12November2000 #0046.html

Bevan Boyd Blake

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Dear Paul and Kate, Melanie and Jared Wright, Bridget, Ben and Sarah, Sara, Heather, Audrey, Rachel, and Matt via hardcopy,

cc: file, Tony Hafen, Pauline Nelson via mail, Sara and Des Penny, Claude and Katherine Warner, Lloyd and Luana Warner, Diane Cluff, Maxine Shirts via mail.

Welcome to "Thoughtlets." This is a weekly review of an idea, belief, thought, or words that will hopefully be of some benefit to you, my children, with an electronic copy to on-line extended family members. Any of you can ask me not to clutter your mail box at any time.

"Independent of faith, as we get older, we more clearly recognize mortality. Bevan Boyd Blake, our Bishop in the Maplewood 2nd Ward, when we first moved to Houston, and later the Houston South Stake President died last Sunday, the 5th of November. This week's Thoughtlet is in remembrance of him.

Last Sunday was pretty quiet. I was oblivious to Bevan Boyd Blake's death. I wrote the Thoughtlet before church. Grandma Shirts seemed to enjoy our ward. I am in a special genealogy class, and so was not in Gospel Doctrine with her. Andrea and I had stake choir in the evening. I have started to develop a new way to index genealogy, and spent several hours working on it (www.walden3d.com/genealogy, especially .../1.1/1.1.html).

Monday was spent printing prospectuses. Maxine left about noon. It was a very nice visit. `Mom.' I hope you can come more often than once a year and stay longer when you come. I know how good it is for Andrea, Rachel, Matt, and me. On Saturday I had delivered copies of the Dynamic Oil & Gas Prospectus to Dick Coons, who has an AMI (Area of Mutual Interest) I am helping him package, and Joe Roberts, who has wanted an opportunity to invest in one of my projects for years. Monday afternoon I got a copy down to Alf Klaviness, who has an AMI in Houston, Trinity, and Walker County area referenced in the Prospectus. He had two geophysicists who know me recording an oral history when I got there. We had a lively discussion about environmental geophysics, then I headed back to the house. I was printing copies to take and get bound until it was time to leave for an HGS (Houston Geological Society) Dinner Meeting where Bob Peebler spoke about `The Virtual Oil Company.' It was a good talk, with a lot of interesting ideas. It won't work as described. It requires trust and a way to index activities, time, and space. These are the areas I have been tieing down since the days of the HyperMedia Expert Association. It will be interesting to see if I am right. I made several good contacts, including Phil Martin of New Century Exploration.

Tuesday morning was continuation of the printing process. It takes a long time to run off a 61 page prospectus, and a 40 page technical supplement: Edition 13 of the Walden 3-D Journal: Advanced Pattern Finding. I took a copy of the supplement to Peter Duncan, and copies of the Prospectus to Rick Zimmerman, Mike Dunn, Steve Webster (via Mike Dunn), and Merril Littlewood. Mike mentioned that one of the GDC partners, Reg Neale, had died. I asked when the funeral was, and Mike said, `You know Reg was an atheist, and so there will not be a funeral. Maybe the family will have a get together.' I felt so sorry for Reg and for his family. Reg had approached me about leaving the Seismic Acoustics Laboratory and forming a company with him back in 1981. His partner John Sherwood had also approached me. My boss Fred Hilterman had also talked to me about it. And it was a complete suprise to me when the three of them started Geophysical Development Corporation (what Fred's wife Kathy called the GD company). This was when Fred left the University of Houston and I took over more of operations. Whe Kevin Kinsella ran his advertisement for an MBA with Geophysical background, Reg, John, and Fred each asked him if I was who he was talking to. The result was the Christmas Meeting at the Omni Hotel in 1981, and eventually the funding of Landmark Graphics. I went from GDC, which Mike Dunn is now the president of, to Merril Littlewood's office. Seems like it has been several years since we have had such a good discussion. Merril mentioned that Bevan Boyd Blake died on Sunday and that the funeral was Thursday. I got home just before Andrea arrived. We had the missionaries over for dinner, and I ended up showing them the Prospectus and talking about oil & gas careers with them. Mike and Janet Smith came over at 7:30 to discuss communication, and how things are going with them.

Wednesday morning was printing. Had a nice lunch with Gary Crouse, and caught up on what he has been doing since being asked to leave the vPatch Communications project a few weeks ago. He is working with a company which puts prospects on the web, and I expect they can support some of the deals Dynamic Oil & Gas puts together. It is sad to see friends get cross-wise with each other. Unintended consequences of independent decisions. There was more printing, and Andrea took a packet to Federal Express for me to send to Jim Trimble at Rudman Wildcats in Dallas. It was our semi-annual basketball evening for my Young Men's activity, followed by the scout committee meeting. Matt left Scouts early, and missed the scoutmaster message, which I heard just before committee meeting. So I print it here for reference:

`We are like children walking a path in the rain. We can walk in or around the mud of life as we desire, but with our choices come the consequences. And we are rapidly becoming what we are choosing for all eternity. Spiritual maturity is understanding that we cannot blame anybody else for our actions. Some factors may make it harder for us to perform according to God's plan for us, but being accountable for how we use our agency means being answerable for our own behavior.... I sometimes wonder if we know God's will for us, if we know what is hurtful or sinful and why, if we have the faintest notion, on the other hand, of the glories he has in store for our reward, here as well as hereafter, if we are obedient. I wonder if mothers have really taught daughters about truth, agency, and accountability. Are daughters sharing with mothers their own learnings? Individuals and families are strengthened as we help each other grow in the gospel of Jesus Christ.' Elaine Cannon, "Agency and Accountability," General Women's Meeting, September 24, 1983; see Ensigh, November 1983, pages 88-89.'

