"Today we all gather together to celebrate the life of a fine young man by the name of Dustin Bass. As the news of his passing quickly spread Thursday afternoon and Friday morning all who heard of the tragedy shed a tear for the loss of such a precious life. There is no doubt that in the last few days many have had their minds flooded with memory after memory of times spent with Dustin – at home, school, church, and work. To those he had the opportunity to spend time with; Dustin has left a lasting impression of a true friend, companion and warrior. He was always strong with whatever he had to face in life, he was always dependable no matter the circumstance, he was always tender hearted no matter the struggle. To all he encountered he was a friend – he was always very respectful, loving, and servant minded. 

I had the privilege of being Dustin’s youth pastor for over 5 ½ years. In that time I have seen God work through this young man and mold him as a servant of Christ. Although he wasn’t perfect – just like all of us – I could see him try over and over again to pursue that which was right. I remember the Sunday night that he stood in this very pulpit and preached his very first sermon. He worked on that for weeks and we met over and over again to practice, tweak, and get it just right. I was so proud of him that night. I’ll never forget the fun times we shared as he would jump out and scare me, come up behind me and jump on my back, or the times he would get me with one of his tricks – man I sure will miss that. I’ll never forget the time me, Dustin, Scott, and Brian went golfing – we all were having a rough day out there but none the less still enjoying it. Time in the woods searching for golf balls can be fun. We were on this very difficult par 5 with a beautiful lake right in front of us. On our second shot we needed to get a good lick on the ball to send it over the lake. After I hit mine in the lake it was Dustin’s turn to do a little better. He got up there and took a big swing – and he missed the ball, so he tried it again, missed the ball a second time. So now with great determination…and sweaty hands he swung as hard as he could. But the club went further than the ball. That club went high in the air and FAR – right into the middle of the lake. We laughed so hard about that one for weeks after. Then there was the time he decided to throw a whole cup of gasoline on our bon fire in the backyard – it blew him back 10 feet. One afternoon he drove up to the church on his four-wheeler and wanted to give me a ride – so like the moron I am I got on the back and boom we took off so fast – he about threw me off and all he could do was laugh – I said quit laughing and concentrate on driving boy. I will miss the lunches we shared talking about life, with its struggles and battles, its joys and peaks. He would call me and say, Hey Pastor Pete, you want to go get some lunch – I’d say sure whose treat – he would say oh I thought maybe you would want to. And then came the day he paid for me – he treated me good to El Cotija.

There are so many stories we all could tell and I would encourage you to take those memories and cherish them in your heart – for maybe we have lost the earthly being of our friend and family member Dustin Bass – but we have not lost him forever. He will remain in our hearts and minds – and we look forward to being reunited with him again one day. Dustin thank you for the memories – the laughs, the tears and the joy – we love you and will miss you dearly."   

Life truly is but a vapor - oh that we might cherish the days the Lord gives to us!