Condolences for friend of JW’s

Sister Li Garnes (Landover, Maryland Congregation) says, “It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Richard “Dick” Verstraete, RN at the age of 74.

For the past five years, I had the honor and privilege of working closely with Dick who served as Nurse Coordinator at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program in Washington, DC. During those years, he became much more than a colleague. He became someone I deeply appreciated, respected, and cared about. I was especially honored to prepare a tribute celebrating his retirement, never imagining that only a short time later, I would be writing these words about his passing.

Dick was not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, but that never prevented him from becoming deeply loved by so many of the Friends he personally cared for. He was welcomed, appreciated, and embraced by the bloodless community, and he touched the lives of many who had the privilege of knowing him.

So while our hearts are heavy, we do not grieve without hope.

Jehovah promises that soon, “death will be no more.” (Revelation 21:4) Death, our great enemy, will be brought to nothing, just as Jehovah has promised. (1 Corinthians 15:26)

And then comes the part I hold especially close to my heart: **Dick will awaken.**

Jesus promised that “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28, 29) I look forward to the day when Jehovah calls Dick’s name, and he answers that call to life.

What a day that will be.

Until then, Dick will remain in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. I am especially grateful to have had five years of working alongside him and the privilege of knowing the man behind the colleague.

Dick, you were deeply appreciated, genuinely loved, and you will be missed more than words can express.

**This is not goodbye. It is simply, until we meet again in Jehovah’s new world.**”

If anyone wishes to share their condolences with the family, then please communicate with Sister Garnes at lilia.n.garnes@medstar.net.