Thursday, there was more printing and binding. I noticed a message from Dr. Solis giving the results from my recent physical:

Cholesterol 207, should be less than 200 Good Cholesterol 45 Bad Cholesterol 137, LDL should be between 0 and 130 Triglicarides 132 SGDT 56 and SGPT 98, which measure liver functions and are low

The message was I should come back in for another blood test in a couple of weeks. And to think, I gave blood just last Saturday morning at the Stake Center Blood drive. I don't know what any of the data means, and it reminded me of my conversations with Mike Dunn about Reg Neale, and Merril Littlewood about Bevan Boyd Blake. I looked in Wednesday's paper and saw the funeral was at 10:00 and not 11:00, which would have conflicted with a lunch appointment. So I went to Bevan Boyd Blake's funeral. I stopped and picked up some Dynamic Oil & Gas business cards on the way, and was a little bit late. It was a wonderful spiritual experience. As I got there, the Stake Choir was singing the prelude music. There was a welcome by Bishop Dwight Brown, who President Blake and Bishop Tom Eccles (one of our good friends when we lived in Maplewood 2nd Ward) had baptized, after we moved to Katy. As I sat in the overflow section in the cultural hall, I was flooded with memories from 4 years of attending that building. Like the time Roice screamed `Daddy, don't spank me, as I carried him out of a packed sacrament meeting.' Or the night we put on Swedish Roots. Then I counted 23 children, in-laws, and grandchildren in a family choir singing `Families Can Be Together Forever.' Little Erica, who is now all grown up, gave the invocation.

David Blake, who was in Nottingham Country Ward for a while, and who is one of the two children I got to know pretty well, gave the Eulogy. His words included: `His was a simple faith. His faith that Sara (his daughter who died as a child) would be there to welcome him sustains me and my family.' I remember when we performed Swedish Roots, the musical Marti and I wrote, in Maplewood 2nd Ward. Bishop Blake was particularly touched by the words to Sara's song (0032.html). David went on to explain how when President Blake was diagnosed with cancer, and had his first blessing, he was promised he would live to see the Houston Temple built. He also said: `Dad had no hobbies outside church and family. Dad loved to Home Teach and to work with new members. I was privileged to witness countless blessings.' My tears flowed freely.

Johnathan, the youngest son, organized his talk around the Proclamation on the Family:

`We, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal desiny of His children. ALL HUMAN BEINGS - male and female - are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose. IN THE PREMORTAL RELM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally. THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that god's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that god has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan. HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives - mothers and fathers - will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations. THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilites, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed. WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilites will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society. Read by President Gordon B. Hinkley at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, Salt Lake City, Utah'

Specifically Johnathan mentioned `Dad never raised his voice to my mother. His interactions can be summarized as patience. He spent any free time he had with the kids. Church and family came before his job or any hobbies. His legacy is five living children each sealed to their families.' In some ways Johnathan's words made me feel guilty, and mostly they made me proud for what my faith teaches.

Next Paul Blake spoke about his father, Bevin Boyd Blake. `Dad loved Calvin and Hobbs, Bluebell Ice Cream, and cross-word puzzles. His wife, family and Savior were Father's love. He was the second Counselor to Leo Smith, then the Houston Texas South Stake President. He was the Director of the Idaho Falls Visitors Center, on the Houston Temple Committee, and a Sealer in the Houston Texas Temple - sealing families for eternity. I will not remember him for his ecclesiastical service. He had life figured out. Keep the commandments, be quick to forgive, be quick to repent, and go to the temple often.' Paul quoted Elder Ballard at his father's release from the Stake Presidency:

`I want this family to know how pleased the First Presidency and the Counsel of the 12 are with what your father has done.'

Paul's closing statement was `I love my father and I can hardly wait to see him again.'

Then my Priest spoke. When I was Young Men's President and Priest Quorum Advisor in Maplewood 2nd Ward, Boyd Blake was my only Priest. I taught him how to change the oil on our old brown van. I went to some of his baseball games. And here he was a grown man. His words were grown up too: `Dad is very proud of his High Priest Quorum sitting on the front row to honor him as Pall Bearers. Concerning funerals, Dad always said: (1) they should not be too long (too bad Dad!); and (2) The Gospel of Jesus Christ should be taught at funerals.' Boyd then proceeded to give a wonderful docrinal dissertation on the Plan of Salvation. He mentioned his Father sent him 104 letters when he was on his mission, and his Mother sent him 5 letters. Boyd finished this discussion by reading from the last letter from his dad, and by promising to read from the last letter from his Mom at her funeral: `Embedded between the lines are my feelings for family and the Savior. I know He lives. We can be together for eternity by keeping the commandments.' Boyd described taking his Father on a church history tour last year. `He knew the gospel was true. As we left each site there were tears in his eyes.'

