MONTY AUDENART «WENT HOME»

Yesterday, when I switched on my lap top, I could not realize at once what was happening. Monty Audenart, my dear friend, classmate as team leader in United States (we were the so called «Peter Perfect Pioneers»), was vice-president of Rotary International and Rotary Foundation Trustee, had written me the message below:

«My Dear Friends,
This is just a short message to let you know that I have simply " Gone Home". While the Spirit is strong, and I would have loved to stay longer , I have had to lay my body down and walk through the next door. But then, life is really all about how we live it, and less about how long we live. I am lucky to have lived a grand life in the time that I had. I have been blessed to have a wonderful family, and so many good friends like you.
Thank you for being a part of my life, and for the many experiences and fun times we shared and the lessons you taught me. I will surely miss you, but I have faith that in due time we shall meet again. Please pray for my family, and know that I am not too far away.
Monty».

Last time we met in Lisbon in June 2013 he leapt for joy, we talked friendly for a long while about our lives and families. When I returned home last night I felt the whole possible sadness when we say goodbye to a friend, to a close member of our family. The letter below convinced me. Monty Audenart, born in the same year than I, had really «gone home»:

«If you are reading this now, I have simply gone HOME. Come and help celebrate my life here on January 27, at 12pm at 8 Keast Way, Red Deer (LDS chapel).

Of course there will be food (I asked for KFC but probably won't get it), some good memories, and my family really needs your support. 
I was born on November 14, 1949 and returned HOME January 21, 2015. I was lucky

to be adopted by Osh and Gladys Audenart and raised on a farm near Raymond, with my two great sisters Connie and Beverly. I attended school in Raymond and Magrath, and then served a mission for the LDS Church in Tahiti. I attended the University of 

Alberta where I graduated from dentistry in 1977. I practiced in Vermilion and Red 

Deer, and Nunavut, and offered my services to less fortunate people in Jamaica,

Bangladesh, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, Russia and the Amazon. Sometimes mydaughters came with me. It was a grand adventure. It never ever seemed like work. I 

served in the Church as a Branch President, a Councilor in the Bishopric, member of 

High Council, Stake executive secretary and Stake Director of Public Affairs. 
I joined Rotary in 1987, and served as Club President, District Governor, Rotary International Director and Vice-President, and a Trustee of the Rotary Foundation, and lots of in-betweens. Rotary gave Liz and I, friends worldwide, and so many opportunities 

to serve the community and beyond. Rotary changes lives, including my own. I never 

seemed to be able to repay Rotary for all it gave me.

I leave for awhile my eternal friend and wife of more than 40 years, Liz; my children Maurita and Scott Tollestrup, Jay and Amica (Antonelli) Audenart, Graham and Talia

Audenart, Robin and Dave Kearl, Lisa and Sean Freeman, and Ryan and Jody Audenart; my sisters Connie (Andy) Blasetti and Bev (John) Mehew. Grieve abit, laugh a lot and keep a special place for me in your hearts. Remember always how God gave us Time

enough to say goodbye. 
I will be a forever Grandpa to Mya, Kedan,Tagg, Payton, Berkeley,Osh, Gabby, Jack, 

Forrest, Aviana,Grayson, KK, Elle, Maeve, Willow, Crew, Aurelia, Mirra, Noa, and 

Cooper. Didn't we have FUN! I've gone ahead to another playground and I will be

waiting for you all there with all kinds of stories. Remember we are an eternal family. 
Some of you may think I left a bit early, but Mom always said it is more important 

how you serve in the time you have, than the years or the titles. I tried to be a good 

husband, father and grandfather. And I got plenty of fishing done in Corpus Christi 

and I released lots of fish for all of you. Catch a few Jay, I won't be far away. 
In lieu of flowers you may donate directly to The Rotary Foundation. Their money never dies! (www.rotary.org)
See you soon, but don't rush!
Monty».

Later, by late night, I could look to his family message in Facebook. I was wondering how a person could be so organized, so tied to the family and friends and so 

resigned to what life effectively is. Someone who believed deeply in a happy life,

close to God, close to the relatives who passed before him, waiting for the right 

time to receive those he loved and are still among all of his friends. Goodbye dear Monty, dear friend.

Henrique Pinto

23rd Jannuary

(Portugal)