It was a gruelling 3 hours at the mortuary yesterday - but I think I have got things organized the way that John would have wanted them.
John will be cremated - probably on Monday. His memorial service will be on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 1 p.m. It will be a celebration and a remembrance of John's life. The service will be at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary on Arlington Avenue in Riverside, California. In lieu of flowers, we are asking that donations be made to The American Cancer Society in the name of John Bridenbecker.
We will be holding a wake - an Irish wake for his Irish roots - on Monday evening June 8, 2009. The celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m at Applebees Restaurant on Limonite Ave, Mira Loma, California. We look forward to meeting with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to chat about the good times that we have known with John and to raise a toast to him.
The picture was taken many moons ago at Virginia Beach, Virginia. John loved the sea.
16 comments:
So sorry to hear the news, but I am with you in spirit, as are all of us at Chili's! He will be missed, but remembered as such a wonderful man who has a special place in each of our hearts! We will be there on Monday with bells on to celebrate his amazing life! Call if you need anything!
Di
Now is the time to try and sit quiet with a glass of Baileys ... to try and collect your thoughts ....
You have a busy few days in front of you ... you need to sit and be alone for a while ... and cry !
You don't have to be brave all the time Indi ....
Love ya Girl !
I'm an saddened by the news of John passing. I did not meet him but feel I knew him thru you, He is a grand person. He has had wonderful people surrounding him thru the pain he suffered from his illness. I admire his as well as your bravery, love, and perseverance given through out his time of need.
My heart goes to you and your family at this time.
JDC
Me an' all the Jolly Rotten Beggars from Manitoba and North Carolina will be hoisting a pint to celebrate a life well lived come Monday evening.
take care Indi,
g a r
Dear Indi,
On Monday I will raise a Glass and drink to a wonderful man, I knew through you and the blog,but feel I knew him personally,
Maybe one day you will come to Scotland and we can both raise a few Bailieys together,
Love you
Syb xxxxx
Oh Johnny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and all the leaves are falling
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Johnny boy, oh Johnny boy, I love you so.
And if you come, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.
And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.
Hi Indi,
I'll be raising my glass in honor of John on Monday. An Irish wake wouldn't be the same without this tune, so here is my version.
xoxo
Lexi
Indi:
What a lovely picture of you both. Treasure those memories. What a gift you were able to give your John of being with him and hold him. He would want freedom of worry for you too. Take your time to enjoy your friends and be gentle with yourself as you heal.
'HomeGrandchild' (Roots)
Dear Indi,
Please except my condolences on the passing of your lovely husband.
I have been following the blog for some time now though other sources.
And dont know you personally.
But like the others I will be thinking of you. And raising that glass.
Susan
Pam
No words seem appropriate but John was a very brave man who I never met but thru you felt I got to know and love and admire.
I will be raising a glass in his honour tomorrow.
Love you
Ann, Jules and Holly xxxxxxxxx
My friend ... I'll be thinking of you especially tomorrow, as by sheer chance I'm taking a funeral here at probably the same time as Johns there ...
... and then later I'll raise a modest glass to the memory of that lovely sexy voice I heard a few times when I phoned you !!
Rest when you can; take time out just to 'be' ...
Glad Anjo must be there by now, or very soon.
Lots of love and hugs ... Granny
Pam,
For some moments in life - there are no words.
I will be raising a glass to John on Monday.
Aroha
Yor
Another one who will be raising a glass.
Nanny Jan
yes I'll be raising a glass to John as well...and also to you!!!
Jed
I was thinking of you tonight Indi at the wake ..... so heres my toast ! ........
"Kind family and friends please join me in rhyme
Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine.
Come drink and be merry
Turning grief to good cheer.
Till we stand with him
Again drawing near.
Here's health to his family
And one to his lass.
We hold up a pint
And all share from one glass.
Let us drink and be merry
Turning grief to delight.
Till that day when we see him
And again hold him tight.
Here's health to his lass
That he adored without a doubt.
Their love and their bond
He could not live without.
Never failing his friends
Always there to give aid
Always leading his family
As he knelt and he prayed.
His ship lies in harbor
Waiting to sail
I pray for smooth seas
And soft winds to prevail.
When we leave here to meet him
Whether by land or by sea
I will never forget
His affection for thee "
An Irish Blessing
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all...
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief—
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
You've been in my thoughts all day Indi !
xxxxxxx
I drove past your old house today - not exactly sure which one, and everything looked fine. I thought of you for the first time in a week - we have been away in Scotland since May 31. So that's why I've logged on. I will read your blog and catch up. Oh gosh we all feel for you; those who knew you well and others, like myself, on the edge of acquaintance.
The others, our Houston friends staying with us, are talking with John about Obama, Arnie (California), Schools, Hospitals, Oregon Wine and other minutiae(? sp).
So sorry I wasn't here to keep up my posts.
Read Robbie Burns....
My love is like a red red rose that's newly sprung in June...
We do really love you Indi John and Judy xxx
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