"He missed many suppers, holiday celebrations and birthday parties, and I even remember walking home a couple of times from visiting friends because of his love of helping people. Those memories come easily with laughter and love, not any resentment or bitterness. He was doing what he wanted to do. He just loved to help people. That was his life," his wife of forty-five years stated.<br />
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Elwood Queen Sr., 67, died in the critical cardiac care unit at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania. He had been taken there the day before following a heart attack he suffered while driving his squad's ambulance. He and his partners were transporting a patient in cardiac arrest. He lost control of the ambulance; the vehicle crossed the road, struck a utility pole and embankment and rolled onto its roof. There were no other injuries.<br />
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Mr. Queen was involved with the Fire Company and was a member of the Irvona Volunteer Ambulance Service for forty-five years: as long as he had been married to his wife. He was the driver in 99% of all calls, and was certified in CPR and First Aid. He was President of the Irvona Fire Company and treasurer of the Irvona Volunteer Ambulance at the time of his death. He was also a member of Fire Police. He was an avid hunter and a born leader. His legacy is a number of children and other relatives who proudly call themselves Irvona responders. "He was our pep," stated Christine Niebauer, a family friend and EMT. "He was our strength. He held us all together: the fire company, ambulance service and the family," added Sandy Queen. "If there were more men like him, the world would be a much better place."<br />
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Elwood C. Queen, Sr. is survived by his wife Agnes Queen; daughters Susan Caldwell and Judy Chutko; one son, Elwood Queen Jr.; grandsons Jason, Ernie, Mike, Joey and Tommy; granddaughters Patty and Angie, and a great granddaughter Samantha.<br />
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Honored 2001 |