FUNERAL

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 10^th 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!