I have so many special memories of Gene and the things he taught me through his biblically inspired messages and also whenever I sought him out on a question. He ALWAYS had time for me and never once made me feel as if my problems were not important to him. I recall that he always told us during his talks, that- "there are no bad questions." One very special memory I have of him was at the beautiful 50th wedding anniversary celebration of Gene & Gerri. (By the way, in advising me to find the right woman to marry he said, "Why don't you find someone like Gerri?" and I did!) At their home after the formal 50th wedding anniversary gathering at the church I overheard Gene from the piano room singing these wonderful words among close friends in his lovely baritone voice. The strains have stayed with me over this past decade as I know it expressed the sincerest desire of his heart. "Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work’s in vain, But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul. If you cannot preach like Peter, if you cannot pray like Paul, You can tell the love of Jesus and say, "He died for all." There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul. Don’t ever feel discouraged, for Jesus is your friend; And if you lack for knowledge, He’ll never refuse to lend. There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul." The LORD Jesus Christ bless and keep you all in His tender care, the dear family of my special friend Gene Thomas. Rejoicing in Hope, Phil & Noemi Alajajian North Chelmsford, MA.