Lindy Frazer, 1954-2008

Lindy needs no introduction, we all "knew" him. But, the first thing I believe Lindy's family would want you to know about his life, if you don't already, is that he was not homeless. He had homes where he was always welcome, beds where he was encouraged to rest, people who loved him. Lindy just preferred being on the street. As hard as that was for his family to comprehend over the years, they respected his wishes. His sister Linda, who gave the eulogy, began with "I guess you could say Lindy marched to the beat of a different drummer." He did indeed; he marched all around Cruz Bay, shuffling slowly, chuckling to himself, a gentle presence. And Lindy was always happy, at least until lately. I think we all knew, didn't we? that Lindy's time here was growing short. Island gossip had had him coming back from the "dead" many times before, but this-was different. Lately he'd gone silent, and he seemed weary.

I didn't know Lindy personally, but I attended his funeral out of respect for his life and for his family. When I moved here nearly two years ago people were quick to point out to me that Lindy was harmless, just a citizen doing his own thing. Lindy was a fan of the Sun Times, I do know this! I often saw him sitting on the stoop near the post office, reading the Sun Times. Russ reported to me that Lindy, for a while, had gotten quite entrepreneurial peddling the Times to tourists at Woody's-for a dollar. Ha! That's rather clever, I thought.

I think it speaks well for St. Johnians that most of us never made fun of Lindy; most people gave him the respect due a man who was exercising his free will, however different his path may have been from our own. As the pastor pointed out, "who's to say that we're the ones making the right decision?" It's not for us to say.
And the choir sang...
All is well. All is well.

[Editor's note: Lindy's mother has expressed to us that if anyone would like to make a donation in his name, please contact Bethany Moravian church at 776-6291.]

November 20, 2008