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Image by File Photo
Pastor Ramon H. Maury, October 19, 1933 - December 2, 2006.
Approximately 500
family members, friends and colleagues gathered Thursday, Dec. 7,
for the funeral service of Pastor Ramon H. Maury. Pastor Maury, who
retired in mid-2005 after being head treasurer for 20 years of the
Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America and five years as vice
president, died in Mexico on Dec. 2 of an apparent respiratory
arrest. He was 73.
During the somber ceremony held at the Westchester Spanish
Seventh-day Adventist Church in Miami, mourners came to pay tribute
and reflect on his life-long achievements and positive influence.
Pastor Maury was an active member of the Westchester Spanish
Adventist Church.
Church leaders mentioned the shock of his death and testified to his
many years of dedicated service to the church he loved so much.
"Of all that was said by our dear mentor, friend and brother Ramon
Maury, I think that the most that we can take of his life is that he
lead an example worthy to immitate," said Pastor Israel Leito,
president of the church in Inter-America.
"The impact of
Ramon in the life of the Inter-American Division (IAD) can be
measured in understanding the influence that he has had over so many
people and organizations."
Pastor Leito went on to say that Pastor Maury was known as the
mentor to so many church leaders.
"There is no
corner in Inter-America where there is not a leader who has not been
influenced by Ramon," said Leito. "He not only formed leaders but
was instrumental in the development of organizations of the
Inter-American Division."
Pastor Maury led
many committees in the IAD and gave tremendous support to the work
of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in
Inter-America. He was ADRA-IAD’s chairman of the board for many
years.
"Great is the loss
of the Inter-American Division family as we can no longer depend on
his" counsel," said Pastor Leito. "But we have the hope of seeing
him again in glory and we need to honor his memory always and follow
his example in everything."
Pastor Filiberto Verduzco, treasurer of the church in Inter-America,
spoke to those gathered and expressed his gratitude and tribute to
Pastor Maury.
"I always saw him as a teacher," said Pastor Verduzco. "Since I met
him in 1984 until days before his death, I saw him with the greatest
respect. The church gave me the opportunity to replace him as
treasurer, and only from that chair can be seen the evidence of the
quality of his effort and excellence of his work."
"He built the financial strength that we enjoy now and in which
rests the fulfilment of our commitments in the territory of the
Division," Pastor Verduzco continued.
Verduzco ended by announcing the establishment of the Ramon H. Maury
Scholarship Fund has been established for needy students of Colombia
Adventist University (CAU). Maury was born and raised in Colombia
and studied theology at CAU.
Speaking on behalf of the Adventist World Church was Bob Lemon,
treasurer of the General Conference. Lemon gave assurances of how
much the church appreciates the efforts of Pastor Maury.
Lemon reflected on the time he met Elder Maury years before.
"I appreciated so much his expertise, but appreciated more his love
and dedication to the church," Lemon said. "He shared with me a lot
of information that was very helpful to me and over the years I got
to know him much better. I have considered him a mentor and teacher.
"I want all of you to know that his [Pastor Maury’s] church loved
him and that they will be praying for you during this time of
grief," he continued. "We thank the Lord that we do not mourn like
those who have no hope."
Representatives from several church regions in Inter-America gave
condolences during the memorable service.
"Listening to the testimonies tonite, I must admit that a champion
has fallen. " said Dr. Vernon Andrews, vice president of the church
in the Caribbean.
"In my estimation, based on my association with Pastor Maury, he was
a competent and astute financial administrator and knowledgeable and
lucid presenter of the Word of God," said Dr. Andrews.
Maury obtained a master’s degree in business administration from
Andrews University.
Similar words were spoken by Pastor Patrick Allen, president of the
church in the West Indies.
"I stand here this evening still shocked from the news that we have
lost a champion and one of our brave soldiers of the battle field,"
he said. "I want to let you know that we at the West Indies Union
grieve with you the loss of our brother. But we have the great hope
that we will see him again."
"Pastor Maury was a great champion of the faith and in the WEIU we
honored him this year for his strength of character, the great
mentor and teacher that he has been, he has taught an entire
generation of youngsters how to manage the Lord's funds and how to
be a faithful servant of the God. He also taught us how to do
strategic planning and the church for many generations will benefit
from these great instructions that he has passed down, we will
remember him fondly." Said Dr. Allen.
Dr. Allen speaking during the funeral
service of Pastor Maury beside him is Dr. Carlos Archbold (former
IAD Education director) translating at the Westchester Spanish
Seventh-day Adventist Church in
Miami, Florida, Dec. 7
Church leaders
from Colombia, Mexico and Puerto Rico also spoke.
The service was sprinkled with musical numbers and condolences from
Maury's family members, closest friends and peers.
During the packed service, a moment of silence was offered in honor
of Pastor Maury’s life.
Maury's years of service for the church began in 1957 where he
became the treasurer and professor at CAU. During his time in
Colombia he married Lourdes Rivas with whom he fathered three
children. Later, he served as president of that institution. He also
pastored a church and served as treasurer and president of the
church in Colombia. Years later his wife Lourdes died.
In 1980 he married his second wife, Maria Eugenia. Soon after they
had a daughter.
In 1981, Pastor Maury became the treasurer of the church in the
Inter-American Division, headquartered in Miami, Florida. He
continued in that position for 20 years until becoming vice
president of the Division in 2000. He remained in that position
until retiring from full time service with 49 years of church
service.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Eugenia, his four children, Sussy,
Boris, Ramon and Julie, and four grandchildren, Carla, Adriana,
Daniel and Gabrielle.
Donations to the Ramon H. Maury Scholarship
Fund may be sent through the Inter-American Division. For more
information, please contact the Inter-American Division Office at
305.403.4700. |
