A Pioneer Has Passed
Errett Ballew Amick passed out of this turbulent era called time, into a peaceful rest on March 11, 1954 at his home in San Diego, California. Attended by his faithful companion of 46 years, Carrie A. Amick, and his sons, Fred A. and Ezra C. Amick, and surrounded by innumerable brothers and sisters in the Lord, Brother Amick put off his earthly tabernacle in exchange for an eternal tabernacle, not made with hands.
Brother Amick was born in Boonesboro, Missouri, May 31, 1875. In 1906 he obeyed the gospel of our Lord and began a life that has proven rich in good works and influence. Moving, with his family, to Idaho in 1918, Brother Amick settled in Payette County, near Fruitland, where he served the church as an elder and teacher for 28 years. Many joys and many disappointments attended his way as he devoted himself to the needs of his brethren. His sober reasoning and unwavering devotion for truth has been an inspiration to those whom he met along the way.
Brother Amick was always an active worker, and lived to see his son, Fred, become a diligent and accomplished preacher of the gospel, and his son, Ezra, a student and teacher of God's book. Brother Amick spent the last few years of his time in San Diego, California, where he made a host of friends and was constantly active in teaching the truth. It was while engaged in visitation and teaching, that he became ill, and in a few hours was released from his tasks by our kind heavenly Father.
Memorial services were conducted in San Diego, by your scribe, ably assisted by brothers, Byron Brown and Bud Watson. The earthly remains were laid at rest in the Greenwood cemetery.
The following tribute was submitted by the family of our beloved brother:
Our Father
Now he belongs to eternity. Time shall know him no more. With resolute will, and zestfully, he waged relentless war on his vices, and strove to be at peace with God and his neighbors. With an intensity that was the dismay of cowards, but the rallying point of righteous men, he hated every form of tyranny and fought to free the minds of his associates from its oppression. Alone, or in the company of many, he pushed the fight against spiritual ignorance with an ardor that could not be stifled by joy or sorrow, praise or blame.
His mistakes were the mistakes of a warrior, and never the mistakes of a diplomat or an appeaser. Confused minds sometimes mistook his great determination for ruthlessness, and were offended by his disregard for artificial niceties. Those discerning enough to look beneath externals and into the great heart of his purpose, were amazed at his constant ability to sift the grain of spiritual truth from the chaff of human opinion. After finally turning his back on the world and giving himself to the Lord, not for a single period of his life did he deviate from his lofty purpose. He walked so close to God that the language of the Bible flowed through his daily conversation as naturally as a summer breeze rustles the tree tops.
Tenderly, and without regret, we lay his earthly tabernacle to rest. We, his loved ones, sorrow not "even as others that have no hope." With the beloved apostle we can say of him, "For to him to live was Christ, and to die was gain .... For he was in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better; Nevertheless to abide in the flesh was more needful for us. In faith we see him smiling encouragement from the other side as he patiently waits for us to follow.