By MADDY VITALE
When Travis Waid took his own life Feb. 25, he left behind his wife, Sea Isle City United Methodist Church Pastor Melissa Doyle-Waid, and three children.
After the funeral service on March 2, mourners went back to the Waid home in Sea Isle. There were many flowers. There was food. And some of the people who love the Waid family, who are known for doing so much for others, wanted to do more than just feel sorrow and loss and even anger.
“I spent a lot of time with Melissa as she was trying to navigate everything,” Jennifer Blankley, a friend of the Waid family, said Saturday. “I kept saying, ‘Can I bring you something?’ Then I said, ‘I know you aren’t the kind of person to ask, but do you mind me setting up a GoFundMe page?’”
Blankley, of Dennis Township, was pleased when her friend said she wouldn’t mind if she organized a fundraiser.
To donate to the “Help the Doyle-Waid Family,” go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-waid-doylewaid-family?qid=64eaa7ccf421f234e9224485417b2de3
As of Saturday night, $5,350 has been raised. The goal is $15,000.
In Blankley’s GoFundMe page, she said this to potential donors; “Please find it in your heart to help support my friend Melissa and her family with unexpected funeral costs. Additional money raised will go toward college costs for their children. Thank you.”
Travis Waid would have turned 47 on March 21. In his addition to his wife, he left behind his daughter Gabrielle and son Micah, who are both in college, and another daughter, Abby, who is a Stockton University graduate.
Pastor Doyle-Waid gave her husband’s eulogy during the services March 2. It was also an appeal to others to get help if they suffer from mental illness. Her husband suffered with depression for many years, she said in the eulogy.
“She is one of the strongest people I know,” Blankley said of her friend, Pastor Doyle-Waid, adding that Travis was like a brother to her.
Travis Waid meant a lot to many people. Mourners lined up along the sidewalk to enter the church and filled the sanctuary to capacity for his service. He was an integral part of United Methodist in Sea Isle, alongside his wife, for each church service. He was also known for his musical talents, both singing and playing the guitar.
He also could fix just about anything and was always eager to help others, mourners said. He was also a big part of the Ocean City school district events, including volunteering for the After-Prom and the Drama Guild productions.
“Travis was very special, like a brother to me, so I’m very thankful to help out his family,” Blankley said. “My heart is broken, but we still have to keep moving forward. I’m hoping that the support we can raise can make this time a little easier — just knowing how much people want to lift her up with love.”
This is Jennifer Blankley’s description of Travis Waid on the GoFundMe page for his family:
“Hi friends. This past week, the world lost a good friend, Travis Waid. He was a musical talent, a constant jokester and a man with a heart of gold. Dad of three wonderful young adults (Abby, Gabrielle and Micah Waid) and the husband of Pastor Melissa Doyle-Waid, Travis will be missed by everyone that knew him.”
“The Waids have been pillars of support in my life as a friend turned family. But they have also been ever-present, helping our community in so many capacities,” she continued.
“Whether through volunteering, ministering through the Sea Isle United Methodist Church, the Seaville United Methodist Church or the Oar House (affectionately known as “Bar Church”), Travis and Melissa have served the community through Faith and with the love of Jesus Christ.”
“It is time for us to return this support to Melissa during this difficult time. Please find it in your heart to help support my friend Melissa and her family with unexpected funeral costs. Additional money raised will go toward college costs for their children. Thank you,” she concluded.
