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Rafael Vazquez Obituary

Lieutenant Rafael "Ray" Vazquez, 42, of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue was killed Monday, March 3, 2008, by a gunman at a Wendy's restaurant near West Palm Beach.

Lt. Vazquez, formerly a Town of Lake Park firefighter, was hired in February 2001 and was promoted to Rescue Lieutenant in January 2007. He was currently assigned to Rescue 28 at Station 28 in Royal Palm Beach.

Lt. Vazquez is survived by his wife, an Officer with Palm Springs Public Safety and their 5 children ages 4-21.
Published by The Palm Beach Post from Mar. 3 to Sep. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Rafael Vazquez

Not sure what to say?





1061 Entries

ortiz

June 20, 2022

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

BP

June 4, 2013

To the family of Rafael Vazquez,
Heartfelt sympathy goes out to You. I pray for You to be comforted and that the Love and Remembrance of him be with You as time goes on. May the words of Jesus Christ at John 20:21 give You strength.

October 17, 2011

Thank you all for your wonderful words. Even now they still help tremendously. I love you dad and still miss you. But I know your strength still lives on in our family.

October 14, 2010

god rest your soul.....trenton nj firefighter sal m......

William Morris

October 13, 2010

Rest well my fellow Firefighter.God will look after you.

Chief William L. Morris Wiimington Manor Vol. Fire Co. New Castle DE.

Monique Brown

September 24, 2010

God Bless your family during this time. My prayers are with you all .

August 25, 2010

To the family: May the comfort from family and friends strengthen you during this difficult time, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."

August 12, 2010

Estimada familia,
Siento mucho su perdida. Es por esta razón que le escribo estas palabras de ánimo. Nuestro Señor Jesucristo dijo: "No se maravillen de esto porque viene la hora en que los que están en las tumbas conmemorativas oirán su voz y saldrán," Juan 5:28,29. Que animador saber que muy pronto bajo el Reino de Dios en manos de Jesucristo podremos ver nuevamente a nuestros seres queridos aquí en la tierra hecha un paraíso. Lamentablemente no les conozco. Mi más sentido pésame vaya con ustedes.
Sinceramente,

Lynette Gonzalez-Perth Amboy,NJ

Rick Pabon

November 26, 2009

Ralphie I know you're in a better place...But I'm so sad we didn't get the chance to reconnect before you left us.My prayers and thoughts are with you and your Family.

Your Cuz,Rick

November 25, 2009

Another holiday starting without you. We miss you so much. Thought the pain would let up, I was wrong. Adrian picked your ornament for the tree this year. I miss my Bah Humbug! We miss you and will always love you, forever!

March 3, 2009

Missing you!!!

In da HOOD together

anthony simpson

January 20, 2009

We was kids together and we miss you alot

The loverboys for life

anthonysimpson @comcast,net

karli reynolds

July 29, 2008

ray- i miss u so much... its still not real to me that your gone... i love u and i will always remember all the good memories.... u were my other father and i truly respect u.... u will be forever missed but never forgotten!!! i love u! michelle- i love u and u are such a strong woman... i appreciate everything u have ever done for me.... thank u....

Lori Martinez

June 28, 2008

our thoughts are with you and your family ralphie will always be our hearts.

Tina Valant

April 28, 2008

Michele & family,
I was the photog at yesterday's reveal event.

To know a man, by just meeting his family and friends ~ speaks volumes. You ALL are going to be okay. Ray created a solid foundation for you all, and will continue to bring who you need, when you need them into your lives.

With love & appreciation, Tina

Your sisters miss you and love you.

Marla, Louise, Trina, Kathy, Sondra, Michelle..... The Vazquez Sisters

April 25, 2008

We love you Ralphie........

April 9, 2008

Ray, I love you, and I will always love you, you are not with us physically, but you are with us in spirit. I miss you and wish you were here, I pray but know you're allright, and that I will see you again one day, You will be watching over your family,friends,brothers and sisters and we all miss you and always will, we will never forget you, we are fine, and you are in our hearts everyday, we are sorry that we lost you, so soon, God had a purpose for you , YOU WILL BE A GUARDIAN ANGEL, REST IN PEACE MY LOVE.

