these noteworthy and talented Americans that we lost to COVID.
The poet John Donne once wrote “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” Meditation XVII – Meditation 17.
As a former hospital worker, I’ve seen people die of disease in the past (including my late wife), and it is a terrible and humbling thing to behold. For all we know, except for the grace and mercy of God, we may be next. I’ve also learned from my years in health care that though viruses are disarmingly simple, they are also elegant–a formidable adversary. So, even though I have settled beliefs and convictions about wearing masks and getting vaccinated in this pandemic, I can neither wish the death of a person who vehemently disagrees with me, nor gloat at his demise lest I be next. It is a loss as Donne assures us, and I cannot begin to comprehend what it means to the family (more than 140,000 U.S. children lost a primary or secondary caregiver to COVID during this pandemic.) Beyond remembering a small few who we have lost, my hope is that this post may in some small way help persuade we who remain that life in the Lord is a positive affirmation, and that we should take all steps to continue that life and that affirmation (including getting vaccinated and practicing good infection control technique such as wearing masks when indicated per CDC guidance.)
Caveat: I mention vaccination status when newspaper accounts include it, not as an indictment on these men and women who eschewed the vaccine, but first of all, because a number of these stricken Americans wished, at the end, that they had received the vaccine after all. This is an important, heartfelt message that needs to be broadcast. In many cases, surviving family members urged readers and friends to get vaccinated, so other families would not be similiarly in mourning. Also, as I researched news stories, obituaries, tweets and Facebook posts, I learned that many people mentioned below who were not vaccinated had been influenced by others (some who have since died, themselves) towards a particular point of view that put them at risk, such as believing that God will preserve them and a vaccine is not necessary, or that it’s a sin to take the vaccine, that the vaccine is worthless at least or deadly at worst. Or, that there are other more effective meaures (e.g., zinc and worm preparations) that should be taken, instead.
May God have mercy on us all.
Colin Powell (1937-2021) died yesterday from the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID.) He had been fully vaccinated, but he was fighting multiple myeloma when he contracted the virus, and his body was not strong enough to resist in spite of the vaccine. Tributes from current and former world leaders have been pouring in commenting on the stellar character and considerable accomplishments of this individual.
General Colin Luther Powell had served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, White House Chief of Staff, and Secretary of State. He was born in Harlem, attended City College in New York and earned a graduate degree from George Washington University.
The White House released an official statement on the General’s passing, noting that all government flags shall be flown at half staff until October 22nd.
The White House proclamation noted:
“General Colin Powell was a patriot of unmatched honor and dignity. . . He believed in the promise of America because he lived it. And he devoted much of his life to making that promise a reality for so many others. He embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. He repeatedly broke racial barriers, blazing a trail for others to follow, and was committed throughout his life to investing in the next generation of leadership. Colin Powell was a good man who I was proud to call my friend, and he will be remembered in history as one of our great Americans.”
Lord, have mercy on Colin Powell.
Radio talk show hosts Marc Bernier (1956-2021), Phil Valentine (1959-2021), Jimmy DeYoung (1940-2021), Dick Farrel (1956-2021), and Bob Enyart (1959-2021) who were confirmed, conservative anti-vaxxers and presumably avoided the vaccine, themselves, all died over the summer and early fall from the Virus. Valentine and Farrel regretted not getting the vaccine before they died. Enyart was also pastor of the Denver Bible Church. Jimmy DeYoung was a religious leader as well. Radio programmer Tod Tucker (1961-2021) who spoke against the vaccines died of COVID, himself, in early August. Lord, have mercy on the souls of these men.
Pastor John McIntyre (1961-2021) of Bradenton, FL died of COVID on September 2nd. He was not vaccinated. Seven members of a church in Jacksonvile, FL died within a fourteen day period around the first week in August. Four of them were under the age of 35 and in good health. Six of the seven were not vaccinated. The vaccination status of another is uncertain. Pastor Kermit Wilson Jr (1978-2021) of Greensboro, NC, who went to be with his Lord in late September was unfortunately not vaccinated as well according to newspaper accounts. Reverend Morgan Parks (1960-2021) of Collierville, Tenneesee died in early September. His vaccination status is unknown. Lord, welcome these your saints into your Kingdom.
Grammy singer Joe Diffie (1958-2021) died of COVID. His vaccination status is unknown. Ellis Marsalis Jr., New Orleans jazz legend and father of Wynton and Branford Marsalis died of COVID earlier this year. His vaccination status is unknown as well. Ray Horn (1946-2021), Las Vegas performer of the team Siegfried and Roy died of COVID on May 8, 2021. Have mercy on these departed.
Other entertainers include Italian actress Lucia Bosè, who died on March 23, 2021 of COVID related complications; Chef Floyd Cardoz who died two days later; Mark Blum on March 26, 2021; Musician Allen (“I Love Rock and Roll“) Merrill; Comedian Ken Shimura on March 29, 2021; Andrew Jack from Star Wars VII on March 31, 2021; Comedian Eddie Large (April 2, 2021); Patricia Bosworth who was both an actress and journalist (on April 2, 2021); Actor Allen Garfield (on April 7, 2021) and Charles Gregory on April 8, 2021 just to name a few, according to The Wrap. Lord, remember not the transgressions of these people.
Republican Congressman Ronald Wright of the Sixth Congressional District of Texas died from COVID complications on February 7, 2021. Congressman Wright had planned to be vacciinated but was not, perhaps because he was recovering from lung cancer earlier this year. Have mercy, Lord God, on this public servant.
Many other personalities and politicials at some level of government died last year from COVID before the vaccines were available when all without pre-existing comorbidities were at equal risk. People like CW singer Charley Pride, Broadway star Nick Cordero, Singer Adam Schlesinger, Four Seasons singer Tommy DeVito, and Singer Trini Lopez. Lord have mercy on these men.
Also, former GOP candidate for President Herman Cain died several days after President Trump’s political rally in Tulsa, OK last year. Grant, Oh Lord, eternal life.
I have several posts on COVID-19 that may be on interest to you and they can be found on this website:
Are anti-vaxxers tempting God?
