Vigil Held To Celebrate Knisley’s Birthday
Family and friends of all ages gathered on the courthouse steps in Warsaw yesterday evening to honor and celebrate the life of a young man, gone too soon, on what would have been his 20th birthday.
Friends, family and community members met yesterday to celebrate the birthday of Josh Knisley.
(Photos by Alyssa Richardson)
“This is about Josh’s birthday,” stated Rhonda Bickel, mother of Josh Knisley. “He was just a good soul. Today would have been Josh’s birthday, so that is what we want to celebrate — we want to celebrate Josh’s life.”
Though many now know Knisley’s name as one of two victims in a tragic shooting that occurred in Syracuse on Feb. 19, according to Bickel, Knisley was well-known before for the kindness he showed others.
“He truly had a heart of gold, over the last few months that is the thing I’ve heard most… and all the people who have told me they had a bad day or were going through a personal struggle in their life, Josh was always there — no matter how late it was.”
Rhonda and Gary Bickel, Knisley’s mother and stepfather, offer each other support during the vigil.
Bickel shared stories of how Knisley positively affected the lives of others and of how much he loved making others laugh.
“I think the way we can best honor Josh this evening is to remember what a wonderful soul he had. How he felt his mission in life was to be God’s little caretaker. He just wanted to help and be there for everyone he could. God truly does have another angel.”
Bickel thanked the community, family and friends for the love they have shared not only for Josh, but his family over the past few months. Music was played after Bickel’s opening statement by Knisley’s sister-in-law, Heather Adamson, and Adamson’s friend, Karen Hoover.
Pastor John Lowe, of New Life Christian Church and World Outreach, provided a few words during the ceremony as well. Lowe encouraged others to not dwell on bitterness but love and forgiveness. He commended Bickel and her husband, Gary, for their courage in the wake of a tremendous loss.
Though windy, candles were lit to pay homage to Knisley and those in attendance sang the birthday song in honor of his birthday.
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