I hope that this message finds you all well and that you all had a wonderful Independence Day Holiday celebrating the birth of our great nation with your family and friends.
Usually, my Brothers and Sisters, I have positive news of upcoming events, guest speakers and the like to present to you. Unfortunately I have some news which I present with a heavy heart. In recent days, I learned from an email sent by Brother Bill Donoghue that our friend and Fellow Brother Merle "Red" Williams passed away while on vacation in Wyoming. Many of you will remember "Red" as Santa Claus, a character he loved to play for the children at Ancient Order of Hibernian events and at the Ronald McDonald House for the Emerald Society. Brother "Red" truly exemplified love, loyalty and friendship and had a great giving heart! "Red" will be greatly missed and will be honored at our July meeting.Our Emerald Society has sent a condolence card and a message of condolences and support to the family of "Red" Williams. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Merle "Red" Williams.
Information regarding memorial services may be forthcoming and will be announced when received.
This next announcement I knew I would eventually, reluctantly have to make but I did not know when it would come. Today the time has come to make this announcement and I pass it along to our members with sadness as to their leaving but with congratulatory happiness on the next phase of their lives. Steve Kirby, longtime President, Pipe Major and current Treasurer has announced that July will be his final farewell meeting at the Emerald Society as he and Sister Judy Kirby are moving to Iowa in the very near future. On behalf of the entire Los Angeles Police Emerald Society I would like to thank Steve and Judy for all that they have done for the Society and the members over the years. Words can not adequately describe our gratitude but I will try to express them at our July meeting tommorow July 9th. Steve and Judy will be honored at this meeting and this will be a chance for our members to say our fond farewells.I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow at the meeting.
Brother Steve S
President
