July 25, 2012
DAVID A. LEFURGEY
March 12, 1945 – July 25, 2012
The physical life of David Alexander Lefurgey of Maricopa, Arizona, terminated on July 25, 2012 after a brave battle with Melanoma. He moved on to his eternal home.
Dave was born the son of David Alexander Lefurgey and Irene Eliza (Janes) Lefurgey in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. He emigrated to the United States to attend college and became a United States citizen in 1998, holding dual citizenship of which he was very proud.
Married to Linda Marlane Ivey of Houlton, Maine, on December 13, 1969, David and Linda were the proud parents of three children: Jonathan David, Joel Andre and Jessica Martha. They enjoyed 43 years together facing the challenges and savoring the joys of life.
Dave considered himself a follower of Jesus, and eschewed denominational differences which he felt divided Jesus’ simple message to love God and one’s neighbor. Describing his theology Dave used to say, “I believe in Jesus.” He embraced Dr. Karl Barth’s summary of the Biblical message in the words of the song “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” With joy he would say, “I found Grace in the United Methodist Church.”
His favorite scripture verse was Titus 3:5-6, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
He loved music, all kinds: classical, jazz, gospel, and the great hymns of the church sung loud and up-tempo and he relished the simple gospel and praise songs of his childhood.
He was always proud of his children and the pride and joy of his life were his grandchildren: Liam and London Behnke.
In his education, Dave completed two degrees: a B.A. in Ministerial Studies, Magna Cum Laude, and an M.S. in Communication, Summa Cum Laude. He completed additional courses in the fields of human resources at George Washington University and in theology at the seminaries mentioned below.
Dave had a varied career. He was a voice-over announcer for radio and television commercials in regions across the nation. In academia he was proud to be a tenured Assistant Professor of Communication, Radio-Television Production, at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. In Human Resources Training and Development at Albany International in Albany, New York, he developed multi-media training programs, a state-of-the-art training facility, and had opportunity to travel around the world. The apex of his life’s careers was when he left secular employment and followed what he considered God’s calling on his life, Christian ministry in the church. He returned to school in pursuit of the required advanced theological studies at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC; Boston University School of Theology; and Chandler Theological Seminary at Emory University toward ordination in the United Methodist Church. Upon completion, he was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church where he served churches in the Adirondack District of the former Troy Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Jonesville and Hudson Falls.
For nine years, while pastor of Hudson Falls United Methodist Church in Hudson Falls, New York, he produced and was the speaker on the television program WORSHIP, the Sunday-morning worship service of Hudson Falls United Methodist Church, which was cable-cast in the Capital District and on eight channels on the Island of Jamaica. The program continues.
Before his death, Dave said, “Thanks to all the people who have befriended me and blessed me throughout the years. You made my life special. You know who you are. We laughed together. Remember?”
Special thanks to all of the physicians and medical personnel who ministered to Dave. Special thanks to Dr. Evan Hersh, his oncologist at the University Medical Center in Tucson whom Dave held in highest esteem.
In present, Dave asked for the following. “If I have somehow blessed your life, would you please, verbally and in deed, share that blessing with others now and throughout your life. You may call some people together wherever you are to share events that we shared together. Share some food, jokes, thought-filled discussions, helpful, serious events, have laughter and praise God for our having met and been together.
“If I ever offended you in any way, I never did it with purpose. Forgive me and never do the same to anybody else. That would be a blessing to me, to you and the world in which you live. I would like that, and Jesus would be pleased.”
Living relatives:
Wife of 43 years, Linda Marlane (Ivey) Lefurgey.
Sons: Jonathan David Lefurgey, Albany, New York; Joel Andre Lefurgey, Maricopa, Arizona; Jessica Martha Behnke, her husband Daniel and grandchildren: Liam Daniel Behnke and London Jessica Behnke, Maricopa, Arizona. Cousin, Mary Ruth (Copeland) McGrath and husband Gary, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Mother and father-in-law, Marcinne and Henry Ivey, Houlton, Maine. Brothers and sisters: Mary Lou Mitchell, Wayne Lefurgey, Carol Joy Caraballo, Brian Lefurgey, Mark Lefurgey and their families.
In lieu of flowers, the Lefurgey’s have requested contributions to either:
Hospice of the Valley
1510 E. Flower St.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Doctors Without Borders
https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/
(Specifically the ready to use food, PLUMPY NUT for children)