My Father’s Passing

Carl & Dad(Rick) at a family wedding

Carl & Dad(Rick) at a family wedding

My dad graduated to heaven on Feb. 5th, 2012 at 11:55 pm. He had just turned 78 years old in January and lived a life dedicated to honoring the Lord in all he did. And now he has the great honor of seeing his saviour face to face. I appreciate your prayers during this season of life for me and my entire family. So many of you have sent such kind notes of blessing & encouragement.

After battling 2 long years of lung cancer & heart disease issues Dad was at peace about receiving healing from the Lord or moving beyond this world into his eternal home. He rebounded rather well for about a year in the middle of this process, but in the last 6 months the battle did not go in his favor. We had some good, heartfelt exchanges during this season, and Dad was clear that he was “ready to go home.” The family continued in prayer and assisted Dad in every way we could during the final chapters of his life.

In the last few days at St. Joseph hospital in St. Charles, MO. family & friends gathered around Dad to pray, tell stories, encourage, and bring comfort. As Rick (Dad) faded in & out of consciousness, and struggled with some pain, there were a few moments where we could have a brief exchange. At one point Dad said..” Oh, they’re beautiful… I see they’re wings…. and there’s a white door I have to go through… AND it’s automatic!” – Thank You, Jesus, that You ARE the Way, the Truth, & The LIFE!… the DOOR!

My dad and mom navigated life together with much faith and strength of character… my mom (Genevieve) is doing well… Yes, she misses dad… but continues on in her church work and music, and has a great circle of  friends, family, and extended community. She is an amazing woman, and an “anchor” of faith & love to many. They both affected my life, faith, and musical journey in significant ways. Dad always played music, and had a band that kept working up until this last year,,,  mom still plays organ & piano at the church she has been part of since her birth.

I played in my father’s band for over 7 years as a young drummer, and those early rehearsals, gigs, and constant encouragement are a major part of the musician and person that I am today. I continue on in the journey the Lord has ordained for me. And I know much of it is a continuing story of what God has called the Albrecht family in to. May we bring HIM glory in all we do.

My dad LOVED country music and western movies… and he was, very much, a “John Wayne” kind of man. Yet, I knew he loved me, and we said it more to each other in later years…. The last day at the hospital I was watching “The Cowboys” (a J.Wayne classic from’72) in the waiting room… I could not help but smile, watching Wayne, and thinking of Dad. I’m sure he’s riding horses in heaven now, flying some amazing airplanes too (he was also a pilot), and singing some lovely tunes for the Lord. Dad is experiencing music like he never imagined… how cool is that!

I miss my dad, but I’m happy he’s experiencing the joy of heaven and all of the wonderful things the Lord has in store for him in that “mansion” that has been prepared especially for him. John 14:1-3 1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2 My Father’s house has plenty of room; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Thanks again so much for all your love & prayers; it is truly felt. Blessings, Carl & all the Albrecht family.

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About Carl

Carl has been a professional drummer & percussionist for over 30 years. He has played on over 80 Integrity Music projects; Maranatha Praise Band recordings 7 thru 10, & numerous other Christian, Pop, Country, Jazz, & Commercial projects.

Comments

  1. Hey Carl, thanks for sharing this post. You’re in our thoughts and prayers!
    Jon

  2. Carl-
    It was a real honor to attend the memorial service for your dad. Though we didn’t know him, we were overwhelmed by the love of his family and friends, pastors and fellow-musicians who were there. What a godly heritage he invested in you. And the music at the service was truly glorious. We continue to pray for you and Leann, my friend.

    Thru His Love.
    Bob and Paula Picket

    • Hi Bob & Paula, We were so blessed by you’re coming to honor Dad. Thanks for being such an encouragement. Hope to visit sometime in the future… come & see us in Nashville any time. Peace, Carl & Leann

  3. Thanks for sharing about your father, Carl. I’m sorry for your loss; but, one day, there’s going to be a “family reunion,” if you know what I mean.

  4. Stephen Burns Kessler says

    You are the living legacy… Love you, Carl.

    • Hi Stephen… I am speechless. (humbled & honored) Bless you, Carl

      • “… of the leader of the band.” When I heard your dad walked his last two steps into legend I flashed back on the night you sang “Leader Of The Band” to him from the stage of the club out near Harvester low these many, many years ago. He sat there watching you like you were the only person in the world. I watched tears roll down his cheeks and saw you stare at the microphone like a lifeline knowing that if you looked his way, your eyes would meet and you would choke up. Rare is such a connection between two people, even a parent to child. You, Doug and Cathy were his world and he yours.

        All is good. All is as it should. All will always be. Blessings, Stephen

        • Hey Stephen, Thanks so much for your beautiful reminder of the legacy I live to “the leader of the band.” We did not speak it with words as much… like many men do in our culture. But I am aware that my father, and mother too, were & are proud of me. I am blessed to carry on with what the Lord so wonderfully has woven into my family… music is such a powerful language of the soul. So I play and sing on, to tell the stories of life’s journey. May the Lord continue to guide my every step as I live to honor what He, God, planted in me, and what my family nurtured so well. Blessings in your journey too, my friend. Sincerely, Carl

  5. Bob Heeley (bo) says

    Your dad and I spent a lot of time together between the day job and the music.I’m going to miss him. On my facebook page I posted the loss of my best picking buddy and comented one by one the old band is leaving to practice for our come back tour. Take care..

