
Mairy and Katie Fund
For Mairy and Katie, An Angel and a Princess...!!!
“No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child” – James Dobson Dr. (above: Mairy on left, our Princess; Katie on right, our Angel)
Dear friends, family, and community members,
One of the most amazing things about humanity is the ability for us to rise to the occasion, to answer the prayers of others, to have blind faith and act selflessly when there is someone in need. It is a rare honor to have the opportunity to make a difference, an impact, in someone’s life, whether you know them, or not. Now is that time to rise, fore that opportunity to make a meaningful difference is upon you.
Please let me tell you about my dear friend Scott Deegan who is one of the nicest guys on the planet and a great loving father. On October, 24th, 2020, life handed my longtime friend, schoolmate, hockey teammate and brethren, the most unimaginable tragic news that any father, parent, grandparent, sibling or relative could ever imagine. He heard the heart breaking words that his two beautiful 7 year old twin daughters, Mairy & Katie had been called to their heavenly home to be with the good Lord for eternity.
It's unimaginable to comprehend the losses and what Scott is going through. No parent should ever have to bury their beautiful young children before their own time. Nobody is ever really prepared for this type of situation.
It’s been a few weeks and Scott is surrounded by an amazing support system of his family, friends, community and even strangers that are helping to lift him. But there is more that is needed. So much more. With all the emotional pain and stress over losing your loved ones, it also brings a heavy financial burden. The expenses and bills are stacking up.
My friends and I are humbly requesting your show of support in helping us to raise funds for Scott to help with the high costs associated with the tragedy and funeral arrangements for his loved ones. Your donations will help give Scott the financial support he needs to have time to process, grieve, and attempt to heal after experiencing the worst tragic event that could ever happen to anyone.
It is in these times of loss and sadness when you see people coming together to help one another make it through the most difficult moments of their lives, to support the people we care for. I know that Scott feels the incredible love surrounding him from all those who are lending support while grieving the loss of his family - all those whose lives have been touched by the wonderful and joyous smiles of Mairy & Katie. Please pray for Scott, the girls and for the entire family - including all the loved ones who share in grieving this profound loss.
Those of you who know Scott know that he is a humbly proud man. He wished to share the following "note." (Katie on left; Mairy on right above)
Angel and a Princess
In Loving Memory of
Katie & Mairy Deegan
February 7, 2013 – October 24, 2020
Dear God,
An angel and a princess will be heading up your way
Filled with giggles, smiles and laughter – they have so much to say.
Little Katie’s super genius will top all of Heaven’s tests
While little Mairy’s gentle nature will suit all of Heaven’s pets.
They’re no trouble – love to snuggle – and will brighten up the sky
Their bags are filled with loving thoughts and hundreds sad goodbyes.
In 7 years, though short a span, they left their marks for sure
This angel and this princess who now journey to your door.
The rainbow road is how they’ll go, expect to see them soon
These beloved cherished “flowers,” whose time it is to bloom.
A Personal Message from Scott:
To all friends, now spread out, and to so many who hold growing up in Brentwood so dear to their hearts,
“I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. ...” (Stand by Me)
This is the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to write and for some reason, when words are so emotionally needed, in this case they have left me. You have all contributed greatly to my “foundation” of who I am… a foundation, memories, and a shared value set that I attempted to pass on to my amazing daughters. I never could have imagined that their lives would end in such a tragic way. It is with a heavy heart but glowing memories that I say, “There will unfortunately be no more pictures of Katie and Mairy Deegan to share. I sure thank you all for expressing your feelings and sharing their beautiful life moments with us in the past.” When you’re 3,500 miles away from where you grew up, those “connections” really mean a lot; more than I can ever communicate.
The girls, along with Michele, were all victims of a recent family tragedy that was rooted in mental illness. The headlines have read differently, but the girls were loved more than life itself by their mother and of course by me – and by the unbelievable web of extended family members and friends – some, they unfortunately never had the privilege of meeting. I ask that you keep Katie and Mairy in your hearts and in your prayers, and give a loved one a real, extra-special hug while thinking of my little “Angel” (Katie) and my little "Princess" (Mairy). They would enjoy knowing that they inspired others to share some extra special love.
Due to COVID times, we had the opportunity to spend a couple of days at the Silverwood Amusement Park just over the WA state border in western Idaho this summer. The park was only about 25% full, so the girls never had to wait on line; this was their one experience with an amusement park and it was wonderful. We were one of the last families to depart the park – waited until the girls finished their humungous ice-cream cones late at night. To get to the parking lot we walked through a tunnel that went underneath the highway. In the tunnel Katie was playing with her voice-echo yelling, “I love you Daddy, I love you Mairy,” and before exiting the tunnel she yelled with great excitement, “BEST DAY EVERRRR!” and threw her arms up in the air. Mairy, holding my hand, in her more private Mairy-way said, “I love you Daddy,” and I kissed the top of her head. This was Katie and Mairy Deegan – full of life, overflowing with love and laughter – especially for one another – making others around them be the best they can be, and never hesitant to express their love for others and their love of life!