Dad’s Montney Send Off

Written by montneyboy

Dad made his final trip out to Montney on July 6, 2019.

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Dad in front of the “Montney Store” – 2016

On a sunny Saturday morning a small group of family and friends went up the hill past Dad’s old store and laid his ashes to rest alongside Mom at the Montney Cemetery. Long-time family friend (and one of my “Montney moms”), Cathy Busche led us through the inurnment (yes, that is a word).

The words she said were perfect. She helped to guide us as we lowered the urn (that grandson Cy had made) and then place individual flowers on the grave.  Ferlin Husky’s “On the Wings of a Dove” played in the background on a portable speaker. As is tradition in Montney, we shared two shovels and backfilled Dad’s grave by hand.

Later that day, about 150 people met at the Montney Hall to celebrate Dad’s life. Two of the boys who also grew up on the Montney corner were responsible for making it, in my opinion, exactly what our family and Dad’s friends needed.

IMG_3639Kevin Busche grew up across the road from us (in Montney it’s a road not a street). His family owned the Esso station and they lived in a house beside it. He was the MC. He also read the eulogy and sang songs that Dad had played when he’d been part of the “Espe Orchestra” back in the day. Kevin told how Dad and his brother Thor, along with friend Peter Hlushko, had played at dances for free in order to help pay construction costs for the then “new Montney Hall”. He also mentioned how he and I, as boys, had climbed on to the roof of a lean-to that had once been attached to the hall so that we could watch and listen to the band play. I remember that Kev could hear a song once and repeat it… I think he still can.

IMG_3641Del Parker grew up on his family’s farm on the north side of the road. Being the same age, in the same grade and on the same fastball and hockey teams for most of our young lives, we spent a lot of time together. Del got to know my parents almost as well as I did. Del made great speeches at Mom and Dad’s 40th and 50th wedding anniversary parties. He made another great one on July 6. He told stories about Dad’s patience with us as kids and his political views, but mostly he spoke of his generosity and kindness. His stories brought both laughter and tears.

I don’t have enough ways to thank Cathy, Kevin and Del for taking the time to make the day so special. Having delivered eulogies myself I understand what an honour it is to be asked, but I also understand how difficult they are to prepare and ultimately present.

Dad left Montney 40 years ago this year. Our family was very touched that so many people would take the time to help us honour his memory after all those years. Thanks to them for coming, and thanks to the Montney Recreation Commission for allowing us to use the hall. Special thanks, and hugs, to Verena Hoffman, Noreen Kramer and George and Doreen Kantz for helping to make the day happen.

 

Post Script:

I can’t stop thinking about the last song Kevin sang. He played “Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home” with a reference to Montney thrown in. There could not have been a better way to end the day. Not just for Dad, but for me too.

Whoa, the whippoorwill roost on the telephone pole
And the Montney sun goes down
Well, it’s been a long time
But I’m glad to say that I’m
Goin’ back down to my home town

Don’t it make you wanna go home, now?
Don’t it make you wanna go home?
All God’s children get weary when they roam
Don’t it make you wanna go home?
Don’t it make you wanna go home?

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Dad’s urn strapped into the front passenger seat for the trip out to Montney

 

 

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19 thoughts on “Dad’s Montney Send Off”

  1. Thank you for sharing your dad’s send off. A lovely tribute to him. I will be doing the same with my mom on August 7th in Vernon. A family graveside and then to a sister’s for a bbq. I will be doing the eulogy, well I will write it, not sure I will be able to read it. We will be playing Supermarket flowers as she really liked that song and is so her. She will be placed next to my dad. Just wanted to share.
    Thanks again.
    Donna

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  2. Wow! What an awesome send off for your Dad Larry❣️ I wasn’t able to attend so thank you so much for sharing this. I could hear Kevin singing and Del regaling everyone with his wonderful memories of your Dad and family😁 I love Kevin’s chose of final songs “Don’t it make you wanna go home❤️“ Cy’s woodwork is beautiful, how proud your Dad would be to rest in something so beautiful and made with love❣️ Sending you all hugs Valerie from North Pine those were the days!

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  3. Good day Thanks for sharing Larry. You can sure tell your Dad was loved by many its a tribute to his life and times ❤️

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  4. Thanks for Sharing
    You and your family are well loved
    Both mom and dad touched many hearts.
    Thank God for good people.
    Hugs to all.

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  5. Sorry I was not there! It would’ve been great to see all those wonderful people and to remember the man who had a lot to do with them becoming wonderful people! He will be missed by all! I know I
    have a lot of fond memories!

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  6. I’m sitting here reading this, and all the comments, in tears. I loved Aunt Kay and Uncle Hans so much. I wish I could have been there but my health didn’t allow it. I remember all the good times in Montney and was so glad I got to visit Uncle Hans in 2015.

    Judy

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  7. Beautiful Words about a Man loved by many!!! Thankyou for sharing the wonderful memories Larry!! May he Rest In Peace!! Love & hugs to all!💕💕💕
    Beautiful Urn !!!

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  8. Thank you Larry, Deb and family. This means a great deal to you and now to me. I just lost my mum about 3 weeks ago as well. (she was in her 99th year….) I was back in Ontario for the wake, funeral and enterment (hope that’s the spelling…) which was real closure for me, my brother and our families. I know how you are feeling, and I appreciate your very kind sentiments and words about your dad. When we lose a parent, we come to a “new” spot and time in our lives. I have been doing a lot of reflecting myself about my loss and see the reflection in your life as well. It is an end.
    But…. at the same time I see “life” all around me and appreciate the moment. We were both lucky to have them in our lives and for so long! We’ve learned to let go and carry on. My mother has left me with a part of her that will carry on to the end of my life: appreciation, kindness, thoughtfulness and fervour FOR life. She had these qualities and carried them to the grave. How lucky we are , Larry.

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  9. Thanks for sharing Larry,
    We were out of town and missed this great tribute to a wonderful man. I only met your dad a few times but it only took one meeting to see how kind and thoughtful he was. Like father like son – he lives on in you.
    Take Care
    Shelly

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  10. Thank you for sharing the story of your Dad’s send off! It sounds like it was a perfect match to him! Hugs. George and Gayle

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