A Sad and Happy Day

Today was John's funeral. We met the family in the park across from the church, where we had a picnic the month before at the reunion. As John came from a large family, there was a lot of family there. The church was almost full.

Father Jim knew John well, and Father Dan was a lifelong friend. They both spoke about John in a personal way. The music was chosen by the family, and played by family and friends. Eileen played with the Electra Lake Trio, and also with the choir of children. They sang Amazing Grace, as they did at the reunion the month before. Eileen's strength was so impressive, being able to play, sing, and speak despite the sorrow she felt. Each grandchild wrote a small tribute to John. Charlie and Liz gave a beautiful eulogy. The Knights of Columbus presented Eileen with a chalice with John's name engraved on it. It was a very uplifting service, both happy and sad; happy to see John going to his eternal reward, and sad to see him leave us.

The graveside service included the priests, as well as a ceremony by the Elks, and taps from the VFW post. The Elks' ceremony was particularly well done, including a dialog that went something like this: “How shall we write our brother's faults? In the sand. How shall we write our brother's virtues? On a stone tablet.” And perhaps that was the theme of the entire service, everyone focusing on John's virtues, with passing references to his human imperfections.

After the service we adjourned to the church for food and conversation, and later went to the cabin for more food, conversation, and libations.

An appropriate farewell to a man who had a big presence.

Richard