Saturday, January 3, 2009

Keith Alan McDermott

David and I traveled to California for a Causey family Christmas party; when we arrived, we found out that a dear friend had passed away rather suddenly.
It was a distressing blow. This time last year, I was receiving comfort from Keith, after mom's passing ... I related acutely with his families suffering.
We extended our trip to stay for his funeral. It was a beautiful service that accuratley represented the respect and honor this man stood for.
Keith Alan McDermott
April 9, 1958 - December 19, 2008
It has been humbling to see The Lord's plan unfold before our eyes. Evidence that there is much work to do on the other side of the veil, for The Lord has taken another of his most valiant servants in his prime, for a great purpose beyond our mortal understanding.


In my youth, Florence McDermott was my Beehive advisor. She was very influencial in my life and the building of my testimony.
When my father passed away, they embraced me with love and helped soothe my pain. I often babysat their 4 aborable boys.
They remember me as the babysitter that made them watch Annie all the time. :)

Keith, embraced me like a daughter. Perhaps because he had all sons? He was always encouraging me and making me feel special.
A visit never passed without Keith pulling me aside and tell me how wonderful he thought I was, or how beautiful I am. It was an honor to be considered his pretend adopted daughter.
As I think about it, he probably did this with everyone. He had a special place in his heart for the youth and he wanted to lift all that he associated with.
This is a tremendous loss!

Keith was an LA County Police Officer for 25 years. At his services, there was a 25 motorcycle police brigade escort, in honor of the 25 years that he served as a police officer.
It was ahh stricking to see and feel the presents of these officer paying their respect to one of their own. He was so humble, I often forgot that he was an officer. He was never badge heavy.


On the way to the chapel. Traffic was stopped in all directions.






This was the largest funeral I have ever attended. This is a glimpse of the mobs of people that came to pay their respects.


The procession to the cemetry was even more impressive. It was a 40 minute freeway drive. It was one thing to see the officer stop traffic on the local streets. But on the freeway, it was just amazing to watch the officers so skillfully stop traffic ahead of us so that the procession could go on without interuption.


My soul aches for the pain his family is experiencing, as the learn to live again without their beloved husband and father.
He is loved and missed without measure!

3 comments:

Nikki said...

I am glad you were able to help other's this time of year.

Kelli said...

I'm sorry for the loss but am so glad you could be there. I sit here in awe at the pictures. Those with the 25 officers left me in awe.

Unknown said...

I just wanted to thank you for all you did for us while you were down. Your trip didn't turn out exactly as you planned, I'm sure, but it was a great blessing for us to have you there. Thank you so much.