We have been so blessed to have had you in our lives. I Thank God and have faith that with time it will all make sense one day....

Marilyn Padilla Rodriguez

April 5, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to the family of ray Vazquez.Our prayers are with the family especially ur wife and children .May the lord give u the strength n serentiy u r in need of.May he guide ur every moment of the day.Always keep in mind that even thiu he fisically is not here he will forever live un ur hearts n minds.H e now has become ur each n everyones guardian angel.Dios los Bendiga y nuestros sincero pesame.En la vida aveces lo que une a la gente aun desconocida es el dolor.Tenemos un hijo,hermano y amigo que es P.B.S.O officer en Palm Beach County aun .Vivimos alli por 17 años y hace 10 nos fuimos.Todo los dias pienso en el y el peligro que corre,pero mi mayor tranquiladad es que sabemos que dios lo esta cuidando.Asi como cuido de Rafael,y cuando lo necessito junto a el lo llamo.Fortaleza, que aun el esta con ustedes, y siempre los cuidara desde el cielo.A sus hijos cumplen con sus deseos en vida que el orgullo de su padre desde el cielo lo veran.

Ozark Dale County E911

March 27, 2008

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Jacqueline Lugo

March 26, 2008

I am so sorry about your husband,
my prayers are with and your family

Maria

March 25, 2008

Its still hard to believe that such a thing could happen to innocent people. Our prayers go out to Mrs Vazquez and her children.

Grace Estime

March 25, 2008

I am sorry for your Husband Truly i am and i hope you'll make it on in life.

Moreno

March 24, 2008

May God be with your family in this time of sorrow. You were a hero. Hero's don't die, they last forever.

March 23, 2008

Joanie Bigham

March 23, 2008

Heartfelt prayers and blessings to your family. Thank you for the years of dedication to the community and may God bring them comfort in the wonderfull memories you made. The Bigham Family

The Smith's

March 21, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you all in your time of sorrow. My heart goes out to your family. Psalms 27

Justin Carrick

March 21, 2008

Man oh man... Mr. Vazquez... I was good friends with your kids Shaun and Austin, and when i found out when you died my heart just sank... I couldnt believe it... I wish for the best for your family in their hard time, and that they cope through this troubled time....

R.I.P. Ray Vazquez
May you be happy wherever you are.

Barbara& Steve Mueller

March 19, 2008

Your memories live on forever. Thinking of you and your children.
God be with you.

virgil burke

March 18, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Region of Waterloo EMS

March 18, 2008

Our deepest sympathy and God's peace to you and your family .

From The Region of Waterloo EMS Staff (Ontario Canada)

Rogers family

March 18, 2008

May Ray's memory and love sustain you forever. You'll never be alone, because he'll always be with you.
You'll all see each other again in Heaven.

Sandy Otto

March 17, 2008

God only knows how you feel. I do want to share with you that I have prayed for you and will continue to pray for you. It sounds like you were an awesome family and that you still can be(One that Ray would not want you to give up). Even though I have never been thru a situation such as this and know how you feel I do know God is able to love you and supply ALL your needs. You have to depend on him and him alone. Yes there are people he will use and already has used to help you thru but utimately he is the one and only that you must believe in!Just think if you trust in him as your Lord and Savior and that He is the only way to heaven then you will see Ray one day again. Keep his memory alive, talk about him often ! God Bless

Lyle Marvin

March 17, 2008

Wishing your family God's comfort and peace.

VPS Land Development Dept

March 17, 2008

Michelle:
Through the pain and loss you feel
You can count on our 'support'
We'll be with you, in spirit
And in mind and heart and thought
And though it will be difficult
In the days ahead of you
Try to face the future bravely
As Ray would want you to

Love your friends at the Village of Palm Springs Land Development Department; Laura, Paulette, Bette, Iramis, Fred & Art

VPS Land Development Dept

March 17, 2008

To the Vazquez Kids:
"So Sorry About Your Father
Although you will miss him
and long for his presence
and all of the warm family times you’ve had…
just try and remember
through all your sorrow
you have every reason to smile and be glad…
you wouldn't be feeling exceptional sadness
if you hadn’t had an exceptional dad."

