The venue was a church just west of Ottawa. As it usually happens, people gather for an hour or two where old friendships are renewed and stories are exchanged about the life and times of the deceased. This event was no different. Soon after we arrived, a large crowd had gathered. Many were friends of John and Diane from the greater community of Stittsville as well as friends of their sons, Sean and Ryan. Both brothers, Keith and Ken were surrounded by many friends who wanted to exchange greetings and condolences. A gaggle of grandchildren were running about just being kids. Their three nieces were also present and were soaking up stories of uncle John. They only knew him in relation to the house and garden of Stittsville so to hear other stories and exploits of Uncle John was a treat. Greenfield Park was well represented by many who made the trip from GPk, Toronto, Cornwall and greater Ottawa. As one could imagine, the mood at the reception was quite lively with a lot of laughter...just as John would have wanted it to be.
"Don't mourn or be sad", he would have said, "but rejoice that we had so many memories together and above all just remember."
I will try to give a summary of who I remember seeing there who hail from the Park. I'll begin with Keith & Kenny McConachie (Ken's son & daughter), Harold Rye & his wife, Noreen (Barfoot) Toner, Sharon Robinson, Paul Boudreau, Albert Coccia. Jim Hines, Wayne Hines, Wally Robinson & his wife, George & Sue Graham, Sam Stone, Red & Betty Drummond, Lorna Garrett, Gary Comber and myself, Cliff Walker & my wife Danielle.
The service began at 2:00. The choice of music and words from the Pastor were clearly directed toward John. The Pastor spoke of his friendship with John and described two stubborn Irishmen butting heads at time but always concluding in good natured banter. Diane was joined by her grandchildren at the microphone where she helped them convey some memories of their Grandpa. They even spoke candidly of their last moments with John as he struggled with his last few breaths. The eldest grandson had run to John's office and returned with a picture of a frog being swallowed by large bird bearing the words, 'Never give up'. Joshua repeated those words to his Grandpa as he was fighting for his last breath. Those simple words clearly sum up who John was and how he lived his life. Those youngsters will carry that lesson with them throughout their own lives. How brave of Diane to have shared those most intimate final moments.
George Graham had a few personal musings to share. George acknowledged John's prowess as an athlete, from football in St-Lambert and John's crowning glory with the Rosemont Bombers having played on the team that won a National Championship complete with a championship ring which he wore everyday from the time he received it. George also highlighted John's role as a member of the Warriors Baseball team.
John's sons Sean and Ryan shared the microphone together. Ryan, the youngest, spoke first and emotionally about his father and how much he will miss him. Sean spoke of how much his dad taught him about what it means to be a father which has guided him in being a father himself. A short silence followed but after a light hearted prompting from their mother, the two young men continued with their story of the 'ring'. The ring in question is that championship ring from Rosemont Bombers that was ever present on their Dad's finger and which they both coveted.
Having both expressed a very strong desire to have the ring, John contemplated having it cut in two by a jeweler. They all concluded that such a solution would not work. As they began to recount the story in a back and forth manner, Ryan declared, emphatically, that he really, really wanted to have that ring. Sean didn't miss a beat and made a similar declaration. Finally Ryan said that his brother, having been the first born, should have the ring. Sean responded, not with words, but by raising his hand, bearing the ring, in playful victory. To quote Dr. Seuss, I believe their hearts grew two sizes that day. And John, what would he have thought? I leave that for the readers to ponder.
Cliff Walker
Thank you Cliff.... very much appreciated
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