In Memoriam Raymond F. McNair

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Dear family and friends,

By now many of you have heard the sad news regarding the death of my dear husband, Raymond McNair. Through his five year ordeal he never complained nor asked, “Why me Lord?”

He trusted God knowing he would be delivered either through death or divine healing. “Not my will, but yours O Lord,” were words he often repeated.

My husband’s convictions were as Paul’s, “Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that last day; and not to me only, but unto all men also that love His appearing.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith!” (2Tim. 4:8 & 7).

I wish to thank all who have so kindly and passionately reached out to comfort me in my distress. The future for me will be difficult at first, and at times lonely. But the hope in me will keep me going, remembering God’s promises that my husband and I will be together again, standing before our Father and Jesus Christ to hear those familiar words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servants.”

Sincerely,

Eve McNair

I thought about writing something about my dad, something, brief and small, but then I got to thinking about how nothing about my dad was brief or small. He was such a wonderful man. If I could describe him in a few words, I would say he was powerful, loving, generous, courageous and he inspired millions of people young and old all over the world.

I am Raymond McNair's step daughter, Shar, but I never felt like a step daughter. I was about 20 years old when he came into my life and he demonstrated one of the purest forms of unconditional love. I grew up without a father, and my dad took me under his wing with love and acceptance offering guidance along the way.

Several years ago, my mom, my dad and I went on a small trip. We hopped in the car and took a long drive. I remember how uncomfortable he was driving and walking, yet he never complainedl. As the pain grew , my mom took steps to help him, moving towards a complete healing though the faith they have in God. They both prayed fervently always asking God for guidance. My mother worked so hard as my dad's health declined and he eventually became bedridden.

I had a conversation with my dad a couple of years later. He told me that he had a full life and a wonderful life. He was very concerned about my mother and if he was ever faced with the end of his life, he would be okay knowing the small savings they had left, wouldn't go to hospitals with "doctors' heroic healthcare," that would only prolong his life for a short time. My mother respected his wishes, yet did all that she could to care for him. To this day, I don't know how a woman in her 70's cares for a man who needs around the clock care. This was very difficult, as he had lost the use of his legs for about 2 and a half years. She is truly amazing! The physical and emotional work was immeasurable. Many times she cried on the phone to me during the final weeks that lead to the final days of my dad's life as she struggled endlessly to help him. This was the only man my mother had ever loved and now she was losing him. He was in such terrible pain, it was difficult for him to focus on doing anything except trying to manage the pain. It was always his wish that he knew she would be cared for, but he died before he was able to express that to the Church.

My father was an amazing man and he inspired and touched the lives of so many people. I see pictures of him that were taken during the Feast or a Holy Day and I can see the fire in his eyes. I admired his passion and loyalty to the doctrines he held true and refused to water down or make compromise to. He was a man of integrity and I know in my heart that he never wavered.

Raymond McNair, my father, left a legacy. I know it is his wish that the work in the church continue. That the doctrines and philosophies that he knew to be the Truth remain in their purest of forms. She will need your prayers as well as your continued support to make certain that these Truths are never lost.

My mother, Eve has been a quiet grounding force for my father. She was his physical body when he didn't have the use of it the way God intended. She held him up because his body was weak, but my dad's mind was sharp. She has been a loyal and faithful servant of God.

For now, the transition and process is underway for my mother. She needs to catch her breath and rest her tired body, but she will press on. This has been the most serious and powerful of trials for them, yet my mom will press forward waiting for God's instruction. I am peaceful in knowing that my dad is in the arms of his Creator and that his legacy will live on with those who know the Truth.

Shar McNair Ebinger

"Your husband has meant so much to me and my family and thousands of people around the world. I am sure that his name will be written in the most important of books "The Book of Life" where he and the rest of the saints will never thirst anymore and where we shall be together once again."

Rolfe Jones, Pasadena, CA

"Dear Mrs. McNair. We were greatly saddened to hear of the death of Mr. McNair. We have lost a faithful & true minister of God and a good friend. We pray that you & Mr. Olive will continue to serve God's people as God can use you.

"Please keep us on the mailing list and send us a sermon tape or two if available. Enclosed is a tithe check & offerings for the fall Holy Days. Thank you for you and your husband's faithful service.

With Christain Love, Dave & Barbara Clark, Peneacook, NH

"I have checked your site from time to time to see if there is anything new.... I had a great deal of respect for your husband. I thought he was one who had the capacity within himself to examine even himself at times in order to make sure he had the truth and was expounding it correctly. It has been several years since I have had the opportunity to speak with him, and was sad to hear he is gone, but joyful to know his race has been run and he will suffer no more.

"We are looking for a place for fellowship with God's called out ones who are still holding fast to Truth, but who are still open minded enough to still be growing spiritually and believing what the Truth of God reveals."

J.W. Joplin, MO

"I am sorry that you have lost your life companion. Raymond was beloved by so many. Carn and I have such fond memories of him. My memories date back to late 1949 when he baptized my parents on a tour in Texas. Carn's memories go back to the late 50's when he attended AC, especially the year he spent in England. Your husband was a true gentleman in an atmosphere that could sometimes be harsh and authoritarian. Referring to her college days when Raymond was (Deputy) Chancellor, my daughter Suzy recently said to me, "'I always liked Mr. McNair. He was one of the 'good guys."'

