An Akron institution hospitalized after a major stroke over the weekend. Haven of Rest's Rose Rose says Reverend Thomas, 77, had just returned from a vacation when hit by the stroke Saturday morning.

"We heard that Saturday morning Rev. Curtis Thomas, our Director Emeritus of Haven of Rest, had a major stroke," agency spokesperson Rose Rose confirmed to AkronNewsNow.com.

"He is such a role model to all of us. I remember when I was hired years ago one of the things that impressed me the very most that when he looks at a person, he sees them as God sees them and not as we might see them," Rose said. "He sees all the potential that God might have for that person; he has a genuine love of people."

Rev. Thomas is currently in the intensive care unit at a local hospital. The family asked that the hospital remain unnamed, but prayers are appreciated. Cards and letters can be sent to the Haven of Rest Ministries, P.O. Box 547, Akron, OH 44309-0547.