Best funeral....ever

[Folanator]

A buddy of mine Matt passed away 3 weeks ago. We were both cyclists, he worked at a bike shop. He loved to ride his bike, race, and be a part of cycling culture. He was a great guy, one of the kindest most even tempered people I have ever known. He had a long bout with cancer and finally passed after fighting the good fight for almost 4 years. I went to the memorial service three weeks ago. Open casket. Very sad occasion with lots of tears.

Last week he was cremated so.....

This Saturday morning we all got together at 6 am at Matts house for coffee and bagels. There was a group of maybe 35-40 cyclists, some family and pictures of Matt, and Matt on the table in an urn. There was a jersey there that we all signed little notes to Matt.

After an hour of hanging around we all got on our bikes, wrapped Matt's ashes in the jersey, threw him in a backpack and went out for a ride with a police escort. It was so cool to go for one last bike ride with Matt after his long illness as we had done so many times before. It was a glorious morning with Matt up front in a backpack leading the way.

We rode for maybe two hours and ended up at Matt's parents house where we were joined by all of the Grandkids and cousins. They rode their kid's bikes the final mile to the cemetery where we had a final service and laid Matts ashes to rest.

I cannot think of a more fitting way to end off the life of a great guy that was a committed cyclist. Going for a long ride. It is the way that I think I would like to go.

 

[BuckeyeRyn]

When you receive a diagnosis such as cancer I can tell you, one of the first things that run through your mind is contemplating what your funeral will be like...

what you have described sounds like a perfect ending to the life of a cyclist!

 

[Taosman]

 

[scooter1369]

My condolences on the loss of your friend. It seems you gave him the send off that fit his life and what he believes in.

If my family and friends decide to do such a thing for me, It will likely be held on the third Saturday in November, at Tailgate not far from the Olentangy, where my ashes will be spread two hours before kickoff, so as not to interfere with the living getting to the 'Shoe to beat the ever loving fuck out of Michigan.

 

[AKAK]

Folanator... my sincerest condolences on your loss, and I'm glad that you and the others found an appropriate way to celebrate your friend's life.


Now, gonna post a link here, and this is in NO way to be considered a threadjack and is not intended to be, just seems like too much a coincidence for some (more) good to come of this.

Please note Peach's link in her sig.

Just seems like a good opportunity for anyone who is touched by this thread to participate or contribute. (I have no idea about deadlines, etc, I'm sure the Princess would have mor info via PM.)

http://www.buckeyeplanet.com/forum/member.php?u=5335

 

[PrincessPeach]

Deepest sympathy on your loss, Folanator... Thanks for sharing your story, though - sounds like the best possible way to say goodbye. I'm very new to cycling, but I absolutely love it, and I can see how it can become much more than just a hobby... it's a really cool culture and lifestyle. I'm sure somehow, somewhere, Matt was pleased with his send off.

Thanks for the plug on my ride, AKAK... Fol - you're in Ohio, right? Maybe you'd like to join me for part or all of this ride in memory of your friend?

 

[bluechillj]

Wow, that was powerful to read, what a perfect tribute to your friend. The symbolism of the bike journey was quite touching as well. I'm sure that your friend would have been quite moved to know his friends and family had honored him in such a thoughtful, fitting way.

 

[Folanator]

It really was a great time. We all had big assed grins on our faces the whole time (until the grave site, that was sad). But the ride itself was sublime.

I have been to a ton of funerals lately, but this one was absolutely hands down the best.

As an aside, for those of you that saw my sig at the bottom about having a tumor a few months back, I named it Mike Hart (great line from fight club) and I kicked its ass. Well I did have a malignant tumor (malanoma) and had it cut off. They fillet me like a bass. It was a good outcome to a bad situation. Cancer freaks you out to say the least. Dodged a bullet so far.

I might not be able to make the ride Princess, but I would be glad to send you some stuff to support the ride. I make sports drinks so it would save you some $. Just PM me. Let me know the date.