Your in our thoughts and prayers. The staff at The Village of Palm Springs Land Development Department; Laura, Paulette, Bette, Iramis, Art & Fred

Delle Slater

March 17, 2008

My sympathy to you and your family.

battista pickens

March 17, 2008

my love goes out to you and your love ones

hecktor rivero

March 17, 2008

Im very very sorry for his family and my heart go to them !God bless the children"s

Deborah Roelandts

March 17, 2008

Our prayers and sympathy to all of you in the loss of your loved one.
May God comfort you in this terrible time of grief.
Restpectfully submitted
John and Deborah Roelandts
Oconomowoc Wisconsin
former RBPD Sgt and 911 operator

Sonny Schoenberger

March 16, 2008

Michelle & Family, We all mourn the loss of a Brother Firefighter. Your Husband was a customer & Brother Firefighter of mine. He used to love the hero's we served him when he came into Reid's Firefighter Hero's. He actually answered a call for me one day before he made Lt. but I declined transport. He was a true Gentleman and The true meaning of a firefighter. May God Bless His Soul and Peace be with you and your family , knowing that he did his job and did it the way it should have been done. My Sincerest Condolences to you and your family.
Ray Jr. Keep The Tradition in the Family. KTF, PTB.

Sonny Schoenberger ( PBGFR- Vol. Division)

Lisa Pearce - Newman

March 15, 2008

Ray was one of my partners many years ago with LifeFleet. He was my weekend partner. I remember meeting Michelle's truck at a location just so Ray could see her.. in the beginning. When you hear the stories of a kind man.. a good man.. They are so true. Michelle and kids - I would hear many times how much he loved you guys! God Bless and I am so sorry !!

Karl Holtkamp

March 13, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. He will be missed by all.

Teresa Romero

March 13, 2008

Your husband is a hero in the truest sense. God has blessed your family with him and now he has gone home. May your memories and love get you through this difficult time.
Peace be with you and your family.

Karin Vela-Maher

March 13, 2008

To The Vazquez Family: I am so sorry for your loss. May GOD bless all of you during this difficult time and may all the great memories give you all comfort.Ray is an Angel watching over you now.

Michael Soldo

March 13, 2008

My deepest sympathy to the vazquez family. As a nurse in corrections, it hurts to see something so tragic. My thoughts and prayers go out to all.

David Mele

March 12, 2008

My sincere condolences to you and the rest of the family. He'll never be forgotten.
David H. Mele "Rat"
SLCFD

Elisa Gerolymatos

March 12, 2008

Tiffany and Michelle

I am so sorry for your loss. I know that no words could ever express what you are feeling and the sorrow that we all feel for you.
My heart and love goes out to you all.
If you ever need a helping hand or a listening ear, please let me know how I can help.

Tiffany knows my contact details.

Love and sincere condolences

Elisa
(Tiffanys Singing teacher)

Kerry

March 11, 2008

I had the pleasure of knowing your Ray before "getting hired," and am so sorry he was stolen from you and your family. May you be guided through the strength and love we have to offer to our fellow brothers and sisters in their times of need.

Deputy Chief Brown & family

March 11, 2008

Our Deepest Sympathy to the Vazquez family and Brothers. May God Bless You all during this tragic time.

The Farrells

March 11, 2008

We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and father. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you!

karen mcmichael

March 11, 2008

my thougths and prayers go out to you and your family with deepest smpathy a friend from lake park fire department

Sherlene Sanderson

March 11, 2008

Michelle and family i do not know u or Ray,but i just wanted to let u know like so many others that my prayers are with u all during this difficult time and for u to remember that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.May God bless u all.

Yoel & Maria Perez

March 11, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to your family at this time of grieving.

