“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’”
These words from the Gospel of Matthew are what I hear in my heart when I think of the completed life of my dear friend, Sylvester M. Grigsby. For if ever there was a good and faithful servant—to his family, to his friends, and to his nation—it was Sylvester.
To many, Sylvester was known as Ambassador Grisby or Minister Grigsby or Chief of Staff Grigsby or simply Greg to his friends. He was a man of profound intellect, a sharp political mind, and a tireless public servant who moved with ease and integrity through the highest echelons of our government. His resume speaks for itself—a life dedicated to the monumental task of building a better Liberia. His willingness to serve in multiple administrations, including most recently in the administration of his lifelong friend, President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., was not a sign of political convenience; it was a testament to his unwavering patriotism. For Sylvester, the work of uplifting Liberia was more important than any single party or individual. He simply answered the call to serve, again and again.
But beyond the statesman, I was privileged to know Sylvester The Man. The Schoolmate, The Friend, The Supporter. The Deeply Good Human Being. He was a man whose wisdom was matched only by his kindness, whose counsel I sought and cherished. He believed in people, and he invested his time and his heart in those he called friend.
Just a few short weeks ago, my wife, Teresa and I had the profound pleasure of sharing an evening with Sylvester and his beloved wife, Cleo. We sat together for dinner, sharing stories, laughing, and speaking of the future, as friends do. It was a simple, beautiful evening, filled with warmth and fellowship. Little did we know it would be our last supper together. That evening is now a cherished, bittersweet memory—a final gift of his time and his presence that we will hold in our hearts forever.
In that final meeting, I saw the man I will always remember: a loving husband and father, a brilliant mind, and a patriot, at peace.
To his dear wife, Cleo, his daughters Diana and Mayumi and the entire Grigsby family, Teresa and I offer our deepest and most profound condolences. The nation has lost a great mind and a dedicated servant. But we have lost a dear friend.
His watch has ended. He was a good and faithful servant. He fought the good fight for the country he loved.
Rest well, my dear friend Greg. Your work is done, and your legacy is secure. May you rest in eternal peace.
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