An Unexpected Death

You might recall that on Tuesday, March 10th, we had a severe series of thunderstorms that went through our area. These were the storms that spun several tornadoes and caused deaths in Lake Village.

I was among several parishioners from Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish that were attending a spiritual program at St. John Evangelist Church on the evening when the storms arrived.

Everyone present at that program was slightly on edge while looking at weather updates during the session. The leaders of the program dismissed those in attendance a bit early, wanting to be cautious as the bands of the storms were passing. To my knowledge all arrived home safely.

As I was traveling back from St. John to my home in Dyer, I received a phone call from my wife who was in tears with her voice breaking up. She let me know that one of our closest friends, Pat Downes, had a medical emergency while driving home through the storm, causing him to hit a telephone pole. He was killed in the crash. We were in shock. We still are.

This was a wonderful man who was so generous in helping others with his time, talent, and treasure, as well as aiding the Sisters of St. Francis as he worked in their healthcare ministry. He will be sorely missed. The sadness of those who knew him is palpable.

As I thought about our friend’s untimely death, as well as those who died elsewhere due to the storms in our locale and across the country, I was once again reminded how fragile life can be. We do not know when our life’s journey will end. For some without much notice, for others in time after fighting a prolonged illness or injury.

I think our friend Pat in his ever-selfless devotion to others would tell us today, if he could, to be prepared for the hour we do not know, when we will be called to meet our loving Lord in heaven.

May God grant you eternal rest, Pat. Thank you for showing those who knew you what it means to have a life well lived in loving God and others. 

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek