Funeral Homily for Scott A. LedDuke

Homily presented at the Funeral Rite for
Scott A. LedDuke (1980-2025)
​Rev. Richard S. Vosko, Ph.D.
St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, NY

​LIVING ONE WITH CREATION
​
When God created the heavens and the earth and everyone in it God said “It was good! God’s intention from the big bang forward was that all creatures would enjoy the beauty and the grace of God’s handiwork. It was an unrestrained outpouring of God’s love.

Because God is love there is no explanation for a young father to be suddenly taken away from his family and friends. But, we should know this: God was the first one to cry when Scott died.

Scott was one of those human beings who loved roaming the earth — the mountains, the seas, far away places, and his backyard garden. Scott loved relationships with the earth and people. He nurtured them. For him “with good friends, every road leads to a new adventure.”

He loved his parents and siblings for sure. But most energetically and passionately Scott loved Lisa, and his children — Natalie, Emme, Juliette and Phoebe. I think his animal friend Trixie also got some attention. For Scott, “the best memories are made with family by your side.”

After God’s creation got off to an evolutionary start God entrusted human beings to care for creation. Better yet, God hoped we would embrace creation as if we were one with it. 

When someone like Scott is swept away by death some part of creation, some part of us, is also taken away. It is as if Scott left an indelible mark on our lives, an imprint that is carried forth as we tell stories about Scott. There are two kinds of deaths. The first is the actual death experienced. The second death is to be forgotten. Scott will not leave us alone. We ought not leave Scott alone. 

Scott was one with creation inside and outside his being. His lifestyle and, I imagine, the way he thought about life, was an example of how a moral and mystical spiritual dimension in life can sustain humanity. It raises up hope, takes away fear, wipes off tears. Such spirituality is not an isolated experience. It emerges out of loving and caring relationships with others and the entirety of creation.

Aloft on eagle’s wings, Scott is now embarked on a new adventure. It is one that is taking him to spaces and time zones he has yet to imagine. Scott had this notion that “the road never truly ends - it just turns into something new.” It is where he shall “see the face of God and live.”

Death is not the end but the start of a new journey, one that will draw Scott more deeply into the creation he so loved. And, because the totality of God’s creation is not yet realized, somehow, Scott continues to remain part of our lives. Perhaps another one of his favorite lyrics tells it best: “Some day when we meet up yonder We'll stroll hand in hand again, In a land that knows no partin’ Blue eyes cryin' in the rain.” May Scott live on in peace.
​___________________
* Lyrics in quotation marks by the Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson and Bob Dufford, SJ