We are accustomed to loss at our rescue, Homeward Bound. It is an inevitable part of what we do and so we prepare for the sadness while focusing on the joy. But this week was different. We lost one of our own, a member of our team – a true friend.
Dick Brothers, a long-time volunteer, a board member, and our Vice President had a sudden heart attack and passed away at the rescue. He was taken from us suddenly and much too soon.
Dick and his wife Jean have been involved with Homeward Bound for more than ten years. He was the kindest, smartest, most modest and soft-spoken man you will ever meet. And as our president says with love “he was the ‘honey’ for all of our ‘honey-do’s.’ ” He literally had a hand in everything, from raising buildings and funds – to raising hope.
Our hearts go out to his wife, Jean and to his family. He is mourned by our Homeward Bound family and the entire community to which he gave so generously of his talents and time.
How we go on without him we do not yet know, but he would insist we do. I read that he was a fan of the Cat Stevens. I don’t know if it’s true; I never got a chance to ask him. But I have a feeling that gratitude for the beauty of each and every day as expressed in this hymn memorialized by Cat Stevens would express his wish for us as we attempt to carry on and ensure his legacy is sustained.
“Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world
Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God’s recreation of the new day”
I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Michelle.
I too am so sorry for your loss. Beautiful post! A sweet soul taken too early, his legacy shall live on with Homeward Bound! Sadly he has found a Forever Home…But he still watches over everything…Keep an open eye…You’ll see!
So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful person who achieved many great things in his life.
Nibbles, Nutty, Buddy & Basil
xxxx
Thank you (all). His greatness is measured by the depth of our sorrow.
I’m so sorry…he sounds like he was a wonderful part of all that you do, and he will be missed.
What a wonderful legacy he leaves, albeit too early. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4. May his family and friends feel the love and comfort. So sorry.
Thank you, Beth.
Thank you.
What a beautiful tribute to a lovely man. My family and I are very sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Miss Harper Lee.
A beautiful tribute to a caring man. Not too many like him out there. Please accept my deepest condolences.
A rare one indeed. Thank you, Carol.
It sounds like the world lost a lovely soul. Your homage to him is a wonderful.
What a wonderful – and true – way to capture him. “A lovely soul’ he was. Thank you, Kat.
A wonderful tribute. And remember that the entire garden is infused with his spirit and his love, and he will live on in your memories.
Thank you. And we will find a special way to remember him there.
Gentle peace and healing as you individually and collectively find your way to the new garden and all it can become, and where Dick’s spirit will continue to bless you…may other hands and hearts as generous as his own find their way to assist with your wonderful work…
Kitty, thank you for your beautiful note and wishes for us all.
Such a loving tribute here. He always had a smile and a quick Hello — even on the busiest of days. So many who relied on his generous and kind spirit will be in mourning. My condolences to his family and friends.
You’re so right, Patti. Thank you.
I’m very sorry for your loss, the world needs more people like him.
Great tribute!
All the best for his wife and family.
Thank you…and yes, it does. 😦
Such a beautiful blog tribute to Dick. I’m so thankful to have known him. He was an inspiration to all of us and I miss him already. Prayers for Jean and all those who loved him.
How lucky were we to have him in our lives? Thank you Cathy.
I am so sorry for the loss for all, and know in my heart he is being licked and pawed on the other side of the rainbow, god bless you and your family
Thank you, Emma…no doubt he was greeted with lots of golden love.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Sam
Thank you, Sam.
What a beautiful tribute. Life on this earth is so short but comfort can be found in the beautiful life he led and the imprint he left. His Homeward Bound family was imbedded in his heart and soul. His presence will be missed but his spirit will always be felt.
Beautifully said, Karen. Thank you.
Ogee, I am so sorry to read this sad news about the death of your friend. Your post today is a beautiful tribute to him. What a special person he was. What you’ve written about him here is very inspiring. I’ll be thinking of you and your team at Homeward Bound. My sincere condolences and best wishes to you all.
Thank you for your kind note Melanie.
Some poems are never finished. Their beauty lives on. ( Jayne Cortez ) My deepest sympathy. Lovely tribute to this gentle and kind man.
What a lovely quote. Thank you for sharing it. So perfect for this moment in time.
beautiful tribute. Looks as tho your garden is weeping too. So sorry for your loss.
Your post was so sad to read, beautifully written and brought tears to my eyes. During these past ten months or so that I’ve followed your blog, I’ve seen him in your posts – Dick seemed like a very generous and kind-spirited person. My condolences to his wife and family, and to Homeward Bound. You’ve had a tough year – so sorry and thinking about you.
Thank you, Mary. Yes – some hurdles this year. But much to be grateful to as well. I try not to lose sight of that.
I’m sorry for your loss.. It’s a beautiful post to read.
Thank you for your nice note.
I was so saddened to here of the loss of such a treasured family member in HB. He left earth where he was so loved but I truly believe his Spirit will be back watching over those beautiful Goldens and guiding everyone at HB.
My deepest condolences to his wife and all his family.
Thank you, Cindy. What a lovely thought to share.
I only had the opportunity to meet Dick a few times, but he was such a warm human being and his smile was infectious. My condolences to his family and to his Homeward Bound Family. I know how this must hurt, but Dick’s legacy will continue through many hands and hearts. Hugs to you all.
Thank you, Karen. Lucky us to have known him.
What a wonderful tribute to a very special part of your ‘family.’ I am very sorry for your loss but know that even ten years with such a special person was something you would have never wanted to miss. Homeward Bound moving forward would definitely be just what such a devoted volunteer would want.
So well spoken, Judy. We are so grateful for the time we had with him. Thank you.
A beautiful tribute, Audrey – one of my favorite songs and the photos were exquisite. My condolences to you and your Homeward Bound family.
Thank you so much, Lynn.
So very sorry and sad for your loss, what a beautiful tribute to a very special person.
I’m sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man. Beautiful tribute!
Thank you…he truly was. And he is much missed.
Too sad.Sounds like a wonderful and generous soul.
Truly. And truly missed.