Church, family, friends fete VanDyke retirement

Many years ago, a preacher’s wife informed Pat Van Dyke that once her husband, Pete Van Dyke, became a pastor, he would “belong to the church.” At a humor-filled retirement ceremony on January 10, Pat acknowledged that statement had been true. But she added, “Tonight I get him back!”

It was just one moment of many that drew laughs and applause from an affectionate crowd packed into the main sanctuary of Canyon Lake Community Church on Sunday afternoon.

From the opening moments, when new Senior Paster Dave Dick walked out in a black clergy’s robe to uproarious laughter (an inside joke), through several speeches and video clips, it was clear there would be no somber goodbyes. Especially since Pete plans to continue helping church and community members with bereavement support, weddings and funerals.

Each segment of the ceremony brought to mind aspects of the VanDykes’ 39-year ministry, starting with a special speaker, continuing with a video clip interview with Pete and Pat, and concluding with a special gift to the couple from the church.

To talk about “Celebrating History” was Brittany Youngquist, the director of the church preschool and of the early family ministry. Brittany talked about how her mother, Kathy Hamilton, first visited the church at the age of 14 and became the VanDykes’ babysitter. Pastor Pete later married Kathy and Jim Downey, who are still members of the church and Canyon Lake residents.

Brittany grew up in the church, and Pete married her and her husband Ricky Youngquist as well. Sadly, he also conducted the funeral of her 11-year-old brother Brett Downey, who died in a motocross accident. In the most emotional tribute of the afternoon, Brittany called her pastor “the shepherd of our flock.” She then unveiled the church’s first gift: a painting by a Russian artist called “Fishers of Men,” a reference to the Apostle Peter and Jesus’ other disciples.

Subsequent speakers were Stephanie Edwards (Rose Parade commentator) and her husband Murray MacLeod, who spoke on “Celebrating Humor;” Judi Sellers on “Celebrating Friendships;” Kevin Farnum on “Celebrating Ministry;” Dave Dick on “Celebrating Pete and Pat;” and Dave Willson on “Honoring Pete and Pat.”

With that famous voice so familiar to Rose Parade viewers, Stephanie Edwards described how she met Pat some 20 years earlier and became good friends when both were speaking at women’s retreats. Acknowledging the tragedies and challenges that befell the VanDykes throughout their marriage, Stephanie and Murray pointed out it wasn’t the “jolts” that defined them but rather their humor. When visiting Pat at the hospital during her treatment for sarcoma cancer, Stephanie observed how the nursing staff made excuses to be in Pat’s room, loving how she made them laugh.

Like each of the speakers, she reflected on the VanDykes’ deep faith in Christ and summed up the essence of the philosophy by which they live their daily lives: “To love life no matter what; and to love God even more than the life He’s given us.” She presented the second gift from the church: a pair of diamond earrings for Pat.

Pastor Pete VanDyke has been lead pastor of Canyon Lake Community Church since January 1977. Photo provided by Pat Van Dyke

Calling herself “the Ethel to Pat’s Lucy,” the third speaker, Judi Sellers, described the lifelong friendship she and her husband Steve shared with Pat and Pete, including some of their more memorable pranks.

She emphasized how they “talked the talk and walked the walk with humor, grace and humility,” and recalled a statement that has remained with her all her life. When Judi was trying to understand why so many bad things had happened to the VanDykes, Pat told Judi what she had learned from Pete: “Why not us? We’re not special.” Judi presented the third gift from the church: a gold watch for Pastor Pete.

The next three speakers focused more specifically on Pete’s ministry. Kevin Farnum, a personal friend and elder in the church for 25 years, fashioned his words into “a message from God.”

Among other qualities, Kevin singled out Pastor Pete’s administrative and financial acumen; getting a laugh when, speaking for God, he said, “I made you a pastor of CLCC; but before that I made you Dutch.” He closed “God’s message” with the words all true believers hope to hear someday from their Lord: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Kevin presented the VanDykes with the fourth gift from the church: an all-expense paid trip to the Netherlands.

Dave Dick, the new senior pastor, has been on staff six years; Dave Willson, a 20-year member, is vice-president of the Church Council. They continued the themes of humor, devotion and service.

Finally, Willson offered Pete the shirt off his back – literally handing him a white shirt on a hanger. He then offered a prayer of blessing and the church’s final gift to the VanDykes: a check for $20,000.

Interspersed throughout the afternoon were video clips of an interview with Pete and Pat in which they joked, laughed, reminisced, answered questions like “What was your most romantic moment?” and talked about their faith. Those who know them well, laughed and nodded. Those who don’t know them well came away with a much greater appreciation for the VanDykes and for Canyon Lake Community Church.

Many family members and friends who aren’t church members were in attendance; the final benediction had the VanDyke children and grandchildren joining them on stage for prayer. The celebration ended with a dessert reception in the gym.