Rest in Peace, Ricardo Staple

I received the sad news that Mr. Ricardo "Ricky" Staple, a dear friend and an incredible percussionist, passed away this morning at Hospital San Fernando en Panamá. He is already missed by all who knew him.

Ricky played with Victor Boa and many famous Panamanian Jazz musicians. I met him when he would visit San Cristóbal and then began to sit in on drums. I always enjoyed playing with him because we never had to discuss anything but could read each other perfectly. He was beloved by everyone in the parish, especially the children. Ricky had a special place in his heart for all young people but especially for the kids at our parish. He gave any child who was interested lessons on the batería between services on Sunday and was amazingly patient with them. He taught Tai Chi for the older members of the parish, and was a member of El Gran Combo de San Cristóbal. He was a dear, gentle, patient, man and his Christian witness was the life he led and the example he was for all who knew him.

Ricky was Father of the Year at Parroquia San Cristóbal last year. It was a wonderful celebration. Unfortunately, he experienced some heart problems the next day and entered the hospital. Within two weeks he was in the ICU and he never left. So many people wanted to visit him that the hospital had to restrict access and even put up a sign outside of the ICU stating that only family could visit (I'm his priest so I was able to visit him). The Lovely Mona and I went to visit him regularly, and the young people at church would ask for him. There were times when he was conscious and able to respond during our visit and other times when he was asleep. He went on to greater life this morning, January 31, 2012.

I feel so blessed to have known him, to have played music with him, and to have him as a friend. May he rest in peace and rise in glory, and may light perpetual shine upon him! Please keep his wife, Marian, and the family in your prayers.