Godwin 3rd Ordway

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Oscar Raynal S.J. on August 8, 2003:

Dear Ute: I bet you won't believe it, but just today I found out Ski's passing away. It was for me a great surprise when Bill Welter sent to me the list of the deceased for this year, and I saw his name. I imediately tried to find out how he died, but I only saw a report that said that early April 11 he had passed away, and then I read Bob Camp's Eulogy, which was beautiful. I met Ski at the Point, in the way of saying that I knew who he was, since he was well known because of his football ability. He probably never knew who I was, however there is hardly any classmate who became as warm and as interested as him about the work I was and I'm doing. I have here in front of me his last letter dated Nov.12, 2002, where he encourages me to keep going. Once we talked by phone. He called me all the way to Mexico. He was so close, so warm, a great person. However, I experience him extremely close, since He is with the Lord, and the Lord is always with me. This same afternoon I'll offer mass for him; however I know he dosesn't need my prayers, just the opposite, he, I'm sure, is praying for me and my work. I would have loved to celebrate mass for him at his funeral. I went once to Washingon D.C. to celebrate it for Dave Burroughs, It was a great experience. I was extremely emotional to be in those circumstances among so many classmates. Ute, please accept my apologies for being so late in getting in touch with you, but believe me that for Ski it hasn't being late since all these months have been a second for him. May the Lord bless you always. Oscar Raynal S.J.'55

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