Dear 9th Ward Friends,

Autumn 2009

Dear 9th Ward friends,

Thank you for all of your sweet words and sincere prayers regarding our father and his passing. We enjoyed seeing your faces again at his memorial service. You have given us much warmth and friendship throughout the years. We just wanted to let you know that your love extends beyond the 9^th Ward to St. George, Utah and Las Vegas, Nevada. We cherish our fond memories as children in the Modesto 9^th Ward.

We thank you for supporting our father in his most difficult medical situations and keeping him cheerful when he was lonely. You were his family when we were not near. In that thought, we hope this message comforts you with the loss of your friend and brother.

A personal message from Rachel: Modesto 9^th Ward has always been home. Dad would always keep me updated on who got married, who was called on a mission, who had a baby, who got what calling, who had a van for sale. Dad’s fond friendships turned into us having several extra “uncles”. Thank you all so much for your lasting friendships over the years and your sincere sympathy and goodwill in these last long months. Dad loved the 9^th Ward so much and had the highest respect for all the members. His example to me of missionary work, service to those in need, and loyalty to friends has made a lasting impact.

A personal message from Aubrey: In the past few years, Dad started to include a saying in most of our phone conversations. He’d emphatically say, “Do Your Best”. In spring of this year, Dad went into end-stage cancer and those words became more special to me and seemed to echo in my mind. All he really wanted me to do was my best. I will do just that in memory of him. Dad was admittedly imperfect, yet I noticed a softness about him during a last visit to Sonora with my sisters. Until the viewing, I thought this softness was just the frailness of his frame. When I looked at him for the last time I finally realized what I was seeing. I saw the image of the Savior in Dad’s countenance. By the end of his life, he had done his very best and I am so glad I was able to see that.

A personal message from Heidi: I miss my Dad so much. He was a wonderful man, an extremely talented artist, a hilarious story teller, a wonderful friend, and an amazing father. I was truly blessed to have a father and friend like him. I will ALWAYS miss him everyday.

We apologize for not writing to each of you individually. You were his dearest friends and a great source of his strength. Thank you for all of the dinners you made for or invited him to, the needed priesthood blessings given, fasts on his behalf, the “parking lot interviews” and chats, the spirit of youth the Boy Scouts gave him, and the countless other favors. We know that helped Dad get through some hard times.

We will treasure the memories we have of Dad. If you have any memories or pictures you would like to share with us please email: idispatch4911@gmail.com, aubreyjune@gmail.com, heidizzle@hotmail.com. Also, please visit RexMcBride.com to add photos, stories, and information.

Our most sincere thanks,

The McBride Girls