Several years ago, P.P.C. had a single woman member, Sue Botsford. She was a marvelous woman, taking care of her aged mother and working as an R.N. in a clinic in Casa Grande some 60 miles to the south. After 130 miles each day and a shift at the clinic and caring for mother before and after work, it made a long day for Sue.
We started hearing that Sue was seeing her Daughter’s father-in- law. Nick and Sue were married about twenty years ago. That caused Nick to join P.P.C. July 12, 1999. From that time on, Nick was a worker in his church. When a person entered the front door, other than the
greeter at the door, Nick was the first person to greet you inside. He served as an usher; he was the last one out after turning off the lights and locking the doors. He cleaned up after people left “trash” in the pew. Nick served as an Elder on Session until his hearing became a problem and he could not hear the discussion. Nick and Sue folded bulletins on Fridays for the Sunday service. They put the newsletter together and Nick delivered them to the post office at the end of each month.
On work party days, Nick was there. Born August 29, 1926, his age did not slow him down. As a young man he served his country in the Navy during WWII. Growing up in Chicago, Nick was in the printing business owning his own shop and continued in the business here in Peoria. If the church needed some professional work done, Nick took care of it at no charge.
On Sunday August 18th, Nick was absent, not feeling well. Friday the 23rd, Nick passed away. On Saturday the 24th, there was a work “party”. There was an empty spot in the crew. WE MISSED NICK. However, Nick had done his share of yard work or painting in earlier years and he deserved a rest.
A small man in size but a huge man in serving his Lord, his Church, and the Community. Thank you Nick for being a part of us at P.P.C. and the Community. May Nick R.I.P.
From your Church Family,
Ken Johnson