For many in my circle of Brebeuf alumni, he was an inspiring and at times demanding teacher; a man who set the bar high for his students and even higher for himself.
He was also good and faithful friend to many. On the night before his funeral, one such lifelong friend, Karen Riggs of Guelph, Ontario, gave the following touching eulogy in honour of this truly one of a kind man.
Rev. Fr. Donald Francis Beaudois was not just the best friend anyone could have – and he was that to my family and me – he was one of the greatest gifts from God we have been given in our lives.
It is impossible to express in a few short words the countless blessings he brought to so many of us for these many years. This is only a summary to thank him and honour him in a small way.
God brought Don into our lives when I was about 8 years old. Like most people, we were drawn to him like a magnet. I did not yet fully understand Who it was in this lovely man that had that power. Our family instantly adopted him and he adopted us right back.
Christmas, Easter and especially Thanksgiving were synonymous with Fr. Don arriving at our home. We would squeal with delight and race to the driveway when we saw his car. On the occasions when he couldn’t make it, those celebrations were markedly less bright and joyous without his laugh, smile, stories and presence, and we kids would be sorely disappointed. Our parents too.
Don brought his special brand of light and love to we four little girls. He loved us and we knew it! He would always make sure to highlight on a particular skill or interest in each one of us, and celebrate any achievements with praise and genuine interest. One such time we were driving along with Don as he played his beloved classical music in the car. I had just been introduced to classical music in grade school. Don ventured to ask me did I know the composer and piece playing in the car, and I was able to correctly answer – most likely because it was the only piece our teacher had taught us thus far. I thought he was going to blow a gasket with pure joy and excitement that his little friend got the answer right. A true hallmark of a great teacher.
He was always making you feel good about yourself; good about life. Another time when we were little the song “The Glory of Love” was playing on the car radio. Don was joyously singing along and punctuating the words with his finger as he sang, that wonderful broad smile on his face. I remember watching him closely and smiling too, regarding him with wonderment and puzzlement, still not fully understanding what/Who it was that had this man in such an apparently constant state of joy. I will forever think of him when I hear that song.
Don was always taking us on interesting outings and letting us be kids enjoying life, and getting to share life with him. He took us to places like Centre Island, his beloved Martyr Shrine, Ontario Place, fireworks, Dairy Queen, movies, the zoo, nature trails, classical concerts, teaching us chess, and helping us with homework. The list goes on……
One occasion probably stands out in particular for me above others. We were skating at Nathan Phillip’s Square. I was little and could not yet skate, and was tripping and falling all over the place. Don having grown up playing hockey in Winnipeg and being an excellent skater, suddenly whisked over to me, scooped me up and carried me as he skated gracefully around the rink, smiling and having the time of his life. I remember never having felt so safe and secure in my life in that moment, and did not want him to put me down. Years later when I was blessed to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit, I was reminded of that moment as I felt God’s gentle, inexplicable love wash over me – God’s love, utter peace and security.
Don constantly helped me believe in myself when I did not. He built up my confidence when I had none. He made me feel loved when I felt unlovable. More importantly he always explained to me that God loved me. He counselled me with Godly love, gentleness and wisdom during the many mistakes and subsequent hard times I faced in life as I grew into adulthood. He taught me the meaning of God’s will, and the peace that comes when we accept it. He was never judgmental, never condescending. He rejoiced with us at our celebrations in life, and mourned with us over our losses as we mourn for him now.
When any of us were enduring difficult times, he would drop everything and arrive at our door to be present and to help – any time of the day or night. And he often drove a very long way to be there for you.
He loved his fellow Jesuits, teachers and staff at Manresa. His students were is great pride and joy. He loved growing them; his brilliant mind always astounded me. Teaching and the church were his two great loves on earth. I asked him once if he could have a do-over, what would he have done in his life. He said he wouldn’t change a thing.
While he was ill not long ago, the Brebeuf alumni rallied with countless messages of love, support, encouragement and well wishes thanks to Mike Daoust putting out the word. When I was visiting Don one day he was feeling particularly low due to his illness and told me, “I just need some consolation right now Karen”. I replied, “Well have I got just the thing for you!”, and pulled out a huge stack of countless emails with these messages of love, and we read them all one by one. I cannot tell you how much that meant to him. He was deeply moved and his spirits so uplifted.
Later in life I would meet for myself the One who Fr. Don held so dearly in his heart, the One he loved so much – and I understood this beautiful priest so much more. As I experienced for myself the indescribable love, forgiveness, mercy and grace of Jesus Christ as my Saviour and felt the indwelling of His Holy Spirit wanting to pour out of my soul, I understood why Don was the way he was. Yes, he was blessed with an abundance of so many fantastic character and personality traits, but it was his love of the indwelling Christ in him that clearly shone through this man.
I read something the other day Anne Graham Lotz wrote:
“Is there something missing in your life? An aching loneliness, a yearning deep inside yourself for something? You were created with a God-shaped hole in your heart, a capacity to know God in a personal, permanent, love relationship. Our primary purpose is to enjoy Him and to know Him so fully and intimately that we reflect Him in all we are and say and do, so we can bring glory to the One who created us.”
Dear Don, you did just that.
While our hearts are heavy that you’ve gone from us, we are rejoicing in your home-going, that you’re now free from a frail body and pain. I like to imagine you now running with sheer happiness to greet your dear friend Audrey and all your family, brothers and friends gone before you. You are now singing with more joy than you could ever imagine in the glory and majesty of God, worshipping Jesus, Who now holds you in His arms.
Most of us do not have too many friends that come around in our lifetimes like Donald Beaudois. I think God in His wisdom has a reason for that.
Thank you dearest Don for everything. Thank You Father God for the gift of this beautiful child of yours.
No comments:
Post a Comment