Dear Monique, My mother told me of the loss of your father. I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. May your faith in God and happy memories comfort you in your time of sorrow. Chris Garcia, your classmate from Deerwood Elementary,and family
Christopher Garcia (Orlando, FL ) garcialindad@hotmail.com

July 31, 2004
I will always remember Leroy as a one who never seemed to have too many family and friends in his home - there was always room for more! Apart from being a wonderful family man - devoted husband and loving father - Leroy was a great doctor and friend. However, his most commendable trait was that he was a man of God, a great role model for family and friends, and never one to hide his faith in God. He will surely be missed by many - his family most of all - but let me offer assurance from God's Word for the days and weeks ahead, as found in Ephesians chapter 3, beginning with verse 16 "I pray... that He [God Almighty] may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." God's grace IS sufficient! May we honour his life through our committment and service to his Saviour and Lord!
Virginia Castillo (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)

Doctor Raphael delivered our first baby (boy) and was our obsterician for our second baby (girl). We are just devestated and our hearts and prayers go out for his wife, children and family. Praise God for such a wonderful person. May God bless you all with His peace that surpasses all understanding. Much love, The Smith family
Rod and Kim Smith (Orlando, FL ) kimmi001@aol.com

My sincere and deepest sympathy to the Raphael's family on their lost.I am a Dominican (health professional) living in Houston.May GOD continue to bless the family.
Oswald Bertrand (Houston, TX ) osbertrand@hotmail.com

To the Raphael family - you have my most deepest and sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. Even as I type this entry, my eyes fill with tears as I think about how we, as a society, have lost a kind, intelligent, and personable doctor. Dr. Raphael delivered my daughter Ashley on July 16, 1991. I told her yesterday what had happended and she too was deeply sadden. May you find much comfort and peace in knowing that the Lord has required his presence with Him.
Janice Owens-Cannady (Orlando, FL )

I have known Uncle Leroy my entire life, but it has just been over the past three years (when I first began college in 2001) that we have grown closer. Uncle Leroy was always interested in the progression of my studies and was always there to encourage me along the way. You are a wonderful role model Uncle Leroy, and I will make you proud. You are missed Uncle Leroy and your memories are forever alive, as you are in all of our hearts.
Lisa Hunter (Cayman Islands (currently studying in Tampa, Fl.))

I first met Leroy at Sunny Isle Baptist Church Youth Group program where he was one of the youth leaders. That was over twenty years ago. I never got to know Leroy as a physician, but I knew him as a man of God who introduced me to the greatest physician of all, Jesus Christ. My deepest sympathy to the Raphael family, may God continue to bless and strengthen all of you as you continue life's journey with out Leroy.
Barbara Gumbs (Pompano Beach, FL ) hibiscusproduction@yahoo.com

I did not know Leroy - my loss. But from all I've read, what a loss for his family, his patients, his country! As a surgeon, I see a lot in Dr. Raphael to identify with and to emulate. May he rest in the Everlasting Arms. May the Good Lord annoint to each our hearts, the lesson of Leroy's wonderful life. I thank his family for sharing his life with us. And thank you for the opportunity to share my respects and the profound condolences of all those who love Dominica.
Samuel Christian, MD. (Tiffin, OH )

Leroy was my role model since I was 15. I wanted to be like him. I wanted to attend the same University he attended. He was my measuring stick. His gentle spirit is the part of him I admired and will miss the most. As the Father says in Isaiah 57:15 "I dwell in a high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit...". Leroy to me exemplify that verse. My heart aches for his family whenever he comes to my mind. What a loss of a special, Godly and honorable man. I keep asking why did he have to leave us so soon. Maybe there is no answer to the question. I will always cherish the times I had with Leroy whether it was flying around Orlando in his plane or just spending a few moments together with him and his family. I pray the Father's love, grace and blessing upon his family. I pray that everyone of us he has touched by his life and example will always carry a part of him in our hearts. So long my Friend
Lynton Scotland (Wilmington, DE )

I am still so stunned about the news of Dr. Raphael. He was so wonderful and kind. He was loved and admired by his patients. He was a pillar of strength to many people, it seems so hard to understand, that strength is gone. I will miss him terribly. May God surround you with his "Light and Love" and try to find comfort knowing one day you will see him again as God promised. Goodbye my friend.
anna harville (Orlando, FL )

