The memorial service for Kevin Thomson was sad, joyful, moving, reflective, nostalgic, encouraging, and rocking.

I saw people whom I had not seen in nearly forty years, met people whose music I have listened to for those thirty plus decades, and of course, made some new friends.

Of course, the focus was on Kevin Thomson. Speakers with personal reflections included Pastor Bob Probert, a long time friend of Kevin’s, Pastor Oden Fong, friend of Kevin and member of early Jesus music group Mustard Seed Faith, Duncan Bryan, of the Sweet Comfort Band, and Kevin’s two sons, Elijah and Joshua Thomson.

The words of Bob, Oden, and Bryan were primarily memories of Kevin as a friend. Elijah and Joshua’s words were of a dad, and I was moved to tears upon hearing them tell about growing up with him.

A wonderful video of Kevin’s life, produced by Troy Lamberth, was shown. I loved the way it started with the video of the Sweet Comfort Band at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, circa late 1970s, with Kevin preaching just before the band goes into his favorite SCB song, “Get Ready”. We got to hear Kevin doing the two things he loved most…telling of the love of Jesus, and rockin’ on his bass. The video also showed photos while the music played. Very well done video.

Bob Bennett, one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters, sang “(I Know That) My Redeemer Lives”, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. Bob is a wonderful musician, highly intelligent, soft spoken, and a gentleman.

Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa gave the message.

The Sweet Comfort Band, plus some friends, played four songs after the eulogies and Pastor Chuck’s message. Musicians were:

Drums: Kevin’s brother, Rick Thomson
Guitar and vocals: Randy Thomas
Vocals and keyboard: Bryan Duncan
Guitar: Joshua Thomson
Bass guitar: Eli Thomson
Harmonica: Darrell Mansfield
Keyboard: (sorry, I didn’t get this fellow’s name)

Songs played:

“I Love You With My Life”
“Searching For Love”
“Get Ready”
(There was one more, but for the life of me I can’t recall which song it was.)

After the service, a reception was held at Mariner’s Church, where there was food and more talk of Kevin.

I’m so glad I was able to attend. As I said in my last post, I feel like Kev was a friend I never met. Listening to so many memories of him makes me so sad I never did get to meet him face to face, but I know that I will see him in Heaven. As Pastor Chuck said, “Kev just got there ahead of us.”

I have posted several videos that people made at the service on my Facebook page.