Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On behalf of Hartland Institute, I am deeply saddened to share the news that our beloved Dr. Colin Standish passed peacefully to his rest on October 29, 2018. Dr. Standish was the founding president of our institution, serving in this position from 1983 until 2011.
Before serving here at Hartland, he was academic dean of Weimar College, president of Columbia Union College, and president of West Indies College. He was an educator, minister of the gospel, leader, and personal friend to thousands. Dr. Standish’s life was dedicated to self-sacrificing service to others, with the mission of winning souls for Christ. His greatest passion was to share the everlasting gospel to all nations, tongues, and peoples. He was kind and compassionate and was always seeking opportunities to share the Adventist message with everyone he met.
The Spirit of Prophecy refers to men such as Dr. Standish, stating, “It is merit and faithfulness in any and every place that gives Christ to a man. Such men the Lord works with and uses because they seek His wisdom. He places them where He can work with [them] as faithful, tried servants. By faithful continuance in well doing, they find positions where they can benefit and bless God’s institutions, that they may give character to the work done in it and through it. ‘Them that honor me, I will honor,’ God declares. [1 Samuel 2:30.]” Manuscript 60, May 12, 1898.
In the coming months, Hartland Institute will dedicate the next Hartland Ministry Report to remembering our pioneer president. Dr. Standish’s life, words, and actions have been the inspiration for many to focus their lives in service for Christ. For this reason we will also establish a memorial website in dedication to this great leader—a place where selected videos and written compilations will be located.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. Even though Dr. Standish is now at rest, waiting for the resurrection day at Christ’s second coming, his legacy will live on, inspiring many to live a godly life.
In His service,
Norbert Restrepo
President of Hartland Institute