BY DONNA WESTFALL

Bagpipes played. Emergency vehicles blocked off an entire block. Lining the sidewalk were firemen, sheriffs department, family and friends. A magnificient casket covered in a spray of autumn colored flowers made it’s way inside St. Josephs’s Catholic Church.  It was standing room only.  The service was held in English and Spanish with songs accompanied by guitar alternating between hymns and prayers.

The big question is WHY?  This man was clearly loved and respected.  Yet he took his life.  Perhaps he didn’t realize how many people loved and admired him.  Local attorneys, the DA, and some elected officials came to pay their last respects with family and friends.  Born November 13, 1966. Died September 24, 2012.  May he rest in peace.  May God grant comfort to his mother, wife and children, and all those whose lives he touched.