I am deeply sad to report that this morning our dear friend and brother in Christ, Harvey LaZelle, has died. He was at home being cared for by his family. We will hold a funeral for Harvey on Friday, April 27, at 11:00 AM at St. Dunstan’s Church, with a reception to follow.
I am grateful to have been able to visit Harvey yesterday. We shared communion, said prayers, and then I told him that I loved him, that I am grateful that he was here at St. Dunstan’s Church when I got here, and that my life was enriched for having been his friend. There are many among us who might also say these things.
This morning we said Prayers at Time of Death with family and friends present and commended Harvey’s soul to God. I was deeply moved by the love his family has for him. He was a generous and caregiving man in all areas of his life.
Harvey’s contribution to St. Dunstan’s Church was fantastic. He was the project manager for our kitchen remodel, helped replace several furnaces, wielded his chainsaw to remove something like 40 trees that sprouted on our property (the brush piles were the size of a small house!), he was a vestry member, and as Sr. Warden, guided the vestry through challenging times. Harvey brought confidence to our finances with his careful work as treasurer. He loved serving as an usher and continued in that role for as long as he could get himself to services. Harvey was a trusted advisor and a beloved friend.
I take great comfort, in this time of grief, knowing that Harvey is with God. In the Rite 1 prayers of the people we pray for those who have died that God will “grant them continual growth in [God’s] love and service.” Harvey helped all of us grow in God’s love and service through his leadership, generosity and tireless contributions. Harvey will continue to be a part of our life and worship for generations to come. I thank God for his life.
Yours in Christ,
David+