February 7, 2009
Thousand Islands High School
Cape Vincent, NY
Funeral for Mark Davis
February 7, 2009
Thousand Islands High School
Cape Vincent, NY
Funeral for Mark Davis
Today your wound is deep, but I cannot see it. I know you are bleeding and I cannot stop it. I know you are in pain because I share it. I do know however, that your wounds will eventually heal and your pain will subside --- but a scar will remain. Some of you will have scars that are larger than others and they will be difficult to conceal. With time – even these scars will disappear.
I am not a very religious man. I often take the lords name in vain and have been known to tease the devil on occasion. But I do believe -- there is a higher power - one that guides our destiny, gives us purpose, and aids us when we are in despair. I struggle with my feelings for those who die for senseless reasons, ----especially those who have just entered the world or are taken away in the prime of their lives. I am told it is part of Gods way. Or that God has a special mission for them. ---- I can only hope this is true.
I did seek out the bible a few days ago and looked for this scripture and I would like to read a portion of it because it reminds me of Mark... I’m sure you will recognize it.
“But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back. Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." "
Mark showed mercy. He showed compassion. He made the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved to do – patient care, being a provider, being an Emergency Medical Technician. Our nation, our state, our county, and our communities have lost a hero. Mark was this Good Samaritan in the truest form.
The Cape Vincent Fire Department has lost a brother who answered the alarm time and time again. His sacrifice and dedication to the fire service brings great meaning to the words Tradition, Duty and Respect. Please recognize him often and with great pride. He most certainly deserves it.
Because he shared so much of himself Mark made a new family at Guilfoyle. He just loved everyone he worked with. His Markisms and easy-going spirit made friendships easy and the work rewarding, I know you all will miss him. It is true you have suffered a tremendous loss within the ranks but if I know Mark, I’m pretty sure 400 is shaking hands with 942 as I speak.
Our TIERS family lost a brother, a partner, a very familiar giggle, a smile, and wise crack at the dinner table. He just loved EMS and the everyday challenges. I would bust his chops about being such a wacker and he would laugh. He also gained the respect of others by learning and doing it right the first time. He certainly would have been a leader.
For the JCC Paramedic Program Graduates of 2010, I am assigning you a mission: it is within each and every one of you that Mark’s name will carry on. I challenge you to follow through with Mark’s legacy. He will watch over you. Give compassion. Show mercy. Be a Good Samaritan. Think of Mark as you heal others.
My heart aches for Mark’s family. It is a tragedy for a parent to bury a son and I know how proud they were of him and what he chose as a career. I only wish I could come up with the words to console all of you. Perhaps I’ll say that you raised a fine boy and I was very proud of him too.
I personally lost a son - and an eager student. I was robbed of the ability to train my apprentice in a worthy, honorable, and admirable trade. A part of me died January 30, 2009 and I will miss that giggle more than ever you’ll ever know.
Goodbye, Mark. I love ya, buddy.
Roland “Rolly” Churchill, CRT, A-EMT-P
Director of Operations
Thousand Islands Rescue
Clayton, NY
