Anthony Despart, who was a candidate for the permanent diaconate, passed away on Dec. 19 from sudden heart failure. He had been in his second year of diaconate formation.
Despart was born in San Gabriel, CA, on Aug. 10, 1969. He was an active as a parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake in Lake Arrowhead, serving as a lector and in the Knights of Columbus. For the Knights, he served as a Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, District Deputy, and two terms as the Arrowhead Desert Valley Chapter President.
He loved sports, and his favorite team was the Dodgers. He also loved to go on trips with his family (his wife, Norma, and three children: Daniel, 23, Lucas, 19 and Nicolas, 11). Deacon Luis Sanchez, head of the Department of Ecclesial Services and Director of the Office for Deacons, said Despart was “very dedicated” to his wife and children, “a man of prayer and a family man.”
“He was very well liked by his classmates. He was never late in his homework assignments and when he shared at class, he shared from the heart,” said Deacon Luis.
A vigil will be held at Our Lady of the Lake, Lake Arrowhead, on Friday, Jan. 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be the following day, Saturday, Jan. 29, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Lourdes, Montclair.