Remembering Raphael Mecham

It has been about one month since our dear, dear friend Raphael Mecham passed away, but the memory of this amazing brother still shines bright. He took the next big step surrounded by his loving wife Shari, their dear children, and spouses on the afternoon of December 16th. It has taken a month for me to write this short message. I just could not bring myself to write this tribute as it seems like a door is closing to an amazing season of time.

Raphael is truly a renaissance man. Using his amazing talents pushed to the extreme by what he thought was OCD, he accomplished great works during his life. The most important being the loving family that he and Shari raised. He is so proud of his family.

We witnessed his amazing vision, design, and building skills as he directed the work of restoring the Joseph Knight Sr. farmhouse and property.

If you worked alongside Raphael, you also came to know the determination and physical stamina of the Marine he was. A few years ago, Raphael fell from a roof which resulted in life-altering injuries. Despite the effects, he still could outlast the rest of us who had the privilege of working by his side. He would crawl on his hands and knees to complete a task before giving up.

The most amazing attribute he, Shari, Steve and Pat Glenn, Paul and Ann Painter taught so many of us is what the laws of sacrifice and consecration truly mean. They quietly gave their all in time and money to preserve such important Church history sites as the Knight and Stowell homes so that the rest of the world could experience them. Never was there a thought of financial gain. They did it because of faith in and a deep love of Heavenly Father and our Savior. The owners sought divine guidance daily.

We are all the better because of Raphael and his testimony of our Savior and the Restored Church.

We miss you so much Raphael. Our hearts have an exceptionally large, empty spot in them with you having graduated and moved on. We all look forward to seeing you and Steve again.

May Heavenly Father bless you Shari as you continue on. Please know that we love and cherish you.

With love,

The Colesville Restoration Board

Richard and Cindy Morrey

Lloyd Winward

Aaron Goss

Carl Davis

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