A remembrance of
Kinley, and a prayer for his family
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August 6, 2011 |
To Pastor Larry and Mrs. Barb Nelson and family,
My name is Ray Danly. I'm the dad of Eric, Greg
and C.J. Danly. We lived in Bonners Ferry from
1975 to 1982 while I was associated with the
Bonners Ferry Police Department. My sons all
knew Kinley, and Eric was his close friend and
classmate. My kids are scattered now and I live
in Hayden, Idaho.
We are all very distressed to learn of Kinley's
passing, and your family is in our thoughts and
prayers during this trying time.
Part of my outreach at Peace Lutheran, Coeur
d'Alene, involves compassionate association with
those experiencing pending death situations. So
I am well aware of the crushing hurt that you
feel. There is nothing that anyone can do to
assuage your sorrow, but we can offer to you our
Christian love and compassion, and we do. As a
fellow Lutheran, I share your certain conviction
that Kinley is in a far better place now; but
that does not mitigate the deep grief that you
feel at his sudden and unexpected loss. Our Lord
holds him in eternal security while you, his
parents and family, are left behind with only
Kinley's memory. May I share some of my memory
of your dear son, who spent some time with my
family when we lived in Bonners.
I remember Kinley as a pleasant and polite young
man. I never heard him speak ill of others.
Kinley was not very outgoing, but he was not
shy. He exhibited a quiet, calm nature that was
very considerate of others. Jo Ann (my ex-wife)
and I liked him very much and were glad that our
son,"mischievous Eric" had Kinley as a friend to
temper some of the teen-age schemes thought up
by Eric and others (Kurt, Dwayne, J.R. and
more).
Kinley seemed to us to be a stabilizing
influence to the other more rambunctious boys.
That is not to say that they all, including
Kinley, didn't partake in some silly actions,
but nothing that was destructive, dangerous or
injurious to others. Kinley was that kid that
was always ready and anxious to lend a hand
wherever it was needed.
You didn't ask, Kinley offered.
I've spoken with several my retired B.F. police
colleagues and have learned that Kinley's
willingness to cheerfully donate time and talent
remained with Kinley throughout his life. He
learned that and other positive traits from his
parents. You can take pride in a job well done
during his formative years.
We Lutherans are convicted in the assurance of
God's grace, the hope of salvation. By our
sacraments we are welcomed into His Holy Family,
buried with Christ and raised, clear of sin, to
live before God; by the true body and blood of
our Savior, we are forgiven of our sins and
given life and salvation. May I offer the
following?
Heavenly Father we praise You and give You
thanks for the privilege of knowing Kinley and
having him in our lives for awhile. We do not
always understand Your ways, but we have the
assurance that You have our best interest
foremost in all of your dealings with us. We ask
that you bring solace and peace to all Kinley's
survivors and friends. May we feel Your grace as
we come to realize that Kinley's earthly
challenges are over as he resides in Eternal
Paradise with You. Bless all of the Nelsons and
ease the ache in their hearts. We ask this in
the name of our Lord and Savior, Your son, Jesus
Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the
Holy Spirit. --- Amen
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Raymond Danly
Hayden, Idaho |
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