 

[CCI]

What a great read that brought back memories of losing my best friends. First thing I'd like to say is my condolences on your loss, which I am sure Matt was well pleased.

Just like AKAK stated we are not trying to hijack the thread.

Ronno was a very commited Harley rider and hearing all them Harleys start up and his wake/funeral brings cold chills down my spine with a smile after the fact. DAG died in skydiving and riding in the family car on the way to the cemetary the station we was listening to played three songs that every time I hear them songs my mind goes back to that day and the burial

 

[Gatorubet]

My best friend died recently, and when I got to Tampa, I noticed that it was an open casket viewing - which I am not so fond of normally. But I had to grin when I saw Jeff in his Georgia Bulldog red polo. There was a line to view the casket, and a bunch of his older relatives hanging around. When I got to the casket, I said to him in a low voice, "Good Lord, now you have to spend eternity in a shirt that looks like shit..."

Not low enough apparently, as one of the ancient women shuffled off to the widow and whispered to her excitedly. His wife threw her head back and laughed, and then came over and gave me a hug.

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Folanator]

My best friend died recently, and when I got to Tampa, I noticed that it was an open casket viewing - which I am not so fond of normally. But I had to grin when I saw Jeff in his Georgia Bulldog red polo. There was a line to view the casket, and a bunch of his older relatives hanging around. When I got to the casket, I said to him in a low voice, "Good Lord, now you have to spend eternity in a shirt that looks like shit..."

Not low enough apparently, as one of the ancient women shuffled off to the widow and whispered to her excitedly. His wife threw her head back and laughed, and then came over and gave me a hug.

Sorry for your loss.

Awesome storries.

I just got a PM from a guy on another site that was supposed to race across Death Valley with his best friend. His friend died 3 days before the race began. His friend was cremated and some of his ashes was stuffed in his back jersey pocket along with his timing chip.

His friend was listed as an official finisher.

Great stuff.

 

[BB73]

My condolences on the loss of your friend. It seems you gave him the send off that fit his life and what he believes in.

If my family and friends decide to do such a thing for me, It will likely be held on the third Saturday in November, at Tailgate not far from the Olentangy, where my ashes will be spread two hours before kickoff, so as not to interfere with the living getting to the 'Shoe to beat the ever loving fuck out of Michigan.

Hmmm, attend Scooter's memorial, or the Skull Session before The Game.

Can you make it 3 hours before kickoff, so I don't have to make that choice?

 

[DEBuckeye]

That's a great story Folanator. I'm sorry to hear about your buddy's dying, but it must have been great to say goodbye that way.

A good friend of mine did something similar recently with his grandfather. He had always apparently joked about having his ashes spread on the Oakland Hills Country Club golf course (in a 'burb of Detroit). So, my buddy and his cousin, after a family service, snuck onto the course late one night and did exactly that.

 

[cincibuck]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Folonator.

Cincibuck

 

[Gatorubet]

I just found out that one of the finest couples I know, friends at church, lost their 19 year old daughter in a car wreck last night. She was a beautiful girl, but not only pretty, really funny, personable, and gregarious beyond her years. Her dad is currently our head of the community ministry committee, which is the local charity arm. Leon and his wife have always been so dedicated in their charitable work. Whether it is a Habit House build, or helping a local school, they are always there. Ellen, their lovely daughter, would usually be there too. I always thought of them as an ideal couple, who raised an ideal family. Ellen's brother Matt goes to Auburn, and she chose LSU. It was fun to see them pick at each other about the rivalry, although both of them banded together to oppose the common Gator threat whenever I saw them at the Holidays.

I cannot imagine such a loss. I cannot imagine how to cope with this, or how to keep one's faith when this sort of thing happens. On Youth Sunday three years ago, Ellen and a few of the teenagers gave the sermon. She was so poised and well spoken, and so earnest in her expressions of faith. I can only hope that her family find solace, as I am crushed about it, and it is not my son or daughter who died in a needless car accident.

Keep the Hinson family in your prayers. They need them.