Father Eric Freed, the priest who married Christina & Dorian (my daughter and son-in-law), was brutally murdered early on New Years morning in the parish rectory of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Eureka, CA. His home parish.

My daughter is heartbroken and most likely pretty angry at the person who took this fine man of God away from her and her community. I wish I was with her to help her navigate the rough waters of profound sadness; but I’m 1000 plus miles away, and cannot be there to give her a hug and tell her it’s going to be ok, and her grief, with time will subside.

I got to know Father Freed a little at the wedding; but was too wrapped up in the event to get to know him well. No doubt Christina and Dorian got to know him well as he led them through the preparation of marriage and their future life together. Both of them held Father in high regard, and loved him very much as did many people in Eureka, Arcata, and the surrounding communities.

This much I do know about Father Eric Freed: he had a sense of humor and did not suffer fools gladly. A straight shooter with a heart of gold and a spine of steel, one of his greatest joys was performing the sacrament of marriage to two fine people like Dorian and Christina, and said as much to me. His joy was evident in the wedding ceremony and his homily.

I don’t think God meant to call Father Freed home at this time. The free will of a deranged man sent him to God. Father Freed wasn’t done with his work on this earth, so now we are tasked to do it- no one else will. He was called by God many years ago to live a life of faith, hope, service, and love; which he clearly did while here with us. Through his example, if we have the courage to try, we can maybe make the world a little bit better. Just maybe.

R.I.P.  Father, your work on earth is prematurely done; but with you in their hearts and minds, your loved ones will carry on with your good works.