Friends and family,
It has been six days since our father passed. Our loss is indescribable. This has been especially difficult because we were so focused on positive thoughts of recovery during the last few months. Now it all seems so definite and out of our control. Every morning is like waking from a nightmare, only to realize we’re not dreaming.
We have found comfort in small ways and you all play a big part in this. It has truly been a blessing to witness the love and support of so many, far and near. We have talked in the last couple days about how dad left a part of himself with every one of his friends. It is one of his many gifts to us, and we are thankful. You are all a bit of dad and we feel lucky to have you in our lives (as we feel lucky that you were a part of dad’s life). We have especially enjoyed hearing you share your dad stories – please keep them coming. We all have a long way to go to make up for the stories we’re missing without dad here to tell them.
We are also extremely thankful for the amazing work done by everyone at the Maricopa Burn Center. The staff treated us like family and provided super-human care for dad. There is little question that he was in the right place. A special thanks to Dr. Klemens, Dr. Sadler, John, Tom, Susan and Trisha.
Several of you have asked about a funeral. We are in the process of making arrangements for a weekend memorial service in Prescott in late August or early September. As soon as we determine the final date and location, we will let everyone know. It was dad’s wish to be cremated and his ashes spread in one of a few locations in Arizona on his “last ride”.
We are also looking for a group to help transport dad’s ashes from Phoenix to Prescott. We feel it would be most appropriate to do a group ride. Please know we will be reaching out to some of you… we would love for as many people as possible to participate. This will likely happen on the first or second Saturday of August. Stay tuned for more details.
Thank you for all the love and support and the amazing things you have said about dad. Your posts, emails and cards have meant the world to us.
With love,
Colin and Ian
Dear Ian & Colin,
Sending you our love, prayers and earnest heartfelt condolences in the loss of your father. We have a strong assurance as Christian Believers that we will be reunited with our loved ones in heaven, what a coming home that will be.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help, we are here to support you in anyway we can. Big hugs.
Blessings,
Black Sheep Harley-Davidsons for Christ M/M
Phoenix & Prescott, AZ Chapters
Dear Colin and Ian,
It is so very hard to let a dear friend or loved one go…to say good bye. I, personally, take comfort in the knowledge that I gained during my near death experience after a near fatal heart attack in 2007 that left me with only half of my heart working and a profound, new perspective on life and death.
Colin is now in the Most Peaceful and Loving Place I have ever experienced. (Incomprehensible)
I have no anxiety or concern regarding my death…I look forward to it.
This body we dwell in is only temporary.
I will miss your father for now but have no doubt I will see him again.
May God fill your hearts with that Peace and Love in your time of grieving.
Glenn
Even today, at work, we were remembering Colin among some of us who used to belong to LCVRS with him. While it is sad that he is gone, it’s hard to not smile at remembrances of him and his “bigger than life” persona. What a legacy to know that he touched so many people in such POSITIVE ways….and will always be thought of with love.
On behalf of all of Native Air Ambulance, we extend out deepest sympathies. We were so sorry to hear of Colin’s passing away and had so hoped for his recovery. Please let us know when the memorial service will be.
The time I had with your Dad wasn’t long but he knew how to be a true friend. I believed him when he said all I needed to do is call him if I needed something. I enjoyed listening to his life stories and stories about his sons and family. He told me that his sons would hold up fingers to signal how many times they heard a particular story, that was funny, I use it myself now.
Precious is exactly that, how they cared for each other and how she showed her love for your Dad, she must be sad and heart broken too.
One day at a time is how we heal from tragedy, stay surrounded by family and people who understand. My heart goes out to you all. Faye
Wish we could be out there to be with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Colin will definitely be missed. We loved him so much and he will be so deeply missed. He was so full of laughter and love. He was always such a good friend. Loved the time we spent with him in AZ. You are such great sons to a great man!!!! One day at a time!!!! Love to you, Ron and Nancy
Stan and I will ride on Guam “with” the Prescott Victory Riders holding all of you in our hearts.
We all appreciate your thinking of all of us during your time of grief. Your loss is indeed shared by all who knew your dad.
Colin was ever so Blessed to have great sons like you both. I will truly miss our talks I had with your dad. You are both such great men and don’t forget it.
Your dad will live in all of our hearts and memories, so he will never parish. .He will always be my memories and prayers.
Love Janet
Know that you can certainly count on the Prescott Victory Riders to assist you in any way we can, just let us know what and when.
You all remain in our thoughts and prayers, and as has been said many times we ALL thought VERY Highly of your Dad and we miss him more than you know.