Eldred’s family wanted to be sure you knew of Eldred’s passing. AZIFM was near and dear to his heart in furthering peace and understanding among ALL peoples. Feel free to share the news as you feel best. Below is what was shared with members in Arizona, and below that is what was shared by Community of Christ with the world church.
“It is with profound sorrow that the Arizona Mission Center shares Eldred Spain’s passing between Thursday evening (3/26) and Friday morning (3/27).
Eldred was 91 years young, with a love for people that seemed inexhaustible. Eldred was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cheerleader, confidant, Counselor, and friend. As an Evangelist in Community of Christ, he touched our lives and the lives of many in Arizona, the U.S., and the world.
At this time, your prayers and support for his family is greatly appreciated. More information will be shared as it becomes available.”
Our hearts go out to Eldred’s family and we have known and loved them over our many years of knowing and loving our cherished friend, Eldred and his loving wife, Carolyn. My goodness he will be missed by us all. Eldred was declared by consensus of our Board and Council to be our AZIFM President Emeritus a couple of years ago for his exemplary service and Golden Rule example within our organization and out in the community.
>>>Please check back as we will fill this page with interfaith prayers and stories that show our love for Eldred Spain…
Our love prayers and stories from our AZIFM Family…
I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Eldred. He was a dear man, committed to the Golden Rule, and his every action was filled with kindness. I was blessed to know him and am grateful for the time I had with him. He guided Arizona Interfaith Movement with wisdom and love. I met Eldred for coffee once, it was raining that day and I recall passing many accidents on the way, worried about him. He had already arrived at the coffee shop and was waiting with his signature smile and friendly attitude. The next two hours were spent hearing his incredible stories and learning about this beautiful man. May his memory be a blessing and may his family find comfort in his legacy. Baruch Dayan Emet. by Karolyn Benger, Jewish
From Nancy Splain, United Church of Christ … the photo I took of him at Experience Interfaith last week. Captures the beautiful energy he imparted to all who had the blessing of knowing him. A life well lived.
From Anne Taylor, Christian Scientist … what a truly kind-hearted man who was a friend to everyone. He lived his faith and and the Golden Rule in his life. That meant so much to me. He served as AZIFM Board / Council President for 15 years and with such grace, love, patience and kindness. He left his problems out of the meeting and was the best listener I’ve ever known. He would sometimes say “we have 2 ears and one mouth.” He wanted everyone to be heard and respected. I loved being with him just a week ago at Experience Interfaith and he was his joyful self, and happy to get his Sikh turban from a previous year, retied. After a really fun evening, I got to hug him before he went home and we both repeated his family line we both loved, “PEACE YOU’uns”. It always made him laugh and I loved that he was a living example of peace in our world. I will miss him so much – yet, I know he continues his spiritual journey and is still being a wonderful blessing.
From Anita Rangaswami, Hindu: We are shocked and so sorry to hear this sad news…..right after the EI event on Tue. Eldred and I chatted all through dinner as he sat next to me in the line. He was certainly in good spirits and seemed just fine. In our daily prayers today, we prayed for his soul to rest in peace and for the family to bear this sudden loss of a loved one. He was loved and respected by a lot more people beyond the family too…. May God give everyone the strength to bear this sudden loss.
From Glenda Lambert, Family Federation for Peace and Unification: Oh My! So sad to hear this news. Our elder brother Eldred was such a vibrant, grounded and loving person! Loved when he was leading the meetings with his strong and compassionate but clear voice!
From Larry Bell, Jewish: My deepest condolences. He was a wonderful man and a major inspiration for AZIFM.
From Mike Wold, Christian: I had a special relationship with Eldred. At all our in-person events, we found time to chat. We both loved to talk about good leadership characteristics. He was a model for me in many ways.
From Betty McGee, AME: I am so sorry and grieved to hear this very sad news. Here is a video I captured of Eldred last Tuesday at our interfaith gathering. [Note, we’ll pass this along on Facebook if we can.]
Many phone calls … Muslim, SGI Buddhist, Christian….expressing sadness at hearing the news and appreciating Eldred in the highest ways. He was so loved and appreciated!