Dear Ones,
John's memorial service on Sunday was a beautiful thing. It really could not have been more perfect. It rained a little, but then the day cleared up and we had a gorgeous view of Morro Bay, right at waterfront, with the sun shining through the clouds and onto the water. It looked like it made a silvery path just to us. (And yes, Cindy, there were pelicans.)
Family friend, Ellen Sheffer, guided us through a beautiful tribute to John. The four speakers we chose, one from family, our brother-in-law, Barry, John's close friend, Mike Beauchemin, John King, from John's software days, but also a surfing, golfing, poker buddy, and Ben Fine, who worked with John at TEC and who was here with his new baby girl the week before John died, were all just wonderful and spoke from the heart. There was a great mix of funny John stories as well as a lot of deep sentiment.
Choir director, Paul Osborne, from the high school was able to pull together a group of current and former students to sing, and they were amazing. Their voices filled the room which was already filled with family and friends from all over.
The highlight for me were our two sons, Mike and John, who were outstanding young men honoring their dad. Young John read his dad's poem, "Be Like Water" beautifully, and Michael sang most beautiful version of "Danny Boy" I have ever heard, and I'm not just saying that because he's my boy. John would have been a puddle of tears, he'd have been so proud. I am hoping to get a link up in the near future of some of the highlights of the service.
I know some of you who were not able to make it, were joining us in spirit from all over the globe. Many said they felt John's presence there. What I know is that there was a warm cocoon of love for a unique, courageous, and loving man who will be missed by many, far more than he could have imagined.
We are still collecting donations to fund the choir and theater departments at the local high school. These provided our family with so many beautiful memories over the years. The fund will also help the student team that runs each year for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society to raise funds for the cure. Your donations are very much appreciated. I think it is a beautiful way to honor John.
Please send your donation to:
The John C. Fiore Memorial Fund
at San Luis Obispo High School
1499 San Luis Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
The Tax ID number is 48-1295680
Thank you all for the love and support our family has received throughout the past six years. We feel fortunate and blessed to have such a large, loving group of family and friends. I haven't decided yet what to do with the blog. Many think it should be turned into a book and I would love to see that happen at some point. For now, I hope you will continue to post your comments and thoughts. They bring comfort and smiles, as well as tears.
With love,
Dana
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I hope all who read this will consider making a contribution to the John C. Fiore Memorial Fund. It truly is a fitting way to honor his memory. Thanks on behalf of the Fiore clan, Frank
ReplyDeleteI've just read your blog 'cover-to-cover' almost. Hope you're doing OK: you're husband was one entertaining dude!
ReplyDeleteDana,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though John’s service was a wonderfully organized tribute to our dear, departed friend. That silvery path of light speaks for itself.
We would love to see a link to some of the highlights of the service. I’m especially looking forward to Michael’s version of “Danny Boy.”
As I said to John so many times, I now encourage you, “Keep a goin” D. We love you and wish the best for you in having this painful void filled with memories of good times that bring a smile to your face.
Mac
Today I wrote a check to the memorial fund and in the for blank wrote "be like water". It was then I noticed that the check background, from the nature series, was a picture of a wave. I'm smiling now, thinking of John, tear drops to ocean, salt water to salt water...be like water.
ReplyDeletemanitouboo if I believe what I see on the news out here, you might have overdone it on the water theme out there--hoping you are high and dry, or at least one or the other, yikes
ReplyDeletepat
I hope you can keep this blog open for at least awhile longer. It's a place to go and ponder. John is compelling and alive in each word he has written and touches anyone willing to take the time. Thank you for sharing John with us a little longer. He is missed.
ReplyDeleteI do not know what to say!
ReplyDeleteBill ALL survivor.