01/16/2025
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE ROSE OF OUR COMMUNITY!
IT HAS BEEN SAID before that very few people ever reach the level of such prominence, respect and excellence in their chosen profession that they are known by one name only.
Elvis
Ringo
Emiral
Kobe
Fabio
and many others, but here in Lynden, for weddings, anniversaries and special occasions of all types, often when asked who is or did the excellent catering, the answer is a one word response:
"Rose"
Yes, today Miss Rose, owner and operator of The Fairway Cafe' celebrates 80 years on God's creation, and if you have a chance, drop off a card at Fairway, say howdy if you have chance, but we'll warn you now, she has a catering tonight, so she's busy. Keep it short.
Rose's story of overcoming challenges and obstacles is for her to share, but we can tell you that few, very few, have endured more and come out on top as she has. To us it shows that when God has a plan for your life, nothing can stop you.
Rose has given first jobs to many an individual, gently but firmly riding helping youngsters smooth the bumps of learning a craft, and giving lifelong skills and talents while doing so, despite dropped plates, spilled pop, or being tardy on occasion.
Many brides and grooms, families in mourning, couples celebrating years together and others have been asked directly "How much do you want to spend?", and keeping the conversation real, making sure things are kept in prospective, but working with them, a true partner who isn't there for the money, but there to help create a memorable food experience.
Many successful fundraising auctions in the community have benefited from Rose's ability to work the books, find quality food that doesn't break the bank, while putting a smile and filling the bellies of those raising their hands to give up a few guilders for the betterment of the cause.
We've known Rose for most of our decades on this planet, since we went to school with her youngest daughter Kris, who unexpectedly and suddenly passed this past year, and for all our years of knowing Rose, perhaps what is most meaningful to us is what is also most meaningful to the many who know her, especially her family, and something we try to remind and emulate to readers of these posts:
Rose makes one feel loved.
Now, to be fair, there are some folks, though very few in number, who have made "the list", for lack of a better term. Some we know what they did, others we do not, but whatever it was, it couldn't have been good. In fact, our greatest fear in posting this is we will make that list, but sometimes to honor others properly, one must take risks in life.
Many years ago, more then we care to think about, we personally began to call Rose "Kahuna", a Hawaiian language word that though has multiple meanings, including "wise and respected knowledgable elder". Perhaps unknown to many, Miss Rose is to this day the only woman to serve on the Lynden City Council, giving of her precious time to serve the community at large.
She's given her wise council to many a restauranteur, always giving time to those starting out, or who have found themselves in a bit of a pickle, in her calm, firm and loving manner.
So Rose, Happy Birthday to You! Thank you for sharing your gifts, talents and love with so many, including ourself. It is an honor and privilege to have known, worked with and learned from you over these many years. May the Lord bless you as you have blessed so many,
Rose, YOU are loved!
