A Memorial Service to Remember

My brother and I joined many of Dad’s closest friends in Prescott to remember and celebrate his life on Saturday, September 24th. The Memorial Service was more special than we could have ever imagined. From the intimate setting, to the music, to the stories and sharing, we know this ceremony was exactly what Dad would have wanted. It represented so much of what Dad loved and cared for. And it shows that he made a difference to so many people.

We would like to thank everyone that made Dad’s Memorial Service so special. Stony Monday was instrumental in planning and leading the ceremony, including picking the location. There is no wonder he is one of Dad’s closest friends. Tom Medevielle and his family were incredible. Tom was one of Dad’s students at Yavapai College. When he learned we were holding a memorial service, he offered to do whatever possible to make it special. Tom and his family helped to make that happen.

The service was held at the Prescott Center for the Arts. The Center is housed in one of the oldest churches in Arizona. Services were first held there in 1895, but the building was converted to a community theater in 1969. We were very grateful for the perfect setting, complete with stadium seating and stage set with props. Dad loved both history and theater, so we couldn’t have asked for a better location. To top it off, Tom helped to arrange for two local bagpipers to play outside the church prior to the Service. Dad’s Scottish heritage meant a lot to him. He played the pipes for a short time and adored the music. It was only fitting that pipers were there to honor Dad. The service started with “Amazing Grace”.

We brought several of Dad’s things to be displayed during the service – his turquoise bolo, two biker vests, his Custom Cowboy Creations sign, a portrait and several pictures, and his ashes. We even had the Watch out for Motorcycles sign he recently dropped off at the PV Police Department to promote motorcycle awareness.

The service itself was beyond our greatest expectations. Many of you have probably been in similar circumstances and wondered how you can honor someone so important in your life. We hoped to honor Dad as best we could – and we did. The ceremony was perfect.

Stony led the service. He is a fantastic speaker to begin with, but he did an especially beautiful job telling us about his close friendship with Dad and what made him so unique. Stony made us laugh and cry. It’s truly amazing how much we see of our father when we watch Stony. Stony – we’ll always love you, man! Stony summed it up best when he said that Dad is in a better place, but wished he was still here for a few more years of riding together. Stony, you are so right.

Glenn, one of Dad’s biker friends – and now someone we consider to be a close friend as well – gave the opening and closing prayers. He recited a poem he authored, which we will post on this website. My brother and I have thought a lot about Glenn over the last couple months. Glenn experienced a near-death experience, so having him around has been really nice for us.

Colin made two amazing Dad tribute videos, which we played during the service. The first video shows photos of Dad throughout his life, including his first photo, taken when he was just 16 days old! The final video shows Dad during his biker days, and includes some really good video of him taken by Stony on one of their cross country trips. We were so happy to share these with everyone at the service. We have posted them here. Please let us know what you think or if you have any good stories to share. We also posted them on YouTube – just search for Colin MacDiarmid.

Ian spent time memorializing Dad by sharing special childhood memories and reminding us all of the things that made him so unique. The eulogy wasn’t easy to do, but we are glad Ian had the opportunity to give a son’s perspective. Dad always gave us so much support, and did so much for us, and we felt it was important to remember that. Dad was truly a one in a million type of person with the biggest heart and most beautiful smile and laugh.

CJ and Betty honored us by talking about Dad’s contributions to the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of Arizona. When CJ was MMA Chairman, Dad was his right-hand man. He eventually took over for him. CJ and Betty presented my brother and me each with a really nice plaque, “In recognition of his dedication to motorcycle rights and his fellow man. He was larger than life and a brother to all.”

Cal Greer shared thoughts and prayers as well, including a prayer he recited to Dad just a few hours before his passing. Cal and Dad shared a strong bond, and often talked about Dad’s fondness for Indian Spirituality and, in particular, the Bear Spirit. We all know well the bear claw Dad wore on a chain around his neck; this came from Cal. It was great to hear him honor Dad.

Sam and Sue, and friends Ray and Cheryl, awed us in their 1880s attire. Cheryl and Sue wore traditional mourning wear called “Widow’s Weeds”. They were beautiful. (Dad used to dress up in old west attire prior to getting the bug and buying his first bike!) Sam touched us by wearing some of Dad’s Indian accessories, including his full-on Fox hat. We can’t tell you how much these little things meant to us. We know how big Dad’s smile would be if he were watching…

Tom and his family were absolutely incredible. We didn’t have the chance to meet Tom before the ceremony, but he and his clan were there in full force. Tom spoke for several minutes and said some very thoughtful things. He and five of his children sang several songs and played their chanters and recorders. These songs included one of Dad’s favorites, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”. Tom, thank you for everything!

We concluded the ceremony with an opportunity to share. This was one of the most memorable parts of the service for us. Thanks for everyone that shared – Smokey, Sam, Meg, CJ & Betty, TakeOff & LaLa and James. (And Smokey was wearing Dad’s shoes!) You all said just the right things.

Dad’s closest friends all made the service just right, but it was also so meaningful to have family there as well. Mom and her husband, Bud, made the long trip from Michigan. Aunt Becky, Uncle Steve and Tamara made the trip from California. And, of course, our girlfriends Ann and Erin were by our sides. We know more than ever that it’s family that is most important. Thank you so much for being there and for your constant support!

Now that the service is over and we’ve returned home, there is a new feeling of sadness. In a sense, we don’t look forward to life getting back to normal. We wish we could have a memorial service every weekend to honor Dad. We will always love him and honor him as best as we can. Don’t be surprised when we call or send a note looking for one more Dad story…

Thanks for reading about the service. It is nice to share it with you.