I want to join the many voices thanking Patrick Downes for his decades at the helm of the Hawaii Catholic Herald — and to let him know how much he will be missed.
For many years, I have written stories about the people of Kalaupapa and events in the settlement for the Catholic Herald. I have had others ask me why I want these stories to appear in this small bi-monthly newspaper to a limited number of readers when I might find a much larger audience with a more well-known publication.
I always reply with two words: “Patrick Downes.”
During my nearly 50-year career as a journalist, Patrick is one of the finest editors I’ve ever worked with. He is kind and caring and would edit my stories as if they were his own, not with a heavy hand or the need to leave his own fingerprints on it. My stories were always better after handing them over to Patrick.
I cannot thank Patrick and the Catholic Herald enough for all the space they have given to me over the years to share stories of the strong and accomplished people of Kalaupapa, the people who are my personal saints.
I send Patrick all best wishes for a next best chapter of life … and a warm welcome and wishes of success to Celia Downes for her own next best chapter of following in her father’s footsteps.
With aloha,
Valerie Monson
Makawao