I dont even know where to start, there are really no words that express how much of a lost this is. I was a patient of Leroy's for over 5 years; he delivered all 4 of my children , my last was born on april 6th of this year, my twins were in july 2001 and my oldest feb 2000. He was the only man that i trusted with my life because i had a very horrible experience with the death of another set of twins that i had in '98, he was the only one capable in my eyes. now, everytime i pass by gore st, i cry and say a little prayer for his wife and children. I am really still in shock as I write this today, Leroy (a little inside joke) was not only my doctor but he was a friend to me and my husband and when i needed to talk or vent he actually took the time out to listen to me and didnt make me feel as if i was a burden to him. i could go on and on but im going to leave this saying that I love him and i cant wait to tell my children about the doctor that brought them into this world and how great a man he was and how much he really meant to me. my heart goes out to mona and his children, i really feel like i know all of you and you will always be in my prayers , and so will leroy because everytime i look at my children i cant help but think of him
April Durrant (Orlando, FL )

I was a patient of Dr. Raphael for over 11 years. I have read so many of the entries, and my God was he loved. I know he was so wonderful to me, but hearing all the wonderful stories about him, well, I am touched! I feel so blessed that he was sent to me to be my doctor.That I had the opportunity to have known him. God Blessed us all and I am honored! He delivered my first son and I am forever thankful that he was with me for that life changing experience. Sometimes you look back and wish you could have known what was coming to let him know how special he was. He was there for me at some of the scariest times in my life. I had an eptopic pregnancy and was afraid to go through the surgery. He told me that I would die without the surgery. He gave me the strength I didn't have. He was my Hero, and I will never forget him for that. He is with God now. May God bless his family and send angels down to carry them through this time of unspeakable sadness. God said he would never give us more than we could handle. Please accept my prayers and know that "we, his patients"loved him for the wonderful person and friend that he was. He will be truly missed. God bless all of you. mishelle whitmire
Mishelle Whitmire (Orlando, FL ) mishellelavee@bellsouth.net

Please know that Dr. Raphael has a place in my heart. He cared so much for those whose lives he held in his hands. When I chose not to have a procedure done that he recommended he called me in to his office and with tears in his eyes asked me to have it done. How could you deny someone like that, so I did what he asked. He truly cared for all. May God bless you and you family. Sharan Fosbinder
Sharan Fosbinder (Orlando, FL )

I am so heartbroken - I just called this morning to book an appointment with Dr. Raphael, and got the heart rending news!! Dr. Raphael delivered all of my four babies,and was always there for me - he was more than a doctor - he was a friend. I thank God for his life, and especially for his family, of whom he was so proud. I remember he came to see me after my third baby with his beautiful daughter who wanted to follow in his footsteps and be a good doctor. I had teased him at the time, that I would certainly find her a good african prince from back home to marry her. He even had plans to visit Nigeria at some point in the future. To his beautiful wife and children, I pray that the good Lord comforts you and keeps you. Dr. Raphael lived such a good life, and was such a blessing to so many of us, that your lives all cannot but be blessed always. We shall continue to keep you all up in our prayers.
chidi onyemelukwe (orlando, FL ) chidionye@hotmail.com

I pray that the Lord God will be with the whole family at this time. I give holy thanks for the life of Dr Raphael and may his legacy live on.
Marigold Nunes (London)

July 17, 2004
"A beautiful mind, a wonderful life." - Uncle David
David MICHAEL (London, United Kingdom) info@dmichael.co.uk

July 16, 2004
To the Family of Dr. Raphael, I just heard the SAD news. I just loved Dr. Raphael. I can say from the bottom of my heart that he was one of the nicest and gentlest people I ever met. He was a wonderful doctor and an unbelievably skilled surgeon. Maybe God felt that Dr. Raphael had accomplished all the jobs he was assigned on this earth. I can say that I am richer for having known him.Thank you God! May you be blessed as your hearts and souls mend. You will be in our prayers
Ida Preston (Winter Springs, FL )

July 15, 2004
I was a Physician Associate employee for 7 years starting at the East Orlando center when I met Dr. Raphael. He always had a smile on his face and his face would get brighter when he spoke of his loving family. I am truly sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you. He loved all of you so much and I truly believe you will see him again. God bless.
Danielle Stevenson (Miami, FL )

July 14, 2004
I was a patient of Dr. Raphael. I did not know about this until yesterday when I check my mail box the practice sent me a letter I was out of the country. Our deepest sympathy goes to the familly. He was friendly, and kind. I can't thanks him enough for what he has done for me. I can't believe it. He will always be remembered. God Bless
Marie Colas (Orlando, FL )

