Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Heath family, I know this time for you is a very difficult one, you have suffered more loss in a year than any family should have to endure. Please know that our family grieves with you and your family, because we too suffer the loss as well. Mr. Heath has been one of the hidden forces behind my personal and professional success. I remember the stories he used to tell us when we were growing up, stories like “Huck Finn” and that darn White fence. I am where I am today because Mr. Heath had as much an influence on my life as my grandparents did and still do. Mr. Heath taught me that an education will get me where I want to be. After a 24 year career in the Marines I finally finished my Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. I graduate in July of next year with my Master’s degree in Administration of justice and security. I tell you this because Mr. Heath convinced me that I could do it, he convinced me that I could do anything I wanted to do as long as I had an education. I sometimes wonder if he had any idea what affect he had on my life. I never got a chance to tell him thank you for the words of encouragement, and thank you for making me feel like I was just as important as the next guy. My last name is not Heath but I certainly feel the sting in my heart of the loss of a man that was just as important in my life as a father. I will celebrate and honor his life by continuing on with my educational goals, and live an honorable life just as he did. His work here is done and our father in heaven is waiting for him with his reward. Rejoice knowing we all had the distinct honor and pleasure of knowing such a great and selfless man. May God bless and keep you… Harold Rowland 1stSgt. USMC ( Ret.)