Joyce Catherwood, Denton, TX

"We are so saddened to hear about the death of your husband. We will always remember his faithfulness to the Truth. It is comforting to think about the resurrection, but still, there is a great void....to lose such a special loved one."

Joan Fagerstedt Tuck, Brentwood, CA

"Sorry to hear the news of Mr. McNair but God will use him in that way in the future. Those last letters of encouragement will be treasured.

Bob & Claudia Kuhne, Naperville, IL

"Dear Dad,

I realize this may be the last Father's Day I spend with you. It is a bitter-sweet thought. Obviously, I would love to have you around forever. But I am grateful that I have had you around at all. I am most proud to say that my father has lived a life that was pleasing to the Lord, and an example to others.

"My dad is a Godly man," the greatest compliment one could bestow his father. Nothing else could be more significant. Your identity is in Him, and that will be your legacy.

For the rest of my life, I will praise God, not only for giving me a wonderful father, but for giving my mom a loving husband. And I must add that I am happy you got to meet Chloe-Bella. She loves her grandpa!

I could go on and on...but hey, your life isn't over yet...and there is perhaps another chapter for you to write. I remember what you told us in our senior year (at Ambassador College), "Finish strong!" You do the same!

I love you. Your proud son, Ric

Ric McNair's last letter to his father.

"Dear Mrs. McNair. We want you to know that our heart is heavy with the news of your brave husband's death, but thankful that he no longer suffers. For your Raymond the race is over. When Fanny and I had dinner with Mr. Armstrong, he told us Raymond couldn't tell or even read a joke and he was the MOST LOYAL MAN IN GOD'S CHURCH...AMEN.

Mr.& Mrs. Rees Ellis, (minister) Belgium

Upon hearing the news from Dr. James Tabor, a return message was sent:

"Jim, thanks for thinking to send this. He was one of those names that will always be associated with the leaders of "the Work" that was so much a part of my life, and still is part of me. I heard him and spoke to him only once or so, but I read numerous well-written and dynamic articles by him. I do recall one special incident.

"In my senior year in 1970 at AC (Ambassador College) in Pasadena , I and other students were invited to dinner at Mr. HWA's home. During the dinner, at one point Mr. Armstrong regaled us about how the younger ministers (meaning everyone else) failed to have the humility that was needed to lead the Work. He illustrated his point in various ways; saying even the editor/writers of the Plain Truth would never think to ask his opinion on their articles before submission to his magazine, the P.T. None were ready to lead the Work. He named names.

"But then, he paused, as if catching himself, and continued in this vein: "Except for Raymond McNair! Now there's a man who has the Spirit of God; a man who is converted; one who could lead this Work..." My paraphrase catches the special qualities that Mr. Armstrong thought of Raymond McNair. Mr. Armstrong settled down and seeemed content, even thankful to know that such a man was with him in the Work."

Phil Arnold, Houston, TX

"If I should ever meet another man during the rest of my life here on earth, I will never meet a man with the same sterling character as Raymond McNair. He was the finest, converted dear friend I have ever known.

Michael Bott, Hamilton, Bermuda

Regarding a photo:

"That brought back so many memories from my childhood. I remember every time he (Mr. McNair) visited the Birmingham (UK) Church...I remember everyone [asking] what does it mean when Mr. McNair takes off his watch and places it on the podium in front of him? Absolutely nothing!

"His sermons were, however, always entertaining and no one really minded that he went over the standard time!"

Mark Sadler, Birmingham, UK

"I have many fond memories of your mom and dad. One time on auxiliary security (Church hqts, Pasadena), their alarm went off. Your dad had moved it and I was Alpha I, and couldn't find it to turn it off. They came home and showed me where it was. Then your dad gave me an hour tour of the home. I kept trying to get away to get back to patrol, but you couldn't argue with your dad. What a great family!"

Rick Shallenberger, Cinn, OH

"Dear Mrs. McNair, I first met your husband in 1963 when he was [Deputy] Chancellor of Ambassador College in England, and I was a freshman. He was the one who commissioned me to return to South Africa to answer Bible questions via mail from the public. I found his detailed doctrinal explanation in sermons I'd heard, very useful in that job. Most of the leading men in the Work outside America were trained during Raymond F. McNair's administration of Bricket Wood. Your loss is also the Church of God's loss. The way things are deteriorating, it may not be too long before Christ's return and the resurrection. Hold fast!"

Geoffrey R. Neilson, SA

"Dear Mrs. McNair, Our warmest, earnest expression of sadness and grief over the loss of your husband, Raymond. Mr. McNair was one of the kindest and most honest ministers we have ever come to know. He will be greatly missed. You are in our prayers and thoughts.

With love," Jim & Margie, Chris & Sarah Reed

"Dear Mrs. McNair, Thank you and Mr. McNair for your lives of example. In an attempt at the highest praise I might offer you, I do believe that whether directly or indirectly your fine work has led for us all to enjoy and wish the best for Governor Sarah Palin. You are loving people and courageous examples for us to follow in these times that tempt us to be amazed. Be well yourself, courageous lady."

Steve Billigmeier

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