Wise collaborator and loyal friend, El Cid died peacefully around
11:30 AM this morning, surrounded by his family. “Cid” as his family and
friends knew him was born in or around Vancouver sometime between 1995 and
1997. Not much is known of his early life although he was in very good shape
(one might even say “chubby”) when he came to us as a stray in 2000, several
months after our Golden Retriever died. (We’ve always believed that he showed
up because he’d heard we had “an opening” for an animal.) He’s been with us
these past 17 years with the exception of several months during late 2007 and
early 2008 when he lived in Portland with our friend Judy until we found
suitable housing for the three of us in Tumwater.
Cid was well loved and will be mourned by many whom he befriended
over the years, including his long-time companion, Pepper. Unlike many cats, he
was very social—making the rounds in the neighborhood and at parties; sitting
on laps and allowing himself to be petted by young and old alike; quickly
settling in with any person who didn’t think they liked cats until they met
him.
Although he was named for the eleventh century Castilian warrior,
Cid was famously inept as a hunter. He was, however, an excellent theologian and
regularly assisted with sermons, essays, and lectures. Always one to eschew the
limelight, he made an exception each year with a regular cameo appearance in
the family Christmas letter. While I don’t think of myself as a “cat person,”
and can’t imagine ever having another, Cid was a wonderful member of our family
and a faithful friend through good times and bad. He will be greatly missed by
all who knew and loved him. However, recent comments by Pope Francis lead us to
hope that one day we will be re-united with him and all of our loved ones—furry
and otherwise—in the Resurrection.
Cid was buried at his family home in a private ceremony earlier
today. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
“Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine
upon him.”
[Editor’s note: El Cid contributed to this obituary.]
