Roseville Widow's Eulogy For Slain Husband: He was "Dedicated to His Daughter's Education"

Text from Gail Malone's eulogy of her husband Wayne Malone:

There are life changing events that happen in everyone’s life. Grace and I are in the midst of such an experience. The most difficult part of this situation has been the way in which Wayne has been misrepresented. We want you to know that the news reports regarding our family were inaccurate. Wayne was a wonderful husband and father.

From the day Grace was born, Wayne was dedicated to his daughter’s education. It is hard to imagine but there are still many among us who have lived through segregation. Wayne was one of those people.

He attended a segregated school throughout his elementary years. When he got to junior high, his school was integrated. He never forgot how the African-American students were given no help even though they had not been given access to current textbooks or the same technology of their white counterparts.

Still, Wayne believed he was fortunate, and he often talked about his sister Shirley, who inspired him to not give up. He often talked about how even when she was sick, she still did her homework. He knew he was lucky and he wanted to help others in return.

One of our priorities was to make sure that Grace attended a school where she would fit in. That school was Harambee Elementary. A brand new school when she started, Grace had the chance to learn in an environment where they made multicultural learning a priority.

As a testament to Wayne’s involvement and dedication to her school, many of Grace’s teachers are here today. Wayne’s priority was to ensure that not only Grace, but every student had a chance to learn.

I want everyone from Grace’s schools to know that Wayne kept every card you gave us. It has been a blessing to read those cards as I have been going through his papers.

To the people from Ramsey County, I can’t even begin to tell you how much your support has meant to both Grace and I.

I read a phrase this morning that sticks with me: “Sometimes life happens.” I believe it is our response to what happens that defines us.

Grace and I will never be the same. These changes will be in part because Wayne is no longer with us. I truly believe that another reason we have changed is because of the love and caring that everyone here and all of our friends and family have shown us. I want you to know how much we appreciate it, and how much we love all of you.