Memorial

Maya and Mommy headed back to New York to attend the memorial for Grandpa (Todd had to stay in the Bay Area for work reasons). It was beautiful weather and a wonderful weekend filled with family, friends, and beautiful tribute to Grandpa's life.

We arrived late June 29th. The next day we finished helping with the preparations for the memorial and then we took a little trip up to Skaneateles Lake for a little relaxation and family reflection about Grandpa.

Marimar, Coco, Lulu and Pop, along with Aunt Susie and Betsy and their families, along with a few other relatives joined Gram to share some special personal memories of Grandpa.

It was wonderful to hear some of the personal stories regarding his impact on the family.

Maya was thrilled about the post gathering boat ride with Coco and her cousin (once removed) Katie.

Gram's nephew Peter, and niece, Sally with Gram and Pop on the day of the memorial.

After a memorable tribute at the Presbyterian church, we went to the cemetery for the internment of Grandpa's ashes.

A lovely reception followed at Cortland Country Club. Here is gram surrounded by some special ladies holding a canned treat from Fiji. Betsy, Susan, Mary, Kearsley, Susie.

Kearsley and Charles, a distant cousin that she enjoyed living with in Australia many years ago.

Maya and Mommy have a nice swim in Skaneateles after the memorial.

Susan and Gram have an evening cocktail.

Peter pulled out a very rare whiskey from the Thomson family that was quickly consumed in honor of Grandpa.

The drinking led to the singing of a favorite Fijian song after the sunset.

Coco and Marimar had to leave early the next morning. Maya enjoyed reading stories with her Aunties before bed.

The next morning, Maya worked hard helping shovel some shale at the cottage with Scott and Katie.

Later she went swimming with Ron...

...and then with Cody.

Lulu with Susie, Pam (Lulu's brother's wife), and Betsy.

Kearsley and Gram.

Pop and Gram.

Gram and Lulu.

The evening started with some fishing with Ron.

Beautiful family.

Dinner at sunset which featured Thai food prepared by Susan and David.

Yum.

Being that the 4th of July was only a couple days away, we pulled out some sparklers.

Followed by more singing...

...and dancing.

The next morning we had to leave bright and early, but we were profoundly moved by the memorial and the gathering so many remarkable people who celebrated Grandpa's life in the way he would have wanted.