Farewell to the Doctor of Freep

abner ^ | 3 April 2013 | Jimmy Valentine's Brother

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

On the day after Easter, 2013, family, friends and FReepers from far and wide packed The Sweeney Funeral Home to share tears and the many tales of Doctor Raoul’s adventures in the cause of Theodore Roosevelt’s Americanism:

“Americanism means the virtues of courage, honor, justice, truth, sincerity and hardihood – the virtues that made America.”

In his tribute to Doctor Raoul, Kristinn relates from personal experience how Doctor Raoul lived his Americanism.

Even though Doctor Raoul didn’t appear from behind a door and shout “April Fool”, his presence was everywhere.

The 1957 Chevy hearse parked out front;

the Philly soft pretzels in the foyer,
the pictures from throughout his life including one as “Superman” served as reminders of his wit, humor and an early love of costumes.

Flowers were sent by Ann Coulter,

and the DC Chapter Ring Leader, Angelwood.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Resurrection Parish Church of St Casimir. After the service, FReepers Stay True, BillF, TGSL Takoma, Taxman, BufordP, Gunsareok, /sensi ern, Exit 148, Mr. and Mrs. Trooprally, Sauropod, Hell in a Handcart, Kristinn, Concrete Bob, Albion Wilde, ELS. Credo2 and Jimmy Valentine’s brother gathered for a farewell photo.

During the post service luncheon at the Throwbacks Bar and Grill, Mr. Trooprally presented the family with

the group photo from the 232 Walter Reed Friday night FReep

and Poland’s National Flag

flown in honor of the country’s support of the War on Terror. The flag can be seen in the photo as well as the “Thank you to our Troops, You did not Falter, You did not fail” MOAB inspired by Doctor Raoul.

At the end of the 1920 film, The Mark of Zorro, after all wrongs have been righted, Zorro throws his sword into a rafter of the house as he will no longer need to use it. In the 1925 film, Don Q, Son of Zorro, Don Q comes home to find that all is not well. Don Q pulls the sword from the rafter and rides out to right the wrongs once again.

Who knows, maybe someday a Don Q Son of Raoul or Susi Q daughter of Raoul may be seen on Free Republic.

[Jimmy Valentine]

Good job, J.R.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Well, now we can look back and say, “Good times.”

What? Look back?

"Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you." - Sachel Paige

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

We still have some good Freeps left in us.

You bet! See you on the wall.

[firebrand]

God bless all of you who attended Doctor Raoul’s funeral.

[Amberdawn]

RIP Raoul, and Godspeed.

[kristinn]

Thanks for a very fitting farewell.

[kristinn]

:-)

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

You are too kind. The Doctor and you made us do our best. The Doc is my mentor.

[trisham]

What a wonderful tribute to Doctor Raoul. Thank you for sharing it with all of those who couldn’t be there.

[beachn4fun]

RIP Doc.

LOL on post 1 1/2.

[momtothree]

He was a wonderful man and it is good to know that many of our FReeper friends are awaiting us in Heaven. God Bless his family and thank you, JV.. for sharing his final services with us.

[Angelwood]

1-1/2 sounds just like something Raoul would say. Thanks for the smiles and tears.

[Angelwood]

Thank you JVB, for sharing this Farewell to Doctor Raoul with the rest of us.

And “Thank You” to all the FReepers who were able to attend Raoul’s funeral and represent us so well. I know Raoul was there in spirit — I can almost see him standing at the back in the group photo.

Rest in peace, Doctor Raoul, and prayers and condolences for his family and friends.

FReep On!

[sauropod]

Indeed.

Great farewell. And great 1/2 post!

[Matchett-PI]

DITTOS! He never gave up fighting for what’s right, and neither should we!

Courage! It’s always darkest before the dawn.

He knew Truth always wins in the end regardless of how outnumbered we APPEAR to be on the surface.

RIP dear Dr. Raoul. You were always on the side of Right, and we will continue to carry that torch for freedom and justice. It will never be easy, but, like you, we aren’t quitters...we refuse to join the long list of ignominious victims of hopelessness. Victory is assured....THAT, we know!

[Jim Robinson]

Rest in peace, dear patriot. Godspeed.

[dsc]

Sorry for my faulty memory, but was Dr. Raoul involved in the “Blood Trail” thread?

[Albion Wilde]

"the Prayer of Commendation tune sounded very much like Danny Boy"
IMHO, it should have been In Paradisum

Beautiful video. OTOH, both R.C. and non-R.C. parishes struggle with music issues -- Latin vs. vernacular, traditional vs. modern, or Catholic vs. schismatic origins. A friend recently had to struggle with the music director of an R.C. church to have a Latin hymn included at his own wedding! I've heard my share of kumbayah guitar at R.C. churches; and the protestants/evangelicals are often assaulted by "praise" performances more suitable for American Idol than the altar platform.

My view of many doctrinal struggles is that now we see through a glass darkly as the Holy Spirit seeks to extinguish sin in us. I try, in spite of failures, to keep the Commandments and scripture in the forefront.

[Stand Watch Listen]

I do not believe so. I do not recall his participation on that one subject.

[Little Bill]

The Doctor was a great person, a true patriot. The last time I spoke with him was at the Johnstown Freep or the Swifty Freep, I can't remember, Kristinn was there.

The one thing I would like a photo of is Doc with a Nixon Mask on and me with a Kerry Mask on during the Swifty Freep. You could never refuse a piece of political theater from Doc, he knew how it worked.