Posted on 04/10/2010 7:08:23 PM PDT by SandRat
DOUGLAS More than 1,200 friends, relatives and dignitaries crowded into the Douglas High School gym this morning to remember and celebrate the life of a good man, Rob Krentz.
The Douglas-area rancher was found murdered March 27 on his ranch.
The memorial Mass, celebrated by the Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas, Catholic bishop of Tucson, as well as Father Gilbert Malu, Father James Baka and Father Armando Espinoza, was moved to the high school after it was realized no other facility in the community was big enough to hold the crowd. Even with more than 1,200 seats available, there was still standing room only for those at the service to honor and say goodbye to their family member and friend.
In addition to family and friends, there were representatives from the Cochise County Board of Supervisors and Arizona Game and Fish Department; Rep. David Stevens, R-Sierra Vista; and members of the U.S. Border Patrol, Cochise County Sheriffs Office, Douglas police and fire departments, and Arizona Rangers.
The services feeling was a mix of reverence and remembrance of a man who had touched innumerable lives with simple acts of Christian service, Kicanas said.
Calling Krentz a steward of the creation, the bishop cited Krentzs care for the land and wonder of Gods creation.
The respect for Krentz could be felt not only in the words but in the actions of those in attendance. During the beginning of the service, the only sound that could be heard in the Douglas High School gym was the whir of the air conditioning. The quiet respect exhibited during the entire service was remarkable, considering the number of children in attendance.
Those who left after the hour-and-a-half service noted the overwhelming message that of peace and forgiveness.
Following the service, there was a gathering of family and friends at the Gadsden Hotel.
Background
On March 27, authorities believe, an illegal immigrant most likely someone working for a smuggling cartel shot 58-year-old rancher Robert Krentz on his ranch 35 miles northeast of Douglas.
Krentz managed to drive away in his all-terrain vehicle before losing consciousness and dying from his wounds. Nothing had been stolen from him, his gun was still in its holster and his dog was killed, too.
Authorities say they dont yet know a motive or have a suspect. Foot tracks were followed from the shooting scene about 20 miles south to the border.
How to help
Those wishing to honor Robert Krentzs life can do so by donating to the Rob Krentz Memorial Fund, The Cowbelles, c/o Carol Riggs, 4466 N. Brooks Road, Douglas, AZ 85608; or the Arizona Cattle Growers Associations Litigation Fund c/o Patrick Brey, 1401 N. 24th Street, No. 4, Phoenix, AZ 85008-4638. Donations also may be made to any Wells Fargo Bank in the name of Robert Krentz.
Border Ping
BTTT
3-7-77
NM list PING!
(Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the list)
Was that open border freak , McAmnesty there? Did Lindsey Gramnesty fly in?
Whoa! That is a big crowd. He sure had a lot of friends.
Thank you for posting this, SandRat :((
Thanks. I was wondering what the Hell those numbers meant.
Amen Brother. May Rob RIP and the rest of us avenge his death
And note the variety of Law Enforcement agencies represented. I have an inkling this incident will not be forgotten by the well-armed citizens of AZ.
One of my daughters was at the service, and said it was very sad. I note the reporter said the emphasis was on forgiveness- my daughter said the service was about both forgiveness and JUSTICE. For some reason the reporter didn’t seem to catch the justice part.
Prayers for the family and friends of Rob Krentz.
Ping!
I am gratified by this large turnout.
Thanks for the ping.
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