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Francis Palms Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Francis Palms
Joan Ford
June 2, 2020
Loved you Frank.
Jeannine Palms
June 8, 2009
I remember fondly the last 2 times that I visited with Frank and Phil. One was at the Palms reunion in Michigan's Upper Penninsula in the summer of 2000. I don't think I had seen Frank since I was a child in the '50s, but there was a wonderful sharing of memories of Eastways Farm.
Then we spent time again just a few years ago at Ann and Holly's wedding. The conversations one evening in the hotel seemed to pick up where we had left off from the last time in the U.P. I appreciated Frank's insights into and understanding of issues close to all of us.
Though I saw him so infrequently, he was always a special cousin and I miss knowing that he is around tending to his family and the good work that he did. My thoughts have been with you, Phil, and I will continue to hold a fondness for knowing both of you. Love to you as you continue on.
Jeannine
Mark Palms
February 16, 2009
Peace be with you Frank.
Sara Darby
July 10, 2008
I was privileged to know Frank for more than 30 years. I have many happy memories of all the fun and good times I enjoyed with Frank, my brother Phil, their friends and our families: at Frank's and Phil's home in Boston (enjoying the services and wonderful choral works performed at the Church of the Advent, and those egg decorating parties before Easter were a lot of fun!); those lovely, relaxing getaways to Nantucket; weekends and holiday celebrations at their home in Byfield; and my trips to visit Frank and Phil at their home in Spring Valley, when they took me to see the zoo and other places of interest in San Diego, and on that great day trip to the mountains.
Frank possessed many wonderful qualities which I really appreciated, including his patience, quiet confidence, and steady reliability; his generosity in so freely sharing his time with Phil, me, members of both of our families, and many friends; his witty, playful sense of humor; his love of cats (which I share!); his genuine friendliness, outgoing manner, and optimistic outlook on life; and his devotion to his Christian faith, which he put into practice in so many helpful, caring and loving ways in his relationships with others.
Frank, thank you for all of the things you did to enrich my life. I am very fortunate to have known you, and I will always remember you with love. Thank you for being such a loving and faithful life partner to Phil, for so long and so well.
Phil, my beloved brother, just as in the past, you are in my thoughts and prayers, now and always.
Love,
Sara
Vicki Heins-Shaw
June 23, 2008
At St. Paul's, I will always see Frank in every Sunday morning procession, bringing us in (occasionally herding cats). Frank epitomized verger-ness, that combination of precise gentleness, or maybe it's gentle precision, care-taking and caring. Plus he seemed to know all the words of all the verses of all the hymns! Thank you, Phil and Frank, for enriching our lives. I am honored to know you.
Ken Pristash
June 20, 2008
I first became acquainted with Frank at the Church of the Advent (Boston) where I was a chorister and he was an acolyte. Frank was very enthusiastic about his membership in the Handel and Haydn Society chorus and encouraged me to join. Thanks to Frank, I formed some friendships there that still endure, over 30 years later. Bringing people together was a very Frank thing, wasn't it? Phil, you and Frank are in my thoughts and prayers.
Don Mitchell
June 19, 2008
A dedicated verger and member of the Cathedral, Frank was ALWAYS here when I needed something; opening a door, finding the projector. If he were not here in person, then I knew I could call him on his cell phone! When we needed help with anything around the Cathedral, Frank was there. My friend, a fellow verger - Frank will always be in my thoughts; and Phil, you are in my prayers.
Allisyn Thomas
June 17, 2008
The first thought that came to my mind after I heard of Frank's death was that heaven just became a much more fun place. I miss him dearly but rejoice in the good fortune of having met him. His goodness, humor and humility are an example to us all.
Andrew Barnabas
June 17, 2008
Frank, we’ll miss those birthday parties we’ve had the past few years. Glad we got two in this January. We know you are already planning the big one in heaven that goes on forever. What an honor to know you and Phil. You are a holy man who was always there with a kind word, helping hand, a ready laugh and godly insight. Frank we’ll miss you. Pray for us as we pray for you
Richard Lief
June 16, 2008
Frank was always available to help with the Cathedral art projects such as hanging art exhibits, projector operator for Second Saturday Cinema,computer expert and numerous gopher needs. We miss him alot and are grateful to have known him as a trusted friend and colleague. Richard Lief
Frank Palms July 2007
June 16, 2008
Anne Palms Chalmers
June 16, 2008
Frank and Phil were in a dream I had once, standing on a walkway on high wall
around a courtyard. They were standing together, looking across at the other side of the courtyard, where someone was pulling on a rope that rang a sweet-sounding bell. As he rang, the sun came up behind him and as it reached his head it shone out in millions of golden rays. I think Frank and Phil have always seen that shining in everyone and have helped us all along to it.
Frank, as our older brother, brought so many influences into our lives as children: classical music, the music of Broadway, cooking with new flavors, puns and silliness. In Boston, he introduced me to the music at The Church of the Advent, a constant spiritual joy to share with him and Phil when they were there.
Phil, our brother, you are in our hearts all the time with Frank.
Love, Annie
Joan Ford
June 16, 2008
We all miss you so much, Frank. You were always ready to help out, liturgically and otherwise...everything from verging at regular services and serving the 7:30am (!) Ash Wednesday Mass, to hauling around heavy objects and Dorcas House materials. We know that you are helping prepare the way for the rest of us, a very comforting thought.
Love to you and Phil,
Joan
Bill and Virginia Atkin
June 15, 2008
We met Frank first in San Diego in January 1998 when we arrived from New Zealand for a stay of four months. We found in him and Phil a warm welcome to the Cathedral and the city. He was a fund of information about the delights of San Diego and frequently had us join them on excursions. Since then we have stayed with them on a number of occasions as we passed through the States and always found their generous hospitality a high point of our travels. We were fortunate to be present in 2006 when they celebrated their 30th Anniversary together. Their love and commitment are an example to us all.
In 1999 Phil and Frank toured New Zealand and we enjoyed a memorable trip around the South Island in their company. The huge album of photographs Frank sent us after returning home bears eloquent testimony to his discerning eye for beauty and his fine photographic skills.
Frank was an inspiration in his service to St Pauls, and its community, and we have only to look through the website to see numerous pictures of Frank taking part in the yearly round of liturgical events.
We give thanks for the blessing you have been to our lives. May the love of God enfold you. Be at peace Frank.
Bill and Virginia Atkin
Tony Palms
June 14, 2008
So many recollections of brotherly caring over the years, Frank. Now that you are freed from your mortal boundaries, your spirit can be everywhere, and you bring peace to us, knowing that you are looking over us from heaven. Thank you for being such a great older brother.
Phil Darby
June 10, 2008
Frank: It's farewell, but not goodbye; for you have only gone on before, not left us; we may be slow to follow, but will be with you in God's good time.
With all my love eternally,
Tony Dickens-Planck
June 9, 2008
I only knew Frank a brief time, when Russ and I lived in San Diego from 1997-1999. What I remember about him is his ready smile and friendly demeanor. He always made you feel happy to be alive with his warm and caring presence. All my prayers and best wishes go out to you Phil during this difficult time.
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