Today was a day of memories of a family friend who passed away earlier today.

The picture shown here was taken more than 50 years ago and is in a collection of old family pictures from the late 50’s and early 60’s.

Lafe Culver was a preacher, professor, teacher and a family friend.

I have memories of Lafe preaching at rallies and teaching at Bible camps. I also remember the nature talks that he would give. His nature talks were one of the many things that helped give me an interest in nature and science.

Lafe was also a professor at the Midwestern School of Evangelism in Ottumwa, Iowa when my parents were students there.

Today I have had many memories of times spent at the old Harper Mansion that was the administration building for the school.

Many of our family friends went to school at MSE and those relationships have continued through the years.

I am always a bit sad when I hear of the passing of a family friend, but I always take the time to think of happy memories of them.

The last time I saw Lafe he was giving a nature talk at a camp in the mountains of Colorado. Whenever I would see something about him on Facebook I would always remember that time.

As I close this post I am thinking of the many different posts that I have written about nature, and am thanking Lafe for helping build my interest in nature. I hope that I can also help others in the same way.

Steven