Josh Rau
Celebration of the Life and Resurrection
Friday, February 11, 2005

Prepared (and presented by) Jim Tucker,
Dean of Fun, Paul Smith's College

For some the glass is half empty.  For others, the glass is half full.  For Josh, it seemed his glass was always full.
 
        Josh lived life with the wide-eyed wonder of an inquisitive child and held a quiet reverence for life and for nature.  As an Eagle Scout, Josh personified the ideals of Scouting – Be Prepared; Do a Good Turn Daily; and – A Scout is:  Trustworthy; Loyal; Helpful; Friendly; Courteous; Kind; Obedient; Cheerful; Thrifty; Brave; Clean; and Reverent.
 
        These were not empty words to Josh, but embodied his spirit.  Josh was each of these things as he went about his daily life.

        At Paul Smith's College, I am the Recreation and Intramural Coordinator.  I have the wonderful opportunity to see many of our students grow and enjoy the Adirondacks in a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities.

        Having known Josh from the day of his arrival to the college, I believe it was a perfect match.  I would like to introduce you to our world; the North Country ~ what some refer to as God’s Country.

        For a great many students, especially Josh, the school in many ways is an extension of summer camp.  From any direction, seemingly endless forests, beautiful lakes, and tranquil ponds mark your approach to the college.  As you enter the campus, you cannot help but noting, this college is different.  Majestic white pines tower over the scattered buildings that are quietly nestled into the hillsides and along the lake shore.  Under the pines are a sprinkling of red maples, that in mid-Autumn, truly sparkle.  Along the lake front, the white birch seek the elusive sunshine, while the sweet-smelling balsam fir quietly hold vigil under a blanket of snow much of the year.

        Josh lived in Clinton Hall, affectionately called Deer Camp by the College community.  Deer Camp overlooks lower St. Regis Lake and St. Regis Mountain.  for Josh, both the lake and the mountain not only caught his eye, but caught his spirit as well as his recreational pursuits.  In Deer Camp, many of the young men have earned nicknames and they truly look out for one-another.  Deer Camp is an extension of family for all the residents and this tragedy has brought these young men even closer together.

We maintain a student population in the neighborhood of 800 students, much less than the capacity of many dorms at most state schools.  Paul Smith's is truly a place, like Cheers, where everyone knows your name.  Paul Smith's is a place where a young person can really grow, learn, and prepare for life’s challenges ahead.   

At Scout Camp, Josh worked on merit badges, developed outdoor and leadership skills, gained self-confidence, and learned how to work within a patrol.  At Paul Smith's, many of his classes were a continuation of his Scouting experience.  The classes often took him outdoors, where he could experience and practice what was being taught in lecture.  I would like to read a letter from a biology professor, Becky Sutter. 

Dear Josh’s Friends and Family:

This is an open letter to anyone who knew Josh.  But mainly it’s for Josh’s family because I want you to know how Josh affected me as a teacher.

My most vivid memories are drawn from Josh’s first semester when he was a student in Biology 141 lab, where once a week he would arrive with a bright smile and eyes with a blue that will last forever.  He was always eager to learn something new and took his education very seriously.  His earnestness drew my respect. While other kids were telling me how much they already knew about the world, Josh was freely admitting that he was only beginning to learn about it, and his excitement in that was contagious.

Josh was the student that every teacher hopes they get at least once in their career.  I feel blessed that I had that opportunity so early in my career.

We teachers hope for a student who will set a standard that we may hold other students to, and in doing that, perhaps create a better classroom and learning community.

Josh set that standard for me, and through his inquisitiveness helped me to become a better teacher… That was Josh as my student.

Josh as my friend was much of the same, but with more smiles. 

            I am truly grateful that Josh came to our small community and touched our lives with his spirit.  His presence lingers and his spirit remains and in these things we find comfort in the wake of our devastating loss.

            With Deepest Regards and Sympathies, 

            Ms. Rebecca Sutter
            Paul Smith's College Class of 1997

My experience with Josh paralleled Becky’s.  As a freshman, I hired Josh to sign out canoes in the fall, and later – cross country skis in winter.  Certainly mundane or routine jobs for most, but Josh took these as opportunities.  He wanted to learn as much as he could about the outdoors and the toys used to enjoy the experience.  He took care of the skis like no one else, keeping the bases clean and incredibly shiny as he diligently applied Maxi-Glide each day.  Josh was also in my Lifeguarding class las spring; and although not the best swimmer, I knew his attention to detail, diligence and commitment to safety would make him an outstanding guard.

As a true member of the North Country community, he impacted a great many people outside the college community as well.  The Santagates:  Nik, Tracy, Cori, and Levi will sorely miss having Josh over for burrito night and late philosophical discussions on science and life. 

The Eckert family:  Bob, Sheila, Hannah, and Luke – will miss him as well.  Josh rented a cabin from the Eckerts last summer and Sheila mentioned that Josh would always help with hauling things into the house.  His pleasant smile, generous nature and great inter-action with kids will truly be missed.

I have known Art Niederbuhl all my life, and I would sometimes see Art at the gym.  As an 80-year old, he would often comment that his lifeguard (meaning Josh) was such a wonderful person; always cheerful, polite and with a kind word.  Art will miss him.

Josh maintained such a positive attitude, and all who knew him appreciated his natural leadership skills and consistently polite demeanor.  He had an inquisitive nature and a true zest for life.  He seemed to be genuinely conscious of others around him and without fail responded with kindness.

Giving From the Heart - Amanda Bradley

 Some people seem to specialize

In doing thoughtful deeds.

Before you ask, they understand

Your problems and your needs.

They help because they want to,

They find joy in being kind,

And making others happy

Is the first thing on their minds.

They make this world a better place

By practicing the art

Of reaching out to others

And by giving… from the heart.

On behalf of the faculty and staff at Paul Smith's College, I would like to thank you for loaning Josh to us; our lives have all been enriched by the experience.