"I look into my father's eyes and I see the love of God made manifest," Erik Best, a Clackamas Community College student, said in a halting voice. "He loved everyone."

The whole family wore white headbands, a symbol of mourning and honor in the Vietnamese tradition of Myhanh, Best's wife.

"We are grateful to Ricky for the example he gave us," Msgr. Paperini said during his homily, citing the Gospel reading from St. John, which said in part: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." He told the Best family that the parish stands with them now and will stand with them in the future.

"He saw the opportunity to love as a privilege," said Msgr. Paperini, who recalled Best once telling him: "It's really not about us, but about our ability to be there for others."

Portland Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, who attended the funeral, said Best fulfilled the call of those who follow Jesus, an act that will live on in memory and change the world for the better. The archbishop said even he asks "why?" when tragedies happen, but over time, "I always see the good God is able to draw out of the most horrible of human tragedies."

He said Best's act of heroism has already borne fruit, drawing together Christians and Muslims in a mutual stand against hate and violence.

Harris Zafar of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Portland told mourners he wishes he could thank Best in the flesh.

"I would thank him for being the father I strive to be and the human being I strive to be," Zafar said. "I would tell him thank you for helping me be able to go home to my kids and say, 'Daddy was wrong. Superheroes do exist.'"

Zafar cited the Quran, which says that if you kill one, it's as if you have killed all; and if you save a life, it is as if you saved all.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley attended the funeral and greeted the family.

As the funeral procession wound up Mount Scott to the cemetery, citizens lined the road, waved flags and saluted.

At the cemetery, more than 50 flag-carrying motorcyclists welcomed the hearse. Best, who served in the Army for 23 years, was buried with full military honors. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown was on hand to help present the casket flag to his wife.

- - -

Langlois is managing editor of the Catholic Sentinel, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Portland.