Lifestyles over 50
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November 2010
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Tributes to Roy Bellesfield (continued from previous page) Sorry I got carried away as I was talking about Granpop Jacobs, as I remember him he was not a man to hold a conversation with. I did ask questions and he usually answered with few words. He did send me to the tobacco shop for chewing tobacco. It was called Panic and sold for 5 cents. I decided to try it one day and choked and ran for water and I never tried that again. He did some chores around the yard when he was able. He lived with his children and moved around like Grammy Bellesfield. Toward the end of his days, he wanted to stay with us. My mother said, as a father he was strict and not a loving father, but my parents lived Christian lives and my mother said she had no malice in her heart for him. I never heard grandpop say he loved my mother. I saw by the way he smiled to her, he found something that made him want to stay right where he was. He lived to be 89 plus years. Now as I write about my grandparents and how they loved living at our house, I thank God I was privileged to be brought up where God was head of our home and love reigned always. Your friend always, Roy Bellesfield The following was Roy’s favorite verse from the Bible. We reprint here in his honor. “Fear not for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
From the Staff at Lifestyles over
50:
Over the past five years, I had the privilege of getting to know Roy as I visited him each month. Our friendship may have had a 61 year age difference, but Roy was easy to talk with and we had many things in common, namely our love of family (and homemade strawberry ice cream). He would show me pictures of his children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and even a great-great grandchild. He spoke of them with undeniable pride and love which inspired me as I began my own family. Now and again I
brought my two-year-old daughter to visit and she would climb onto Roy’s lap, which was uncharacteristic of her. I suppose she could sense his kind and loving heart. Roy quickly and unexpectedly became a trusted friend and advisor. Many times he graced me with hugs, prayers, words of wisdom and encouragement. He had an infectious attitude of joy, optimism and love. These things just oozed out of him and after each of our monthly visits, I left with renewed resolve to slow down and cherish the little things in life. I will hold dear my memories of Roy and lessons he unknowingly shared with me. I am truly a better person for having had a friend like Roy. While I am sad that my friend is no longer here with us, I can smile knowing that he is Heaven holding the hand of his beloved Evelyn. I thank Roy for providing all of us the pleasures of “Roy’s Reminiscences”. Laura Putt, Copy Editor For the past five years, Roy Bellesfield was far and away the most popular of the Lifestyles over 50 writers. He offered distant memories of life as it used to be, taking us away from the stresses of life and into an idealistic yesteryear of kindness and simple pleasures. We learned about who we are and also who we should be. Roy had a resolute faith in Jesus Christ that provided absolute joy and faith in even the most mundane things, radiating positivity and thankfulness as contagious as a baby’s smile. He exemplified everything that Lifestyles over 50 espouses; vibrant and healthy living. We thank Roy for his contributions and his lessons and anecdotes are sure to live on. Jeff Tintle, Publisher I have been with this publication for four years and have had the opportunity to meet with many of our readers. I have heard too many times to count that Roy’s articles were the favorite stories in this magazine. His ability to remember details about his youth and the Lehigh Valley has been a rich source of nostalgia for our readers. His reference to his faith has inspired many. Roy brought a smile of recognition and remembrance to our readers and for that he will always be remembered by all as a unique and inspiring writer. Lifestyles over 50 has been a favorite magazine in the Lehigh Valley in no small measure because of Roy Bellesfield. May he rest in peace. Art Villafane, Editor