Page 41 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2024 - Online Magazine

A Youthful Perspective

endlessly patient guy, not above having multiple tea
parties with his granddaughters, riding go-karts with
his grandsons, or helping me with homework. He
thoroughly enjoys outdoor adventure, hiking, cycling,
or simply walking around the neighborhood.

Grandpa also serves the Lord by volunteering where
needed, whether it be disaster relief with Texans on
Mission or Samaritan's Purse, helping at the South
Plains Food Bank, Lubbock Impact, Habitat for
Humanity, The Dream Center, or serving at Southcrest
Baptist Church in various capacities. He and Marella
also serve with the Kairos Prison Ministry, where
incarcerated men hear the good news about Jesus and
God’s love for them.

My grandpa is a light in this fallen world.

Gavin Randall Elder

Gavin Randall Elder is an almost 16-year-old
homeschool freshman. He loves learning about
God and outdoor adventure with Trail Life USA.
Power and Light where he began his life's career as an (He holds a leadership position there.) He enjoys
outstanding electrical lineman. jazz music and writing in his spare time.

"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his
steps." Proverbs 16:9

After ten years with LP&L, he went to work for
Southwestern Public Service, now Xcel Energy, and
retired on February 15, 2023, with a perfect safety
record. 34
One interesting fact about Grandpa is that he has
competed in many lineman's rodeos, where linemen
do timed events, such as the hurt-man rescues,
speed climbing, cross-arm replacement, transformer
changeout, and other line-work feats. He and his YEARS
teammates have placed in the top three almost every
year they have competed and have represented Xcel
Energy at the International Competition several
times. To this day, he still serves as a judge for
those linemen’s rodeos. In recent years, he has been
among the oldest linemen to ever compete. His peers DAVID ELDER
affectionately called him, "Super Dave," a well–
deserved title. ELECTRICAL LINEMAN
As I’m writing this article, I realize, “My grandpa
is a natural beast!” even though he’s reserved
and unassuming. He has proven himself to be a man Xcel Energy appreciates your years of
of strong character and wisdom by living responsibly, hard work and dedicated service.
working more than hard, and being trustworthy Thank you for your commitment to
and reliable. The gospel is his number one goal, and keep the lights on!
pleasing the Lord is his life's ambition and privilege.

Since retiring from line work in 2023, he has used
his gifts and servant’s heart to bless his family of
six children and their spouses, as well as his 22
grandchildren. Grandpa is a very humble and © 2024 Xcel Energy Inc.

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