The Rt. Rev. Frank Harris Vest, Jr. for me was a man of solid convictions.  Whether you agreed with Frank or not, he was a master of pastoral kindness and reality.  Frank, no matter what was always there.

Working for Frank Vest was both an honor and sometimes a challenge.  Frank expected me to do what I had to do to deliver great Youth programming for both EYC and Camp Chanco.  I won some and I lost some, but either way Frank was a Man of his word, He reprimanded me when it was necessary, challenged me when things could have been better and praised me when things were going well. This is the sign of a friend who helps a person grow both in knowledge and wisdom.

In 1992, about three months after Frank hired me as the Director of youth ministry, my brother died.  As soon as Frank found out, he was at my dorestep offing to do anything he could.  Frank prayed with us, stayed with us, and even went to the Northern Neck of Virginia to conduct his funeral and burial.

When my son, Bryce was about to be born and Gayle was in labor, Frank arrived at Norfolk General.  Gayle had requested that her name not be put up on the Census board for all who came to see because she was a nurse a CHKD and just did not want a whole lot of visitors.  Frank however, went to the nurses station, inquiring about Gayle, and nurses looking at each other so as not to give up the secret, Frank says, "It that a hard question?"  To which the nurses replied rather "Ah, no sir, we can't lie to a minister, we will call down to her room and let them know you are on your way."  Frank was persistant when it came to caring for his flock.  He was a good man.

When Gayle was diagnosed with breast cancer, Frank was there.  When Gayle found out results of tests, both good and bad, Frank was there.  When Gayle was dying, Frank was there everyday either by phone or in person.  When Gayle died, Frank was there.  When Gaye was buried Frank was there.  When we dedicated the Infirmiry at Camp Chanco in Gayle's name, Frank was there.

When Bryce, my son turned six in 1998, the same year Gayle passed away, Frank brought Bryce in person a dollar for every year since he had been born.

When I asked Frank to come for a week at Senior High Conference, Frank was there.  And like Ann said. Frank became one of us, and enjoyed being with each and every person.

Frank was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.  Frank always was able to let me know that it was Jesus Christ who sat with me through the dark times.

But most of all Bishop Frank was not just the Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia; not just my boss; but a loyal friend.  Thank you Frank for building up the temple in me, for as the stones have been removed by both friend and foe, there has always been enough to rebuilt that temple on a solid foundation which you helped to cast.

May God's love in Jesus our Lord be with you Frank as you enter into God's Kingdom Triumphant.  Enjoy the adventure, you certainly deserve it.

Let us continue to pray for Ann, Frank's wife and his family as they endure the sting of death, the loss of a spuse and a father and grandfather.

Peace,

The Rev. Bill Taylor