Funeral Homily for Rick Nudd 

St. Rose Catholic Church 5 August 2022 

On behalf of Dr. Bryon Borgelt and Mrs. Margie Sankowski, our school principal and assistant principal, the faculty, staff, parents and students of St. Rose School, the clergy, staff and parishioners of St. Rose Parish, I wish to extend to Alison and Colleen, Rick's parents, extended family and friends here today our deepest of sympathies in the wake of Rick's unexpected passing. We pledge our prayers and support of all of you these days and weeks. 

Brad Henry is a former Governor of the State of Oklahoma and is known to have made the claim about women and men who devote their talent to the profession of teaching in this way: He said, “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love for learning.” While Rick himself, as a teacher, might not necessarily say the same about himself to avoid conceit, certainly provides us with a touchstone to understand what was at the core of his teaching ministry at St. Rose School, and certainly the foundation of his role as a husband and Dad. 

Hope, imagination and learning. These are traits that have been around from the beginning of time. Women and men over the ages of time, in their role as a leader and motivator of the young provide the example and witness to gain knowledge with the God-given talents given to every human person. Rick Nudd did just that. His was not just a matter of imparting knowledge 

- facts and figures – to his students, but to offer them the tools so they might come to make connections not only based on what he said in classroom lectures, but what they came upon in their application. 

We take solace in the scripture readings chosen for our hearing today as a way to make some sense of the unexpected passing of our brother Rick. There is a certain hope provided in the Book of Wisdom. We are told that though a just man die early, “he shall be at rest”. That as much as our earthly measurement of time and length of life appears short, even unfair, God's time and will prevails. The hope comes in the narrative revealed to us: 

“He who pleased God was loved, he who lived among sinners was transported - snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind or deceit beguile his soul...having become perfect in a short while. He reached the fullness of a long career; for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness”. 

St. Paul likewise understood well the fact that those who associate themselves with Jesus Christ and live by his teachings in this world, are not in the world on their own, or by themselves or as “lone rangers" in the faith. “For if we live", Paul says, "we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die with the Lord; so whether we live or die, we are the Lord's". 

And what is it that the Master Teacher, Jesus himself, provides for us in his famous Sermon on the Mount, our Gospel reading chosen for this Funeral Mass today? There is blessing to be found in our human struggles in life: the poor in spirit are 

given the kingdom, the mourning are comforted, the meek inherit the land, the hungering will be satisfied, merciful will be shown mercy, the clean of heart will see God, peacemakers will be called children of God, the persecuted will be given the kingdom of heaven...even when you are insulted Why? Because your reward will be great in heaven. 

Whether he was totally successful in making a difference in the knowledge and wisdom of his students or even slightly successful in guiding and prompting them to seek understanding, Rick Nudd dedicated his time, energy and love of his subject matter to enrich the lives of the students entrusted to his care. 

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love for learning.” Rick Nudd gave it his all and in this moment of celebrating his life there are only two words we express to God today and to him: THANK YOU. 

© 2022, Rev. Msgr. Charles E. Singler