Barbara hatcher

March 11, 2008

So sorry to hear of such a great lose to your family. I pray for your family and for Ray. I know it's hard but Ray is safe in the arms of Jesus and just think one day you will all be together forever and never have to leave each other or be in any pain like you feel now. May the Lord keep you safe and forever in our prayers!!

Michael Dashosh

March 11, 2008

The IRCC Fire Academy Staff and Recruits have collected funds to purchase a "tree" and brick" to be placed in Rafael "Ray" Vazquez memory at the new Public Safety Complex in Fort Pierce.
The tree and brick will be located in the Walk of Honor at the new faciltiy. Director of Fire Academy

Joy

March 11, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. It is very difficult now, but with God's help and the help of your friends, you will get through this unfortunate time in your life. God bless you and your family. Thank God for the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Firefighters. They are a great bunch of people. According to what I have heard and read, your husband was one of the greatest.

dorothea mcdonald

March 11, 2008

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Yvonne Zuidema

March 10, 2008

Michele,
My deepest sympathies to you and your boys. We have you in our prayers.
Yvonne VanderKooi Zuidema

Kevin McMichael

March 10, 2008

I was very sorry to hear about my brother Ray,what a senseless tragedy.My sister Karen knew ray when he was at Lake park fire dept. I think i met him once there. Im a firefighter/ paramedic in St. Louis and just wanted to express my sympathy to you. Rest in peace Ray.

William Garrigan

March 10, 2008

To the family of Lt. Vazquez,

My the Lord comfort and encourage you in this truly awful time of grief and loss.

Bill Garrigan St. Lucie Fire District

M.K.

March 10, 2008

MY CONDOLENCES GOES TO THE VAZQUES FAMILY. I KNOW YOUR DAD WAS VERY SPECIAL TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU ESPECIALLY HIS BEAUTIFUL MICHELLE. KEEP YOUR HEADS UP HIGH AND TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER. HE IS LOOKING AND WATCHING OVER EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, HE WILL BE MISSED. HE WILL SAY DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND FOREVER WEEP. I AM NOT THERE; I DO NOT SLEEP. I AM A THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW. I AM THE DIAMOND GLINTS ON SNOW. I AM THE SUNLIGHT ON RIPENED GRAIN. I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN'S RAIN. WHEN YOU AWAKEN IN THE MORNING'S HUSH. I AM THE SWIFT UPLIFTING RUSH. OF QUIET BIRDS IN CIRCLED FLIGHT. I AM THE SOFT STARS THAT SHINE AT NIGHT. DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND FOREVER CRY. I AM NOT THERE I DID NOT DIE. I LOVE ALL OF YOU, UNTILL WE MET AGAIN.

Carlton & Shirley McDonald

March 10, 2008

May his soul rest in peace.

Patricia A. Boxold

March 10, 2008

Lord, please help this family get through this. I cannot stop thinking about how one can go on after having this happen to them. I pray that this wife and mother will find the strength within herself to take care of herself and their children. Lord, please be good to this family and make sure they are taken care of from here on out.

Powell family

March 10, 2008

The Vazquez family is in our prayers. God bless you.

M Ortiz

March 10, 2008

To Michele and family..... Our prayers are with you. The Lord will help you and your babies get through this difficult time. Hold eachother tight and rememeber all the good things he has left behind.

Aaron Lang

March 10, 2008

To Lt. Vazquez' family of home, and of our brothers in the fire service:

My prayers are with you all. I met Lt. Vazquez a few times at our station in Royal Palm Beach. He will be missed by everyone. Rest in Peace, Brother.



- Aaron

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue

Cory Richter

March 10, 2008

May god bless the Vazquez family. Our hearts and prayers go out to them, although I did not know Ray personnaly it sounded like he was a wonderful father and co-worker, the world will not be the same without him.

JOHN WALLACE

March 10, 2008

RIP BROTHER YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS

Michael Dashosh

March 10, 2008

Michelle and family, I am Michael Dashosh, I was at the service to represent the IRCC Fire Academy. Ray was class leader for his class #80. I remember him well, being both from NYC. My thoughts are with you and your family. Director of the IRCC Fire Academy, Michael Dashosh.

