Deep Gratitude from the Rodier Family

To our family, friends, neighbors, and the Manchester community,

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the love and generosity you have shown our family since the sudden loss of our son, Will.  There are so many people we want to thank, and we hope that by sharing this letter in The Cricket, our words will reach each of you.

These have been the hardest weeks of our lives.  The outpouring of support has touched us deeply.  Seeing the hundreds of people who came to Will’s services to honor him and be there for our family meant more than we can put into words.  To see how many lives he touched and how deeply he was loved has brought us comfort in the midst of our heartbreak.

On days when it has been hard to know what we need, you have found ways to help.  We are so grateful for every kindness, big and small.

Will grew up in this town.  So many of you knew him as a little boy throwing a football with his friends, and later as the young man who would greet you with a wave or a bear hug. It brings us comfort to know that you carry your own memories of him, too.   We hope you’ll keep sharing them with us.  We love hearing about our boy.

Thank you for loving Will and for taking such good care of our family.  We will always remember what this town has done for us.

With love and gratitude,
The Rodier Family

Manchester