Donald Warren Krech 

A Presence Remembered

Something there was about Don Krech's bearing and presence
that was stately and solid and calm. In tall order (no kidding),
he unfailingly exhibited grace and dignity.

We were accustomed to Don's impressive stature and smile
when, on Sundays, with his Alice, rain or shine, so regular
at the chime, he entered our sanctuary for HUU worship.

Something, there was about Don of the retired engineer and senior manager,
but, especially, his proud role as host when we UU friends climbed up
to his lofty house as guests for a generous feast.

He would guide us all on a grand tour of his artfully designed
and majestic home, and then out into the hardscaped garden-
no lawn to mow-and the landscape beyond of shapely, colorful plants.

Something there was about Don's humanity that teases our hearts.
Plainly, he'd had a successful career and served as President of his HOA.
But about his deeper, inner self he was somewhat enigmatic.

Perhaps this was a modesty, or a quiet deference and preference
to listen with love to Alice's wisdom and her spirited take
on the many books on the many topics she'd share with him.

Alice, we know, is a sturdy stoic and her stance is matter-of-fact.
"I loved Don but that's the way it is," she says, with a shrug of her shoulders.
"You never know what life's going to bring you. What can you do but accept?"

Something there was about Don's parting that leaves for Alice a void.
And to her trusted family and friends she admits it'll take her time, without Don,
to fill the vacuum of their years together with her own self-made joy.

So we all join with Alice today to remember her dear, departed husband.
"Don," we say, "we're sorry you can't be here to enjoy with us once more
your imposing table, artfully arranged for our dining perfection.

"Don," we say, "we're sorry you can't be with us now to share your sunroom
your bright flowers, your circular views of the bluestone mountain heights,
the sun's daily arc from east to west, and the ever-transforming skies."

"But, most of all, Don, we're sorry you are not any longer present
to share with Alice, your family, your friends and all of us here,
your memories of a long life well-lived in this world that you've now left behind.

And so, we invoke for Alice the long-ago St. Francis prayer:
Where there is darkness, may there be light
and where there is sadness, may there be joy.

Linda Ankrah-Dove©
December 3, 2022

Obituary