As I think about the holiday season and the pervasive theme of hope and cheer, memories of friends who epitomized goodness and optimism come to mind. Their deaths this year touched not only their families but our community.
Mike Menzies, a longtime friend and community leader, died June 24, 2014 after a four-year battle against cancer. His positive attitude toward life enabled him to live longer than the severity of his disease, multiple myeloma, may have dictated.
President and CEO of Easton Bank and Trust, Mike did so much for so many people both as a community banker but also as an incredible volunteer. Thought he sought little or no credit, his death unleashed a slew of stories about his kindness and decency.
Mike excelled as a community banker. The bank’s investors, customers and employees would vouch for his expertise, marked by a keen intelligence and insight into the critical role played by small banks as Easton Bank and Trust.
He was an equally competent and dedicated volunteer. The addition now under construction at the Talbot Hospice Foundation is testament to his wisdom and tenacity. As chair of the capital campaign during the 2008-2009 recession, he refused to give up. Though he clearly understood the economic distress affecting our nation, he knew it was important to Talbot Hospice and the community to continue fundraising. The result bears out his vision.
Another friend, the Rev. Jim Seale, assistant rector at Christ Church, Easton, died Oct. 22, 2014 after battling leukemia for a year. I got to know Jim not only as a parishioner but also as a friend. We were nearly the same age—and the same height.
In January of this year, I joined a group of people who would drive Jim to Johns Hopkins Hospital for his constant treatments. It was a privilege to spend that time with Jim, who trusted the medical profession to help him deal with a deadly illness. His faith, ever so strong, ever so ingrained in his body and soul, always accompanied him on his medical journey.
During our drive up and back to Baltimore, we talked incessantly. I was content to be quiet and allow him to rest, to be alone with his thoughts. He wanted to talk in his down-to-earth and friendly manner.
After a brief remission from his leukemia, the disease reappeared, perhaps not surprisingly but discouragingly to Jim’s many friends.
The holiday season is a joyous one, filled with family gatherings and parties with friends. Charity is a common theme, as represented by the delightful transformation of Ebenezer
Scrooge in the perennial season favorite, “Christmas Carol.”
Memories of Mike Menzies and Jim Seale allow me to feel thankful for their place in my life and heart and their contribution to our community. As I enjoy this festive time of year, I happily recall two people who made our small part of earth a little better.
They were givers. Their legacy shines forth.
Kathy Bosin says
Beautiful tribute, Howard.
Ruey ("Missy") Warfield says
We were friends of both Mike and Jim (and are friends of Howard’s) and are touched by his memories. His tribute to lost friends encourages each of us to remember positively those friends we’ve lost this year and to help their legacies and our memories “shine forth.” Important guidance at a sensitive time of year. Thanks, Howard.
Jonathon Powers says
Mr. Freedlander eloquently describes the loss of two friends. A rare accomplishment without falling into maudlin prose.