Best funeral....ever

Folanator · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 10:19 AM

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 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 10:23 AM

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 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 10:25 AM

scooter1369 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 10:33 AM

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 [censored] out of Michigan.

AKAKBUCK · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 10:53 AM

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 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 10:58 AM

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?