July 14, 2004
To loose somebody physically dear to your heart it’s not easy to accept, I would like to Hug you, show you my love and tell you so many things…but I know that maybe that pain and sorrow that is in your heart won’t go away no matter I say or do. Even though, I would love to share some things that may comfort you. Before we came to this earth, we lived with our Heavenly Father, we were created spiritually and decided to come to earth to be tested and show him how much we love Him and keep His commandments so we could return to His presence some day. MOSES 3:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air; I would also like to share some other scriptures with you…that may comfort your heart, for they let you know where the spirit of our dear Dr LeRoy Raphael is. ECCL 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. ALMA 40:11 Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. We all have a mission in this life…Dr Raphael helped our heavenly father bring so many life’s into the world...but probably, maybe unfortunally for those who stay here, his work is done….I’m sure Heavenly was very happy when He saw him coming back to His presence and received him on His arms with love…I have no doubt in my heart that all this is possible only through the atonement of our Savior and mediator JesusChrist. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for giving me the opportunity to have the gospel in my life and to strive to have an eternal family. The Gospel is the precious treasure that I have in my life… I'm also grateful for people like Dr Raphael. We will never forget him, he was always there for us...I could tell you my story, but it may be relevant, the point is that he was loving, care, he was a good man, he wasn't my doctor, he was my friend and he will be my friend for all time and eternity. I know he won't be able to deliver my next child, but he will meet them in heaven before they come to earth...I wish he could have stayed a little bet longer here with us....but that is selfish, he has work to do in the other side and that will be against the Lord's will. Dear LeRoy, our friend...Till we meet again... (Giuseppe Dario Arnold Carr was deliverd by Dr Raphael on May 15th 2003)
Joseph, Dariela & Giuseppe Carr (Davenport, FL ) darygecarr@yahoo.com

July 13, 2004
To the Raphael Family, I was so surprised to have heard such terrible news .Dr Raphael was great man also a good friend.My prayers will go out to his family always..God Bless and he will always be remembered..Irma
Irma Espin (Orlando, FL )

July 13, 2004
Our warmest thoughts and prayers are with the family daily. It is comforting to know that Dr. Raphael was such a wonderful,Godly man and that he is now in the arms of the Lord. May the Lord comfort all of you during this very very difficult time. Bsd
s d (cayce, SC )

July 13, 2004
To the Raphael Family, I didn't personally knew Mr.Leroy, but I'm presently working with one of his patient whom was very heartbroken when she heard the loss of this great man. A loss such as this can never be understood until ourselves meets our maker. Please find comfort in knowing he's in a better place. God garden must be beautiful for he only takes the best. His genuine, love, kindness and caring for others will be missed forever. May Leroy walk with God in eternal happiness.
Melinda Ayala (St. Croix USVI, Orlando, FL ) Meli_1971@yahoo.com

July 12, 2004
I am a recent patient of Dr. Raphael starting May this year. He was a very nice person that I could talk to. I remeber when my medication was too expensive for me he understood and gave me something that I could afford. You can tell by the pictures in the room that he was a great Dr. also by the way he approaches you with a smile. My heart goes out to the family and may God bless them and always remember the good times you had with him. He will always be remembered
Onetha Belgrave (Orlando, FL )

July 12, 2004
I am at a lost for words, Dr. Raphael will be missed by many people. word can not express how I feel right now. The funny thing about it, I have only been Dr. Raphael patient for a few yrs, that is something to say, what an effect a person can have on you that you did not even know until they are gone from you life. The things I remember most about Dr. Raphael is his demeanor, he always was professional and i liked that about him and he cared about his patient in ways a doctor should. My prayer is with his family, lookup you can be very proud of the husband and father he was. May the Lord ever keep you and guide you until you met again, just keep the faith and live so you can met again. It is only of a season.
connie cobbs (orlando, FL )

July 12, 2004
I met Dr Raphael on Oct 15 when I was delivering my second daughter. He was the doctor on call. I would never forget him telling my husband "she is made for having babies". I truly believe that God place people in your life for a reason. Dr. Raphael you will be missed.
The Ricks Family (Orlando, FL )

July 11, 2004
I first met doctor Raphael when my family and i heard that my sister was pregnant,we were reffered to this doctor because he was one of my moms real good friends, and doctor. my mom loved Leroy like he was a relative. He has always been our docotr. my mother was horribly saddened by the news she couldnt beleive it, she was told by her best friend who also had DR.Leroy Raphael as a friend and doctor. she was devastated by the news, just knowing you knew someone so great,friendly,and so intelligent is fantastic, and yet devastating. Leroy also above it all deleivered my first nephew. my sister wanted knowone else to deliver the baby. We were highly blessed that it was him. He will be missed, Will be wanted, and will still be in our hearts. God Bless!!!!! Love Always Lauren
Lauren Nieves (orlando, FL )

July 11, 2004
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Dr Raphael. Four years ago Dr Raphael touch our lives in a very special way, he delivered our first daughter Alek. Not only was he kind and gentle but within our short encounter he acted as a friend. You will be missed. Sincerely, Jeneise and Raymond Brown
Jeneise Brown (Orlando, FL )

July 11, 2004
I was a patient of Dr.Raphael of 16 years. I'am very saddened by this loss. My prayers go out to his wife and children.
PATSY DUMAS (ORLANDO, FL )