Joan Casey, my dear wife
Last Tuesday night, April 19, a special service was held for Joan at the Shambhala Dharma Hall in Bellingham.
Many friends attended to honor her life and its memories, and to pray for her well-favored rebirth.
I am very grateful for this honor, as I know Joan's spirit is as well.
Included here are scans of the documents used in this service, including 2 photos of Joan, the first of which was burned at the end. Very moving...
Joan dearly loved 'Birding'
Joan was always interested in nature, and naturally gravitated to the study of birds, especially in latter years.
It was a good way to travel and get outdoors, often with other people who respected the natural environment and tried to protect and conserve it.
I accused her of trying to convert the NOUN 'BIRD' to a VERB, often calling her BIRD-A-DEE and other nonsense.
She seemed to welcome this, at least most of the time.
Once, on a birding trip to Trinidad & Tobago, we met fellow BIRDERS, dressed like the cartoonist, Gary Larson used to depict, who asked me what were my favorite birds - to which I responded; Chicken and Turkey!
That response took them aback, but in time became an often repeated anecdote which Joan loved - at least to a point...
Those who attended this service mainly included Joan's Buddhist friends, but also her hiking buddies from the Bellingham Mountaineers. How nice!
The program was simple, short and reflective, just the way Joan preferred, and followed by an informal reception with some of her favorite foods* - something she always enjoyed.
[red wine, salmon, cheese, blackberries, apples, crackers and dark chocolate]
The Program, Chant and special Prayer she liked are reproduced below:
This ceremony was treasured by me and, I know, by Joan - because she had requested it!
---------------------------------------------
