As you by now know, Byron's father passed away just a few weeks shy of his 92nd birthday. This picture was taken hours before he was admitted into the hospital (and three days before he died). I doubt Reese and Kean will have any memory of him-- except for pictures. But I'm glad Holland and Greer got to spend a little time with their Grandfather before he left this earth. He looks pretty old and feeble in this picture-- but he was at this point. He could hardly get up and needed a lot of help to even make it to the bathroom.
I helped Byron's family write up the obituary and it gives more insight into the man and his life than I could ever try to replicate. So if you are interested, here's a link:
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/app/obituaries/obitshow.php?8770
The family held a graveside service last Saturday. It was a beautiful but cold day and quite a number of people came out for the memorial. Byron (in the white shirt) was one of the pall bearers, along with his brother, Craig, Craig's three sons and Fred's neighbor and good friend, Alvin.
Fred served in WWII and survived five major campaigns (he had quite the stories to tell). He received a military funeral, complete with the 21 gun salute (Reese jumped after every single shot) and the flag draped coffin. I don't know about you, but military funerals are always so stirring. In all, there were about 12 uniformed soldiers (present and former) at attention, holding flags or shooting the guns.
Soldiers presented Byron's mother, Kay with the folded flag and a small pouch containing three of the 21 bullets fired during the memorial.
Our very dear friend, Steve (on the left) was the Bishop of the family's church when Byron was a child. He conducted the service and gave a wonderful talk about Fred and his life. The lady in the middle (Sue) went to high school with Byron. She sang Abide With Me, and also happens to be married to the funeral director (the guy on the right). 
This is Byron's mom, Kay.
A very bundled up Kean fell asleep halfway through the service and even slept soundly through the 21 gun salute!
3 comments:
I admire the current crop of military men so much, but there was never a generation that gave so much as Byron's Father's generation. I'm glad to see that they gave him the full honors he was due in laying him to rest. It always stirs something in me to read of these people who gave so much for our country. I'm sorry to see another one gone.
I am sorry to hear about Byron's dad...
It looks like it was a very nice service. I'm so glad you got that picture with the kids and their grandfather ... they'll treasure it.
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