Born to Die, part twenty-eight

08.03.20
Kenneth Roger Gregg, 57, of Las Vegas, died March 14, 2008. He retired from the District Attorney's Office of Family Support. He is survived by his wife, Deborah and daughter, Katherine. No services are scheduled. Donations can be sent to Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada Parenting Adopted Kids family group.

So, Ken, how’s it goin’?

I’m not as good a friend as I wanted to be, as is borne out by my learning only today of your “passing.” Life handed you more than—at least what seemed to me—your fair share of challenges: poor health, the untimely deaths of your children, discrimination of the ordinary toward the different. I never knew you as anything but a gentle giant that had a kind word for every one. As cubicle neighbors over the years I was afforded the opportunity to grow in my respect for your intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom. It is certainly to your credit that you served the public right up until it wasn’t possible any longer.

I’m hoping that you will see the humor in the fact that I’ve been thinking about death this Lent. I never really had a clear picture of your theology, and that means you probably didn’t have a clear picture of mine. But we were both acquainted with the tenets of Methodism which may have led us to believe that we really ought to understand each other’s. Alas, I never sensed that we were on the same page on that subject. I have to admit that I found your scholarship to be somewhat intimidating at times, partly because it was from a school with which I have little familiarity due to my disinclination. But now, you know; while I am still here wondering.

If it is actually part of the cosmic process that you have passed to a better, happier experience, praise God! I and the many people privileged to be your friends could hope for nothing less. In this I have faith: you proceed in the abiding and gracious love of your Creator.