Saturday, July 18, 2020
It is with both sadness and joy that I celebrate the life of my special friend Lane Thompson, who departed our physical world on July 11, 2020.
As I ponder about life and the friends we make along our journey, it is evident that we meet individuals along our path and some become good friends. Most of us are fortunate to have a hand full of exceptional friendships which evolve during our life. These are the few special people, in addition to our spouses, that we learn to know and share on a connected level. A true or exceptional friendship involves mutual respect and trust. Exceptional friends share in life’s difficult and challenging times as well as in the fun and lighthearted moments. An exceptional friend, as Lane was to me, becomes family in many ways.
Lane and I shared the entrepreneurial spirit along with the challenges and excitement of developing and managing a new business. We melded our strengths and forged ahead as the best of partners and shared with each other the decisions and challenges which led to our success. Through this process an exceptional friendship evolved. Lane possessed outstanding business acumen. He was loyal, determined, hard-working, and always brought a component of humor and wit. Lane enjoyed golf and visiting his family cabin in New Mexico. For several years he organized a summer trip and invited many of his friends for a New Mexico golf outing. It was a special time for Lane, myself and all of his friends. He loved his family, wife and children and would often convey to me the highlights of their lives and how fortunate he was to have a wonderful family.
Lane was honest, of great integrity and he had my utmost trust and respect. During the peak times of our friendship, I asked Lane to be the trustee of my estate.
One of Lane’s greatest gifts to me was a leather bound daily devotional for every day of the year “Jesus Calling – Enjoying Peace in his Presence.” A gift I continue to enjoy.
May God bless Lane’s family and he be granted everlasting peace.
Wally Burge
Fort Worth, Texas
