Friday, April 1, 2011

Memories: Bart Czirr

CONTRIBUTED BY SON-IN-LAW BART CZIRR

RAPHAEL CLEMENT
                       
It is said that behind every successful man there is a surprised mother-in-law. The same thing can probably be said of father-in-laws. Like every other father with attractive daughters, he was understandably worried about giving his daughter's hand in marriage to an untried commodity.

I am pleased to report that before Raphael died, I had won his love and respect. More importantly, for the long haul, I want to maintain his respect by living my life in accordance with the principles of the gospel—principles that he lived by, day by day.

Raphael talked with me on several occasions when I was beginning to investigate the church. I was having considerable trouble letting go of the theory of evolution as it was taught in the schools. He pointed out several scriptures that supported the church's doctrine on the subject, but I stubbornly held my ground. Finally he said heatedly, "Any fool can see that is wrong." I got a big kick out of his remark, and we laughed about it later. His testimony of the gospel was very important to me during this time.

It is very significant that his influence is still so strong upon those who knew him closely.

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About Me

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Utah, United States
I am the second daughter of Raphael and Pearl Olsen Clement. My ancestors immigrated to Utah after joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can contact me by email at barbaraeleane@gmail.com.