Jim Parent

March 10, 2008

Our prayers are with you and your family. I was Rays Instructor in recruit class. Ray was a great student and inspired all and left life time memories to all that knew him. we may not understand all things, but with God your family will be reunited one day again and I am sure Ray will continue to watch over you.

Jackie

March 10, 2008

This is so very sad! My heart breaks for your family. Hold on to each other because that will help you through this tragedy.

John Barfield

March 10, 2008

To Lt. Vazquez's family, and co workers,
I was so sad to hear of the untimely death of Rafael Vazquez. The risk we all face as Firefighters in general are many. For this husband, father, and public servant to be taken away, is so tragic.
My heart goes out to his children,wife,and co workers. He will be remembered all across America, as a hero.
God bless.
John Barfield
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue

Bill Michel, Capt. IRCFR and IRCC Instructor

March 9, 2008

My sincere condolences to the Vazquez Family. I was one of Ray's instructors at I.R.C.C. Fire Academy and I remember him well. He was the Class President of Class 80 and left an impression on all of us. I am happy to say, Ray touched my life. God Bless Ray and his family.

Anonymous

March 9, 2008

AS we pray for this fallen hero. let us be comforted by the knowledge that he is with God.

marie debrosse

March 9, 2008

To the Vazquez family.....
I wept when this happened to your husband and my family prays with you. May GOD'S light shine upon you and your children. After the shock and the tears just know that you are not alone. GOD Bless all of you.
Love from Marie Debrosse & family

Neil Siegel

March 9, 2008

my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time.I also feel your pain.I want to take this time to thank LT. Vasquez for his service to the citizens of palm beach co. and the state of florida.My thoughts & prayers are also with all of Lt Vasquez's co workers at the palm beach co.fire resque.may god bless you all Neil Siegel Palm Beach Co. Sherriff's Office//[email protected]

Gabriela Baez

March 9, 2008

What a senseless loss. I got tears in my eyes seeing the picture of your husband; smilling and full of live. May God rest his soul, and provide you and your children guidance in this difficult time. Amen.

GLORIA DIAZ

March 9, 2008

Our prayers are with you and your family, just from watching you speak about your husband during your press conference he was a great person..

God Made Tears...
If everyday brought sunshine, and never any rain;
If all we knew was laughter,
and never any pain;
There'd be no way to soothe away the hurts of people there;
If there were never cloudy days,
and never any storms;
We'd never know the comfort of his loving arms;
For sorrow stretches out the spaces,
leaving scars within;
But making room for quiet places,
and joy to live again.

March 9, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeremy Loggins

March 8, 2008

RIP Ray,
may god be with you and your family during these hard times, though we never met you are a fellow brother firefighter and will miss you as such god bless you and your family

Elizabeth

March 8, 2008

To the whole Vazquez family, I was very sad and angry to hear what happened this past monday. God has another angel with him now, who will watch over all of you forever! I'm very sorry and my thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you and your family. ~ RIP Ray Vazquez ~ The Hlasnicek family

Diane & Ken Feeney

March 8, 2008

Michelle and family -
When a tragedy such as this strikes, even though we may not know you, we are affected as well. I'm so sorry what you and your family has had to endure. Just know that our hearts our with you at this time and in time, you and your children's hearts will heal as well. May Rafael be at peace.

Kelly Byrne

March 8, 2008

May God bless your entire family. Although, I never knew your husband you can see he was an astonishing man whom God will welcome into his kingdom!!! You will all be together someday, and just remember he is always with you and your family when you need him most.

Michael Laska Eng/Paramedic

March 8, 2008

Dear Vazquez Family,

My deepest sympathy on the loss of a husband, father, and fellow Fire Fighter. Know in comfort that God has brought Rafael, a protector of man to sit next to him and will watch over you. May God Bless you

Melvin Knight

March 8, 2008

Michelle,

I am sorry to hear about your tragic loss. My brother told me about the shooting, and when I read the article, I was overwhelmed with sorrow. You may or may not remember me, but we used to work together at Palm Springs, It's Melvin. I want you to know that me and my family will remember you and yours in our prayers.

