This is a difficult announcement to make to you.
One of the genuine pillars of our Lady of Victory Parish has died.
Ray Honda was found dead in his apartment on Sunday evening. Apparently he had died earlier during his sleep.
More information will be made public as soon as Ray's family has time to absorb the surprise information. He had not shared with him that he had had a recent angioplasty or that the had not felt well for the last two months.
All of us who work at the parish know how many different ways Ray Honda worked for all of us in the parish. The parish and the Knights of Columbus were his life. The parish and the Knights were his love.
Let us remember Ray in our prayers. I know it will seem unusual not seeing him taking care of the ushers, making the weekly Mass count, hearing him say "Places" to get everyone ready for the procession into the church at the beginning of each Mass.
Here is the big surprise: Ray Honda was 79 years old! Who would have guessed that!
Here's a significant reflection: Imagine how many people's lives Ray Honda has touched in his life here at OLV. Can one candle light the world? Well, we know this: one man surely lit up a parish with his love and devotion.
God, we entrust to you our beloved brother, Raymond. He was a man who believed in his baptismal promises to follow your Son, Jesus, as he lived his life --- service to your people. We can only imagine what a wonderful reunion there must have been for Ray and his beloved wife.
He truly was our brother ... he cared for us. We are confident he is with you. Thank you for the gift of his life in the life of our parish. Eternal rest grant unto him, Lord.
