With all the negative media out there on corporate executives, businesses closing, layoffs, and bailouts, it is my pleasure to give some well deserved kudos to a business that showed an amazing amount of generosity recently.
As many of you know, my husband lost his brother Bob, on February 23.
Bob worked on the ski patrol at Heavenly Mountain Resort in So. Lake Tahoe.
He had just finished for the day, when he suffered a heart attack on the chairlift.
He left behind a wife, daughter and son.
My husband and daughter flew out for the memorial service, which was being held by Heavenly Resort. The resort told my sister-in-law that they would handle everything.
My husband could not believe the magnitude of support and heart that went into the service. It was an amazing tribute, one that Bob would have been very proud to be part of.
The ceremony was held at dusk, at the foot of the mountain.
Close to 500 were in attendance as Toby Keith's "An American Soldier" played on the sound system.
Bob's wife Lynne was the first to ski down the mountain, carrying a lit torch.
Next came a member of the ski patrol pulling Bob's daughter, Katelyn, on a sled. Katelyn was carrying Bob's ashes.
Sixty Five members of the ski patrol, all carrying torches, and Bob's son, Casey, came down the mountain next.
They placed 58 torches (Bob's age) in a circle and then placed Bob's skis in the middle of the circle.
CLICK HERE to see short video
Immediately after the outside ceremony, a service followed inside the resort, and then everyone was invited to a buffet. (remember, 500 people!)
My husband said the food never stopped coming and it was not just a spread of crackers/cheese and veggies, it was a very impressive menu.
The generosity doesn't end there...an announcement was made that every cent spent at the bar that evening would be donated to Lynne and her children.
With so many businesses struggling in today's economy, I am so impressed by the actions of this company.
Thank you, Heavenly, for having such a big and generous heart and for giving Bob a sendoff that his family will never forget.
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Sharon - This is a touching tribute, filled with love. Thank you for sharing. The photographs say it all.
I'm sorry for your family's loss. I can tell Bob was well respected. Thanks for sharing.
Fran and Rowena: Thank you. We were so impressed by the generosity of the resort. It was a very expensive evening for them.
Pat: My husband was very proud of the tribute his brother got. Thanks for the support.
Sharon . this is a sad but moving great story, it doesn't really surprise me so many that make there living in a recreational setting and gave up the city life posses something different in their make up. Friends and camaraderie are more important and loss is felt more deeply. I know people like Bob's friends, and many I suspect would do the same for a fallen comrade here in the White Mountains as well. My condolences to your family and it sounds like Bob's family is surrounded by many good friends in this time of sorrow.
Sharon ~ What a touching service. I'm sorry for your family's loss. They obviously loved him as much as his family did.
Hi,
I'm so happy that you have such a lovely memory. With the tragic situation to know that there is so much love for Bob, that has to be comforting. He was loved and appreciated!! That's all any of us can hope for when our lives are over..that what we did made a difference to others. We don't have to save the world, we just have to touch someone. Bob clearly did!
Beautiful pictures!
Much love,
Karen
Steve: You totally get it. He had a different way of looking at life and what is important. I think Bob was born wearing skis. It was his passion and as one of his friends said at the service, "he died with his skis on" and that made everyone smile. He actually spent many years in your part of the woods. He worked at Cranmore in North Conway for many years before moving to CA. We used to go watch him play in the Mud Bowl. It was many years ago, do they still have the Mud Bowl?
Thanks for the kind words of support!
Kathy and Karen: He was truly loved and looked up to. My husband felt it while he was there. I'm so glad he got to be there and share in that experience. Thanks so much!
Dear Sharon,
What an incredible tribute to your brother-in-laws's life! Sorry for your family's loss.
Barbara
Sharon,
The generosity, love and support given to your husband, daughter and Bob's family is beautiful. Loosing loved ones is difficult and painful. A tribute like this, and the memories from it, helps to heal the heart.
Heavenly gave more than money that day. They gave a lasting gift and touched lives. Sharing this experience has done the same. Thank you.
Warm Regards,
Marianne
Hi Sharon,
I am sorry for your family's loss. I am glad he was able to be remembered in style.
-Lisa
Sharon -- I got chills reading your post...what a tribute to your brother-in-law! I'm sure the memorial service was a great validation to his family, and certainly a tribute to Bob. It spoke to the essence of who he was and the number of lives he affected. But also you've made a wonderful tribute to him with your photo collage (in a previous post) and this, Sharon. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Barbara: Thank you!
Marianne: You have a way with words! I especially like that you said Heavenly did more than give money that day. How true! Thank you so much!
Lisa: Not many people get a send off like that. We are grateful for his wife and kids that they had that opportunity. Thanks.
Leslie: Another beautifully written comment! No matter how many times I see that video, it still hits me hard. Thank you for your heartfelt sympathy. I appreciate it!
Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. What a blessing he obviously was to all that knew him. I think it was a fantastic way to honor him and his family. I do believe that God blesses those that bless others and that is certainly apparent in this case. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
What an incredible story, it gave me shivers. A beautiful tribute to someone who obviously was cared for deeply by the people he worked with.
Sheila and Janna: My husband said it was so amazing seeing those ski patrol guys coming down the mountain. We can only get a feel of it from the video. Thank you both for your beautiful comments.
Sharon-I am soo sorry I didnt see this sooner! Give my hugs and regrets to your hubby. What a terrible tragedy. Again I am soo sorry. I have been caught up with my closest friend. Her two year old niece was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had emergency brain surgery and I have been trying to help them. What a mess! What a beautiful service they gave your brother in law!
Debra: Losing an adult relative is hard enough, but dealing with a sick child... I can't even imagine the stress that family is under. They are lucky to have you there to help them. I am sure you feel helpless. It must be so painful for all of you. Thank you so much for your support and kind words! My husband will be quite excited to get a hug from a stranger!