Farewell, Harry

We lost Sandy's Dad Harry last March at the age of 90. After the memorial service, we decided to save spreading his ashes until we had a nice summer day when everyone could be there. A few weeks ago, Sandy, her Mom Jan and I took a drive down to West Arm looking for likely spots. Right near Sucker Creek Landing, where they kept a houseboat for a number of years, we found a nice little picnic area on the water. From there, we could look over a short distance and see where their floating camp had been moored.

Heather, Tom and Jasper came up yesterday, as did Diane, a close family friend and ex of her brother Mal. This morning, we went down to meet Kim, Mike and the girls at the French River Trading Post. They were coming up for a week to stay at a place they had rented on Long Lake, one of the 390 bodies of water within the City of Greater Sudbury.

The rendezvous went off without a hitch. When we pulled into the Trading Post lot, Mike was checking the four bicycle rack on the back of their new minivan. Nothing like being a family man.

We convoyed up to Highway 64 and then followed it to the designated spot where Sandy's cousins (children of Jan's identical twin sister Gill) and their families plus her ex-husband Brian (former houseboat partner of Harry and Jan) and his wife were already assembled.

We could not have asked for a better day. I said a few words and then, as Vince Gill and Patty Loveless sang Go Rest High On That Mountain in the background, I stepped out on the rock above the waters and let Harry's ashes fly free in a place that he had enjoyed so much.

Diane

Jolene contemplating nature

Waiting for things to begin

Cousin Marie and Jan

Robyn found a bench

Cousin Sue and Sandy

Grandpa Jim and his girls

Rest In Peace, Harry

Heather and Sandy

Mike, Jolene & Kim

A quiet family moment

And then it was done

Jan and the exes

Jolene looks ready to take on the world

Heading out

Afterwards, we moved a short way down the road to Shuswap Lodge where Marie had reserved a large table for our meal. Everything was ready for us and we enjoyed a fine family meal together.

It was a long table

Jan was handling things well

Heather and Jasper

Robyn, girl of mischief

Brian

Diane

Jasper napping

After the meal, we said our goodbyes and headed back to Sudbury.

The day was everything we hoped it would be. Family gathered to say goodbye to a special person. It was an honour knowing you, Harry. We will miss you. May you Rest In Peace.

(Thanks to Tom and Mike for the additional photos)