plans

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
~From an Irish headstone 


Dear Family and Friends, 

We are still finalizing our plans, but the Celebration of Jack's life will be this Saturday at 2pm at Cook Memorial Park in Todd.   

There will be a chance for everyone who wishes to speak to say a few words about Jack, share a memory or favorite quote or if you wish to sing or play a song for Jack.  

The celebration service will then continue at one of our dear friends Mary Love and Dave's house here in Todd.   

Per his wishes, Jack will be cremated as soon as possible, which looks like it will be first thing tomorrow morning.  I know Jack has left his earth bound body and has been lifted up, but  if you would think of him and the love he brought at some point in the morning, maybe a prayer,  it would be appreciated.  Thanks to other dear friends of ours Tom Sternal and Sebastian, now he will be laid down in a fine poplar box for the cremation.  The folks at the funeral home said in their years there they had never had anyone provide something for their loved ones to be cremated in and they thought it was beautiful.  I know Jack, even being the minimalist he was, loved the thought and I'm sure is now honored with how it was handcrafted with love for him.     

Jack Rielly's obituary

Many may not know that Jack was not only an avid reader, but wanted very much to write a book and was a poet and songwriter.  

I want to share with you a poem he called death.  

DEATH
Am I lucky

If I have time

to say goodbye

What's the Cost?

Or is it best

if the line

is cut loose

whilst taut?

Sweet fate

Who's light

is too bright

to see ahead

Pray I'm ready

to meet

your embrace

when you call.

~ Jack Rielly  

Jack was ready.  He chose the time to say goodbye...

you are shining bright in the light of the sunrise and sunsets.  

In the twilight and when the moon is high and stars guide my way

I will think of you.  

I will carry your love in my heart as our souls intertwine

And remember that for a short time you were mine.

Love You More
Helen

“I love you every day. And now I will miss you every day.”
~ Mitch Albom, For One More Day

Peace has come

Dear Family and Friends, 

It is with a sad heart that I must tell you... it is done.  Jack passed this morning just before 6am.  

He went very peacefully in his sleep, his hand in mine.  He used to go for a walk with dear friends every morning at 6, so I figured he wanted to catch that final walk with them.  Now I believe he is finishing his walk on the trail.  

We don't have arrangements yet for his celebration of life and love.  I will update when we have all that arranged.  

With love and thankfulness to have found this man and have been able to spend the time together with him, I leave you now with a few pictures of him on his favorite trail... the AT.   And the opening quote from his favorite Christmas movie we watched together Friday night... "Love Actually".

Love always

Helen

    

"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around." - Opening statement - "Love Actually"