Brother Evan Durfey— 1965
“Little things mean a lot!” This short phrase is often repeated, but perhaps not fully appreciated. This adage came to mind, however, as I recalled a “little thing” from my past. When our family moved from Reno to American Fork, we became members of the American Fork 5th Ward, and my first Deacons Quorum advisor in that ward was a sweet man by the name of Evan Durfey. He was short and solid, and had a huge smile and a loving personality. His quorum lessons were always well-prepared and uplifting. The important “little thing” I remember him most for, however, occurred every time I would pass the Sacrament to his family. The Durfey family always sat in one of the side sections of the chapel, with Brother Durfey located nearest the aisle. He would take the Sacrament tray and pass it immediately to his wife. Only after she had partaken would he pass the tray to his children, and then Brother Durfey would take his bread or water last before handing the tray back to me. I’m sure this was his routine whenever his family received the Sacrament. A “little thing”? Yes, but it impressed me deeply. This small deference and courtesy for his wife was reflective of how he treated her in general, and of his kindness to all people. Our overall success in life is truly made up of a myriad of seemingly insignificant acts of kindness and love. Brother Durfey provided me with one of my early examples of this principle.
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