    • Hey Bob, Yea, I remember all the years of you dialin’ in the sound for the band… thanks for always being encouraging & good humored. Dad always spoke highly of you… AND we all did… and still do. 🙂 Thanks so much for being such a great friend to Dad, & all the Albrecht clan. Blessings, Carl

  6. Carl I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Your faith and the faith of your mom is something truly special. Your dad is in the place we are all trying to get to. I can see that he was a very important role model for you. I think it’s really cool that one day you will be playing music with him in Heaven.

    When I hear of a saint who have gone to be with the Lord, this is the scripture that somes to mind. 2 Timothy 4: 7-8. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

    I pray that you, your mom, and all of your family will experience the love and peace of our loving God. And God bless you as you continue to “fight the good fight”, using your musical talent to bring honor and glory to our Creator.

  7. Hey Carl, Please accept my belated condolences on your father’s passing. I can just imagine him jammin’ with the Angels. Thank you for the insight into you and your Dad’s relationship. You are so blessed to have had musical and spiritual influences from your folks early in life.
    I want to personally thank you, Leann and David for your seminar on Saturday and worship, both Saturday and Sunday. What an uplifting experience for us all. My wife so thoroughly enjoyed you guys opening the service.
    Please accept my sincere thanks to you, Dave and Leann for your heart-felt prayers for me.
    May I covet your continuing prayers for my wife Pat’s healing after recent cancer surgery and a positive outcome from my up-coming back surgery? I cannot thank you enough but I will ask God’s blessings on you three as you serve him in everything you do.

    A new friend,

    Bob Forst

  8. Andrew (andy) Pardo says

    Worked with Rick for years at West Lake Companies. It was an honor and pleasure to be aquainted with him. What a guy . The last couple years we got together once a month at Gigham’s in St. Charles. There was four or five of us each month. I was the youngest at “68”. He was very upbeat until this past year. A lot of great stories. I will forever have my memories. God Bless. Hope to see you down the road.

  9. Carl, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

    My father passed away in May 2011 (9 months ago), and around the time that your Dad graduated to heaven, I was finally able to visit his final resting place (we lived on opposite sides of Australia) and after that, I was able to cry… I wept non-stop for about 30 minutes (it felt much longer)…
    My Dad was 78 as well. I take comfort in the knowledge that he was a Believer, and I look forward to reuniting with him in due course.
    With peace in my heart, I was able to return home, and am endeavouring to be the best Dad to my 4 young boys that God has blessed me with!
    I am drumming at church this Sunday (2nd time), and am looking forward to it. I pray that my nerves don’t make it too difficult to do double-kicks this time, otherwise I’ll have to simply my grooves to singles…

    God Bless You! Your brother in Christ, Paul.

  10. Mike Walker says

    Hi Carl,
    So sorry to hear about your Dad. I am glad that he was a Christian. Definitely a reunion later. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Mike Walker

  11. Carl . I am saddened for you at the passing of your dad. He sounds like an awesome guy . Blessings on you and your kin .

  12. Continued prayers for you and your family. I know of your concern for your dad’s health over the last few years and now as you say, he’s experiencing music like he never imagined. How cool is that?
    My dad is coming to the end of his battle with stomach and liver cancer and I pray he looks forward to heaven in the same way.

  13. Bruce Lindemann says

    Carl – I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. My own Dad passed into Glory just over a year ago. He too was a musician (violin), 87 years old, and a devout follower of Jesus. He kept saying “I’ve got a reservation at the table up there!”. I wrote the following in tribute to him, and had the privilege of singing it at his funeral. I hope this touches your heart. as you have touched ours. In Christ – bruce lindemann
    “Hands”
    O the hands that played so well,
    Wielding bow and string and rosin,
    Sculpting melodies so rich,
    Carried through the air on wings of love.

    O the hands that once held mine,
    Gentle strength mixed with compassion.
    Hands that pointed to The Way,
    Holding steady through the stormy night.

    O the hands that now lie still,
    Resting gently on his breast,
    O those hands yet reach again,
    Reach to hold Eternal Hands of grace.

    And now my hands are much the same,
    Coaxing strings to sing with passion.
    Holding those much younger still,
    Pointing upward towards the Hands of Life.

    Yet these hands are frail as well,
    And one day they too will rest.
    Then these hands will reach again,
    Reach to hold Eternal Hands of grace.

    O the Hands, my Master’s Hands,
    Hands engraved with all our pardon,
    Hands that formed us from the clay,
    Hands that hold us close when we are weak.

    O those Hands will carry us,
    Though the storms of life will rage.
    And those Hands will bring us through,
    And gently lift us up to Heaven’s rest.

    Bruce and Bev Lindemann, October 2010

  14. Kathy Willis says

    Carl, so sorry to hear about your Dad’s death, but so so glad that he is with Jesus. Still, i know you must be missing him and pray that you will know the Lord’s deep comfort and peace each day. Love to Leann.
    Kathy and John

  15. Carl, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He sounded and looked like a man any son would be proud of to call, “Dad”. Our prayers of comfort are with you and your family. Another saint has come home to the Lord!

  16. Carl,

    I know words seem so inadequate to express my sympathy in the loss of your dad. Even knowing you’ll meet again in heaven still leaves grief and sadness. I pray that wonderful memories of him will fill your thoughts. I pray Leanne and your family will bring you comfort during this difficult time. So glad yo know you still carry the inspiration he gave you to give to us. that is a beautiful legacy.

    In Christ’s Love,
    Mark Hines

  17. Simply and beautifully put Carl. May we all leave a legacy: a lasting impression on those around us, as your Dad obviously did for you and others.

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