You both are good people. Ray is a great man. You are a strong person, always have been and always will be.

You take care of yourself and your family.

Randy & Sandy Ream

March 8, 2008

Michelle,
We are so sorry our heart aches for you and your family. Words can't express how sad we are for you. We've known you and Ray for a long time (Lifefleet). I was honored to continue to work with him at PBCFR.You and your family our in our thoughts and prayers.If you need anything at all please don't hesitate to contact us.
[email protected]

Diane

March 8, 2008

Dear Vazguez Family:
My heart goes out to all of you during this horrible time.
I viewed the memorial online, the part were one of boy's expressed his feelings and goal to enter the fire academy was so touching that i couldnt control my tears. Good luck on your journey with the fire department

Knabb Family

March 8, 2008

Lost for words. God Bless you in these difficult times.

Andrew Goodfellow

March 8, 2008

I never had the chance to meet Ray, but the news of his death has weighed heavy on my heart.

In the wake of this evil act, know that our condolences, sympathies, and prayers are with you here in Glen Allen, Virginia.

I pray with all my heart that Michele, Adrian, and everyone else may find comfort at this dark time.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us - Romans 8:18

ron cummings

March 8, 2008

My your memories of your husband and the father of your son be wonderful and as long as you remember him, he will always be with you and be watching over you.
God bless you both.

J. L. Hansen

March 8, 2008

Ray will be missed dearly. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Gary Hopkins

March 8, 2008

Michelle,
I don't know if you would remember me. But I just found out today what happened. I am in total shock and I feel a great loss, as I am sure you and your family must feel 100 fold. I have always held Ray in the highest of esteem, he was a true professional and a exlempary employee. I have so many fond memories of working with you both. I am sorry for your loss. I can tell you have a very strong support group down there, as only can be a reflection of the quality of people you and Ray are. If you need anything let me know.
Your Friend
[email protected]

Jerry St. Louis

March 8, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. God Bless.

Gunder Kirkeberg

March 8, 2008

Ray Ray,
It's was 1999 Fire Acadamy when we met. Glad to have known you man. You will always be in my heart. Hope we'll meet up again one day. Take care bud and R.I.P. Love ya bro. Kirky

Mike Davison, LT. EMT IRCFR

March 8, 2008

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Karen Alexander

March 8, 2008

My deepest sympathies are with you and your family. Ray sounds like such a wonderful man. His life and tragic death remind each of us to hug our children every day and live the best life you can because you never know when it could be tragically taken from you.

Debbie Martin

March 8, 2008

Dear Michelle & Children of Ray,

A tragedy has befallen your family/friends as it did ours on October 27, 2007. Please know our thoughts are with you all. There are no answers but just try to believe that it will get better...although we did not know your Ray we can see he was a very special person. We have found the smallest amount of strength in family/friends and the C.O.P.S. program or NFFA in your case...For now just BE and BE kind to yourselves, our prayers are with you.

Sincerely, Debbie (domestic partner of Ofc. Lawless) and the Lawless Family

PBSO DISPATCHER

March 8, 2008

YOU & YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYERS...WE NOW HAVE ANOTHER ANGEL IN HEAVEN...AND HE IS WATCHING OVER U & UR FAMILY..HIS MEMORY WILL ALWAYS BE IN UR HEART AND CHILDREN

Marie Zwicker

March 8, 2008

Sincere condolences from the Sullivan, Maine VFD on the tragic loss of a Brother. You will be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
(formerly of Sullivan, ME VFD))

Anita CALHOUN

March 8, 2008

Michelle,
my prayers are with you and the children, may this help a little.
An Irish Funeral Prayer

Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Everything remains as it was.
The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no sorrow in your tone.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort
Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.

Source: derived from a sermon written by Henry Scott Holland and delivered in St. Paul's (London) on 15 May 1910, at which time the body of King Edward VII was lying in state at Westminster

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These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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