South Lake Tahoe flags lowered for priest who died

Flags at city facilities in South Lake Tahoe have been lowered to half-staff because of the death of Catholic Priest Father John Grace, who died over the weekend at age 98.

City Manager Frank A. Rush, Jr. asked for flags to be lowered to honor Grace's life and commitment to the City of South Lake Tahoe.

According to a release from the city, "Father Grace was born in Ireland but called South Lake Tahoe home. A fixture in the community, he was known for his commitment to the Catholic Church, which he served for 70 years, his unwavering support of those less fortunate in our community, and his love of golf."

“For years Father Grace put the community of South Lake Tahoe first. His desire to lift people up, to help those in need, and give back to this community left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him,” says Mayor Brooke Laine, “He raised the bar on what a priest should be and served as an example of the best of humanity. He will not soon be forgotten in South Lake Tahoe.”

The city says Father Grace will be remembered for his charitable work, specifically his desire to see no one go hungry in South Lake Tahoe. He started “Bread and Broth” in 1989. That program gave people in the area hot, nutritious, meals every week.

City flags will be lowered to half-staff through the afternoon of May 10, 2019. Service dates have not been set.