A year ago this weekend I was in California celebrating Kens life with family and friends. A year later I now celebrate Kens legacy in sharing his Memorial Bench and God’s word with others.
Memorial Park Bentonville Arkansas is where Kens bench has been installed. It will provide a place for family, friends and visitors to rest, reflect, to enjoy the beautiful park and God’s creation.
In a very short time Ken built many memories along this path near a sometimes rushing or trickling stream, where from the bench you can view: the small group of trees we enjoyed hammocking upon, a delightful kiddy park where he actually climbed the apparatus with his grandchildren, ballfields in the distance where he watched grand children play ball, and just beyond on the trees tennis courts where he played tennis with grandchildren. The path in front of the bench provided hours and days of walking, running, or riding our bikes and enjoying this new community with our family.
And now I pray that others who need a rest on their journey along this path might take a moment and reflect on all that God has blessed us with. And may all who visit read his plaque and look to God’s word to bless and encourage them. And to know that Ken truly is “Livin The Dream” as he would tell others.
The Verses on the plaque are a few that Ken wanted me to read during his final journey and remembered when he was gone…
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.“
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Should you happen upon Kens memorial bench (at the north west end of Memorial park just off of John Desheilds Way) please feel free to share a thought or picture.
May God bless you on your journey and may you experience a moment to rest and reflect on Gods word as you walk the path before you today.
Thank you.
Pati Rader 
Pati, your inspiration and sweet stories full of hope and encouragement to others speaks volumes! May God continue to bless and see you through to you next “Act.”
Love you!
Michelle
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Thank you Michelle for your thoughtful comment and blessing.
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What a special way to remember special times with your Ken. I pray that people who see the placard are prompted by the Holy Spirit to look up the passages and begin their own journey to the Saviour. May it bring physical comfort and rest to those at the park and glory to God through the witness of Ken’s words. Love you Pati!
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Thank you Rebecca. Your prayer for Kens bench is perfect!!! Love you too, so appreciate your encouragement and timeless friendship 🥰
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I love that you were able to accomplish this and that the park administrators allowed/approved it. I’d love to do something similar here in Sacramento for Ross. Where did you begin?
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I contacted the park and recreation department as there were other memorial benches in the park. There is a program for one to pay for a bench or a tree to be placed in someone’s memory. A good place to start would be to call a local funeral parlor like East lawn and ask them if they know of a place. As well as parks and recreation districts. By the way I have enjoyed watching your own memorial of your sweet Ross as you scatter his ashes throughout memorable places from your life together. God bless you my friend
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