When I served as Bishop of the Fort Wayne, Ind, First Ward, in 1972, Ralph Burton was called to served as my First Counselor. Ralph was always a dear friend and a very very dedicated counselor in our Bishopric. It was a distinct pleasure to serve with him. Ralph is a man of faith and compassion, and was 110% supportive in our Bishopric. When he had committed to getting something done, one could depend on him to accomplish the task promptly. Ralph is a very caring and concerned individual and there is no pretense with him.
I remember so well Ralph bearing his testimony. There is no question that he loves the Lord, and the Gospel. He would speak with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. His testimony was from the heart, and he touched the hearts of those who heard him bear testimony. I am impressed with Ralph's stalwartness. I would always think of Ralph as the 'rock', immovable and solid.
Beth is a loving and dedicated wife and mother, and has set a great example for us all to follow. She is a most patient and loving individual. Both Ralph and Beth have been wonderful friends, to both Lorie and I, through the years. Though we have seen very little of each other since the early 1970's, we have stayed in touch and our friendship remains as true as ever.
There are 2 pictures attached. One of Ralph and Beth at the Fort Wayne Ward Luau in 1973 and another of a picnic with friends from the Ft. Wayne Ward on July 4th 1972, held at Pokagon State Park. The friends in the picture are the McCuans, the Schaafs, the Burtons and Topols.
We are ever grateful for the friendship that we share with the Burtons, and feel that this friendship will endure through eternity. With our love and best wishes to these dear friends,
I remember so well Ralph bearing his testimony. There is no question that he loves the Lord, and the Gospel. He would speak with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. His testimony was from the heart, and he touched the hearts of those who heard him bear testimony. I am impressed with Ralph's stalwartness. I would always think of Ralph as the 'rock', immovable and solid.
Beth is a loving and dedicated wife and mother, and has set a great example for us all to follow. She is a most patient and loving individual. Both Ralph and Beth have been wonderful friends, to both Lorie and I, through the years. Though we have seen very little of each other since the early 1970's, we have stayed in touch and our friendship remains as true as ever.
There are 2 pictures attached. One of Ralph and Beth at the Fort Wayne Ward Luau in 1973 and another of a picnic with friends from the Ft. Wayne Ward on July 4th 1972, held at Pokagon State Park. The friends in the picture are the McCuans, the Schaafs, the Burtons and Topols.
We are ever grateful for the friendship that we share with the Burtons, and feel that this friendship will endure through eternity. With our love and best wishes to these dear friends,
—Jon and Lorie Topol
2 comments:
Mom said she was pregnant with me in this photo, so it must be late 1973.
Congratulations!!!!
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