I was privileged to serve almost thirteen years alongside a truly godly, gracious man of God unlike any other I have ever known—Robert C. Frederich. He was my pastor and colleague at Galilee Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado before returning to his roots in Maine. In February of this year, Bob Frederich was ushered into the presence of Jesus, His Savior and intimate friend after a long, difficult illness. I was privileged to be part of a memorial service a few months later celebrating his life journey with family and friends.

Bob Frederich built and lived a legacy that will bless, not just his family, but thousands of others for generations to come. His is the kind of legacy any of us would want our families and friends to inherit. Though he left few monetary assets to his five children and fifteen grandchildren, the riches he did leave them surpasses any material wealth that even kings could provide. The years of pastoral ministry and friendship I enjoyed with this man of God were indeed rich beyond measure. To the very end Bob Frederich poured himself into the next generations through his children and grandchildren, and as he mentored some twenty young pastors in the New England area.

Like the rest of us, Bob Frederich had his flaws. There were those who accused him of being a workaholic, yet at home his attention was on his family. His devotion to Christ, his family, his flock and the lost was never in question by any who knew him. He loved doing out-of-doors things with his kids, sometimes climbing a 14’er in Colorado, or canoeing and fishing at their simple lake-front cabin in Maine. His kids and grandkids all knew that, like his relationship with His Lord, they were the most precious treasures of his life. He spoke and lived blessing, not only to his family but to all he met.

A man of prayer and compassion, he saw his calling to always “Go and give them Jesus!”—and that included his family. He reveled in the grace and goodness of God expressed in His kindness in Christ Jesus. He loved telling others about the lavish grace of God in Christ and never missed an opportunity to do so.

I remember a baptism service we held one summer at Cherry Creek Reservoir in Denver. The congregation gathered on the beach to worship and publicly declare faith in Christ through baptism. More than thirty people were baptized in the lake that day. Boaters and campers in the area curious about what was going on soon gathered. That was exactly what Bob hoped would happen. As soon as the baptisms were concluded, Pastor Bob suddenly turned and swam out to a nearby boat that had anchored nearby. Surprised and concerned he might drown, the people in the boat reached over and pulled him aboard. He thanked them and asked them if they knew what they were watching. They did not know, so captives in their own boat, he told them about Jesus and the reason for all they had witnessed.

I know no one I’ve enjoyed working with more than Bob Frederich. He loved me with all my flaws and youthful naiveté as I was starting out in ministry. He mentored me and patiently stood with me when I made mistakes. His compassion, authenticity, integrity, humility and shepherd’s heart greatly impacted me and countless others. His legacy will, for generations to come, be a sweet fragrance of the aroma of Christ. His beautiful life was a rich, living legacy full of real treasures every godly grandparent wants to give their children and grandchildren.

He loved singing hymns. His favorite hymn sums up why his life was, indeed, a beautiful life!