Tribute

In Loving Memory of Thomas Bruce Lancaster, Sr.

December 18, 1928-November 25, 2007

By Tara Shetley (January 2008)

Bruce was a loving husband, father and grandfather, brother and son. As a family we have many wonderful memories of this special person that God put into our lives for many years, and throughout the years he has answered to many, many names. When his first grandchildren were born he was referred to as Papa, then as the years went by and his oldest great granddaughter, Polly was born she changed his name to "Pa", which of course has stuck with him for many years. Even his children at times have referred to him as "Pa". One of his greatest enjoyments in life was cooking Hash and BBQ for Union Academy and Union Day School and then owning and operating his own business, now known as Lancaster's Big Oak BBQ. During his days of cooking for the school he was referred to as the "BBQ Man" by many people. He originally started the cooking for the purpose of a fundraising mission for the private school. He was always dedicated to the school and wanted to continue raising money to help keep it going, but when The Greater Union Church purchased the school in 2002, he knew it would be okay. This is when he decided to start his own business on the Mudbridge Road. This was a dream of his for many years that was finally made a reality. We are thankful that he got to enjoy his dream for 5 years. All of his family; his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, will carry on this dream in his memory for many years to come.

One of his other favorite passions and names by many was the "Collard Man". He loved this time of year when he could meet the many people that came to his door to purchase collards that he had so carefully grown and cared for. I, as his granddaughter, Tara, remember going to their house during my lunch hour to visit with him and Nanny and not even being able to eat lunch and talk with them for the door bell ringing and people wanting collards. We even used to joke that we could not finish a sentence without the door bell ringing, but he was doing one of his favorite things, talking with people and gardening.

Any time that he was not cooking BBQ or selling collards you could find him solving the world’s problems with Norris Fowler, Carl Gist Bud Sanders and other employees of Union Oil Mill. He visited them daily, usually twice a day. One of the young men that worked there, Kyle, always took the time to talk to “Pa” and he appreciated that.

We, as a family, would like to thank each and every one of you that made the many phone calls, visits to the ICU and cards that were sent to us over the many weeks to express your deepest concern during "Pa's" illness and death. Your outpouring of visits, friendship and love you gave to us will never be forgotten, and most of all, it is the Prayers that we appreciated and felt daily. We had one minister to tell us on multiple occasions, to "Trust the Lord". That is what we have done and we know that God’s Will, will be always be done. Please continue to remember us in your prayers in the weeks and months ahead.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

Psalm 118:8