Francis Michael Palms III

Loved you Frank.

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...

Peace be with you Frank.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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