Articles of Interest

Shell Point Couple Establishes Legacy with a Gift to The Pavilion

by Jeff Cory, CFP, ChFC,
Executive Director

Shell Point offers a wonderful atmosphere that allows people from all walks of life to enjoy their retirement together in a beautiful setting. Thomas and Doris Render moved into Turban in 1981, and lived many happy years there. No one would have guessed this unassuming couple were anything out of the ordinary. But during his career, Thomas Render created a product most of us have used at one time or another - and never even knew he invented it!

Thomas Edison once remarked, "Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration." That quote certainly summarizes Thomas Render's personality. Tom had the energy and stamina to work long hours and he enjoyed solving problems. He was a self-made chemist and very entrepreneurial in nature, which served him well. Early in his career, he created and introduced the first liquid toilet bowl cleaner for consumer use, called SNO BOL. SNO BOL became a nationally recognized product and Tom was able to sell it across the country. After selling his company to the A.E. Staley Company, he was able to retire, but that didn't stop him from working. His first retirement was just a little "break" before he helped his son, Robert, launch another highly successful business, this time in the garden soil industry. This company, the Hyponex Corporation, was later sold to Scotts Miracle Gro.

Thomas and Doris Render

Ultimately, Tom and his wife, Doris, were able to retire quite comfortably, and after years of vacationing in Florida, they chose Shell Point. The Renders enjoyed the lifestyle, natural surroundings, and easy pace of everyday life that Shell Point offered. They participated in numerous activities and made a number of friends.

One of the things that attracted the Renders to Shell Point was its connection with The Christian and Missionary Alliance. Tom Render was a charter member of the C&MA church in Pontiac, Michigan. According to his son, Robert, "My father's heart was always with the Alliance. He served as a lay preacher in his church up north and filled in frequently for the pastor. He had a real heart for the ministry."

"In addition to the C&MA, he was active in leadership of the Michigan Chapter of the Gideon Society and he was involved in the Christian Businessmen's Association, as well," said Robert. "He was also involved in a radio ministry and actively volunteered with a jail ministry. He would often bring orphans or other needy children to join our holiday dinners."

Robert is quick to attribute his father's positive influence on his life. "He was very compassionate and it made quite an impression on me," he said. "He was an entrepreneur through and through, and he learned it all the hard way, through the University of Experience. He was quite a man."

"My father was very generous when it came to meeting the needs of other people. I believe his generosity stemmed from his personal beliefs and he passed that ideal on to each of the children. Through my father's and mother's continuous prayer and example, all of my brothers and I came to know the Lord. You don't really miss them until they're gone, but I know I am going to see them again someday and that's very reassuring."

When Tom Render passed away in 2000, he remembered a number of charities in his estate planning, including Shell Point. Mr. Render left an initial bequest to The Pavilion of approximately $190,000. His wife, Doris, continued to live at Shell Point following his death. She was a sweet, dear lady, who lived her final years in their residence at Turban and ultimately needed care in the Hope Hospice unit of The Pavilion for a short time before her death, in April of this year. As longtime supporters of the C&MA, Thomas and Doris had a heart for God, world missions, and obviously Shell Point.

As their trustee, Robert Render will be sending a final major gift designated by Tom and Doris Render in their estate. The gift will go toward The Pavilion renovation campaign. Tom and Doris Render will be remembered for the positive impact they had on others during their lifetime and their continued legacy here at Shell Point, both now and in the future.