Our dear friend Galen Dolby went to be with Jesus this morning around 8:00am in Indiana. His son-in-law Justin called to share the news with us… and we spoke with his wife, Laura, just a few minutes later. Galen passed away this morning after having contracted an infection somewhere in his body and developing a significant fever on Saturday. Galen’s 53 year old body, which had fought kidney cancer for so many years, just couldn’t keep up the fight this time. We had spoken with Laura around midnight last night, but Galen was already too ill to speak.
Few people hold the place in our lives that the Dolby’s do, so this is especially hard news for us. We hurt that Kathy was not able to 
return in time to see him once more. We are arranging to fly out for the funeral- Kathy and I are so thankful to our friends who will be watching our children and to our church for its flexibility in letting me travel this weekend.
Galen had inspired and encouraged us for the past 16 years and his family became a 2nd family for us in many ways. Our hearts cry this morning, and our souls pray for Laura and Galen’s children (Liz, Adrianne, Isaac).
I’ll try to post an interview Galen did for me a few months ago regarding equipping emerging generations in the church. For now, here are some of my other posts about Galen:
his story
prayer prior to my visit to see him in august
a visit to see him in august
That’s right James. We’re all encouraged by those who have run well, especially to the finish. Galen certainly has inspired many many people to run.
At his memorial service, Don Wolgemuth- the President of YFC/USA told everyone that most people try to go fast downhill. But that’s easy, he said. It’s not difficult to gain speed going down hill. Galen, however, went as fast as he could uphill… a much more difficult and determined task.
The Christian race is one of running uphill, always pressing on towards the prize to which we are called heavenward. Galen ran such a race… and I hope to as well!
Ken,
As Galen and other friends who have gone before stand around the Throne worshipping our risen Lord, continue to live your life knowing that you
are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith. They are encouraging you to strip off every weight that slows you down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. They are cheering you on as you run with endurance the race God has set before you. Do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects your faith, knowing that one day you will be standing with your friends at His throne.