Will Ranger lived in Missoula Montana. He leaves behind him a wife and eight children, the youngest being five years old. Not often do you meet someone who truly impacts the direction of your life in a major way. Will probably never knew he was used this way in my life, but he certainly was. At a time of confusion and searching, he was an example of humility and real joy. The foremost memory I will have of him is his example of detachment from the things the world so highly values. I've never met a man who had more highly esteemed the kingdom of God than Will Ranger. For the short amount of time I was allowed to be involved in his life I noticed that he and his family lived a simple life. They did not have much: not much food, not many clothes, very few possessions. But they were all so happy. And by beholding them I saw that they had not "laid up for themselves treasures on earth but in heaven".
Will was the leader of a group of christians, but his leadership was uncommon. I once asked a man his age in the fellowship, if Will was the leader, because Will never claimed it for himself. The man replied, "Will has just gone a lot further than any of us. He's given up everything for God." And I knew it was true.
Before I met Will, I knew what Jesus taught about the worthlessness of materialism and the pursuit of wealth. After I met Will, I had seen someone who followed Christ living these teachings within our culture. He was the first one to show me this.
I ended up only spending a few months with Will before moving nearly 2000 miles away. I often wondered whether I was suppose to learn from him longer, and if I should have stayed. One thing I know: he helped me as much as anyone I have met in this life.
Thank you Father for your servant.
If you are interested in helping a "widow indeed" you may email me for more info.
His Obituary
