Jun. 03, 2004 - 20:31 MST

THE WONDERING JEW

Life

Our beloved son Robert James entered this world on September 17, 1951 and death on May 31, 2004 gave him surcease from horrible pain.

A fighter to the end, someone to be admired for his survivor habit through life, but rapidly spreading cancer out ran the field of medicine on May 31, 2004.

Many friends, school mates and co-workers attended the memorial service for him today. It was remarkable to see people hugging each other - some complete strangers to who they hugged. It was fitting I think.

He helped form "Gunfighters of the Old West," with some of his close friends, practising regularly and putting on shows as frequently as they could. It was a good act, quite well done, with perfect acting and timing. Heather and I saw several performances and enjoyed them greatly.

They attended the service today in full costume and each spoke as a friend of Rob's. Among the Gunfighters was a man who was taught by Rob how to play guitar when he was yet a boy, a neighbor of one of the gunfighters. He played his guitar too.

Family took the podium and a life overview by his older brother was given, then he gave some of his memories of Rob. Two brothers who grew closer and closer together through the years. Then his two youngest sisters, each relating things they remembered about Rob. Some were funny, others demonstrated how much he cared for others. It was tearful for us in places and laughable in others. Some things Heather and I didn't know until today. The baby of our family his youngest sister related the wonderful care he gave her while she was a baby and little girl. Rob was fifteen when she was born and did a great job of loving her and watching out for her back then. We knew he took good care of her, but just how good she received she told us today.

Neither Heather or I were able to get up and speak of Rob, I think we both knew we would break under that. Then his children took the podium and gave their stories of their Dad. Each of our family who spoke did choke up somewhere in their turn, but recovered nicely and not a word was lost. The girls played a disc of a song they made for him one time -- it was beautiful.

Throughout the service there was prayer led by his oldest brother and in turn his two son-in-laws.

The last of the memorial service was a nicely done slide show of photographs showing him from baby-hood on up to his last days, with family, with friends and groups. The text in between pictures was beautiful and kept it together.

Very few people left after the service, lingering to visit with others, some ate the food served and some didn't, but still stayed to visit. It was almost as if we kept him alive while we all stayed together. Many hugs exchanged, and words back and forth.

Good bye son we miss you, you will still live in our memories and hearts.

A wonderful man who did his best and lived a wonderful Life . . . . . . .

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