I had a lunch appointment with Phil Martin at 11:30, and had to leave after Boyd spoke. As I reflected on the difference between Reg Neale and Bevin Boyd Blake my heart recognized, at a very deep level, the difference between anguish and peace. Bishop Blake's heritage is much more than his grandchildren: David has 8 children, Paul has 5 children, Boyd has 3 children, Jonathan has 4 children, and Erica has 2 children. President Blake's heritage is much more than his obituary (../9846.hyml):

`BEVAN BOYD BLAKE passed away on November 5, 2000, at the age of 73. A life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he touched the lives of many through his tireless service and leadership. Bevin was born in Pima, Arizona, and graduated with a B.S. and M.S. in chemistry from the University of Arizona. He retired ten years ago, after a 37-year career with Shell Oil Company. Preceded in death by his daughter, Sara, Bevan is survived by his wife of 44 years, Aljean Blake of Houston; son David and wife Stephanie of Carrollton, Texas; son Paul and wife Sherry of Eden Prarie, Minnesota; son Boyd and wife Tamela of Provo, Utah; son Jonathan and wife Julia of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Erica and husband Bryan of Tyler, Texas; and twenty-two grandchildren. Bevan is also survived by two brothers, Reed W. Blake of Phoenix, Arizona, and Kent A. Blake Gilbert, Arizona, and their wives. Vistation will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2000, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Earthman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2000, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5531 Beechnut, Houston. Interment will follow in Memorial Oaks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Fund, c/o Dwight Brown 8903 S. Rice, Houston, Texas 77096.' `I am not afraid of the future for I have seen yesterday and I love today!'

Bevan Boyd Blake's heritage is an eternal example. Hopefully we can each be partially as blessed. I could not help but think about his example over lunch. Phil Martin lives a block from the Houston Temple, and he went on the open house tour. He is interested in our Prospectus, and it will be interesting to see if he funds any or all of it. From lunch at Carabbas on I-10 between Kirkwood and Wilcrest, I went downtown and reviewed the prospectus with Dave Agarwal, Les Denham, and Bob Horner. It is nice to have friends and colleagues who believe in you. Then I went to Sam LeRoy's office at Westheimer, between Dairy Ashford and Kirkwood, and gave him a status report. The two of us ended up going to the Canyon Cafe to meet Roger, Steve, Albert, Wei, and their computer whiz, Yue-Feng Sun or Liquing Xu, who I do not know well. As we started introductions I received a phone call from friends of Ken Burton, who lives down the street, and spent a half-hour on the phone with them. I have an appointment with them in Flower Mound on Monday after meeting with Jim Trimble of Rudman. Then I get to spend some time with Ethan Evans. The dinner was nice, and Sam and I were very excited about where everything seems to be going as we drove back to the west side of Houston. I got home about 9:30 PM, wondering how Rob and Roice are doing.

Friday Sam and I had lunch with Bob Beardsley and Larry Cochran. They took the wind out of our sails. The issue is owning the property before using the pattern finding techniques to find new reserves. They were completely unsucessful in purchasing fields from major oil companies. Specifically because those who approve such a sale, will be demoted or otherwise punished by the corporation if the field turns out to produce more after it was sold, and they didn't recognize the opportunity. Oh well! I was pretty despondent at home, and Andrea and Matt decided to cheer me up by taking me to see `Mission to Mars.' It reminds me of Bruce Willis in `Armegeddon.' Lot's of action. Fantastic graphics. Poor story. Reasonable science fiction.

Yesterday Andrea went to choir practice with me at 8:00. Two of my Venture Scouts went on a field trip to the Lexus Dealership with Brent Peterson and me from 10:00-11:30. Most of the rest of the day was spent printing Prospectuses, binding and getting them in Federal Express, and working on my genealogy ideas. I was tired when Rachel got home at 11:30. This morning, as I think through last week, plan next week (Sara, I am driving back to Houston from Dallas via Austin on Tuesday, and so Tuesday is the only day this week I will be able to be in Austin), type notes and articles to share with you, the theme that emerges is I hope each of you will find and follow an example like Bevan Boyd Blake."

I'm interested in sharing weekly a "thoughtlet" (little statements of big thoughts which mean a lot to me) with you because I know how important the written word can be. I am concerned about how easy it is to drift and forget our roots and our potential among all of distractions of daily life. To download any of these thoughtlets go to http://www.walden3d.com/thoughtlets or e-mail me at rnelson@walden3d.com.

With all my love,
Dad
(H. Roice Nelson, Jr.)

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Copyright © 2000 H. Roice Nelson, Jr.