Unspeakable Tragedy Strikes Caldwell, Kansas Family

I was shocked to learn yesterday that our substitute mailman, Scott Rice, died while swimming on Sunday at a family outing for Father's Day. He drowned while racing a friend to shore from a boat, but it took almost 5 hours for his body to be found, even though everyone on shore saw him go under. The cause of death is unknown, but a heart attack is suspected. Scott was only 44, with a wife and 3 children.

What makes this death even more of a tragedy - Scott had been a substitute mailman for over 10 years, waiting patiently for a permanent position to open. In the meantime, he had supported his struggling family with additional jobs, whatever he could find. On Friday, our mailman Ivan announced he would be retiring and his last day would be July 31. Even though everyone will miss Ivan, we were all happy for Scott; finally he would get this full-time position that he needed and wanted so badly.

I am sure their Father's Day outing on Sunday was a celebration of sorts, that he would finally be getting this job after 10 years. How tragic this turn of events - I still can't imagine the depths of grief this family is enduring. His children will have this tragic day indelibly etched on their minds forever, and will celebrate the loss of their father every future Father's Day.

A fund has been set up to help the children - The Rice Children's Education Fund. If you are interested in contributing to this fund, you can send a donation to the following; checks should be made payable to the Rice Children's Education Fund:

Schaeffer Mortuary
6 N. Main St.
Caldwell, KS 67022
620-845-6424

I am still unsure of the services or memorial and when it will be held. If I find out more, I will be sure to update my blog with the information.

I know there are tragedies everyday in this country and around the world. This one just hit close to home and my heart, and to a family that had their hopes lifted so high on Friday, only to have those hopes and dreams dashed to the very depths of grief on Sunday.

I am sure that any donation or card that is sent to this family will be very appreciated. They will be in my prayers, as I hope you will include them in yours also.

26 comments:

  1. What a terrible tragedy! How awful for his family too.
    we are thinking of them xxxxx

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  2. How awful! I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers.

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  3. That's so sad; tragically ironic about his job. I know what you mean about something close to home. I live in England but my cousin lives in DC and we were all worried about her when we heard about the metro crash - thankfully her and everyone she knows is fine but it makes you think xx

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  4. What a horrible thing to happen!!! Just when things were looking so good for him and the family, so very sad. I can't even begin to imagine the grief his family is feeling at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
    ~Jane and Gilly~

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  5. What a terrible tragedy and even more so given the irony of the long awaited position opening. At such a young age and with a young family...an unthinkable suffering an loss. My prayers are with the family...

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  6. I lived in Caldwell about 5 years ago. I did not know them, but my heart goes out to the family. So very sad.

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  7. What a terrible thing to happen. Thanks for letting us know.

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  8. That is such an awful loss. I will keep them in my prayers.

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  9. That makes me cry. I'll keep this family in my prayers.

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  10. Oh how terrible...I have tears in my eyes as I type this. I am so sorry for the family. Living in small town community is comforting at a time like this. I hope they are comforted by this. I will definately keep them in my prayers.
    Blessings, Misha

    p.s. thank you for stopping by my site. you are a such a sweetie!

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  11. Sorry to hear about the death and thanks for passing along the family's information.

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  12. That is such a sad, sad tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Scott's family and friends.

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  13. My heart breaks for that family. They will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for having such a caring heart and for sharing this with all of us.

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  14. Such a sad thing. There's just not much anyone can do to make it better, is there?

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  15. My heart breaks for this family. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.

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  16. Such a sad story, I will wing some prayers their way. We must use everyday to it's best..cause we don't know how many we have left. :)

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  17. What a terrible loss! I'll send the family my prayers...

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  18. Oh! That's so tragic. :(
    Prayers being said...

    ~Lisa

    ps Send me your address so I can get your Pay It Forward goodie sent to you.
    Twinville2 at yahoo dot com

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  19. That is terrible. His family will certainly be in my thoughts.

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  20. How sad to hear of such a terrible tragedy. They will definitely be in my prayers and I will see that something is sent to comfort them.
    Even though you think sharing this is a small act, I'm sure your kindness means a great deal to the family.

    Chester's Mom

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  21. So sorry to hear of this tragedy. Hope the family will stay strong.

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  22. That is so sad.='(

    * I popped in from Hippychics blog =)*

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  23. I'm so very sorry to hear about Scott's death. My prayers go out to his family and the community.

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  24. We never know how life will play, do we? I'm sorry for this loss.

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  25. Very sad and tragic story. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

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