The Funeral...

Cliff's funeral was on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Memorial Mortuary in Murray.  It was a lovely service and we couldn't have been more pleased with how it turned out. Ryan and his sister both gave a few remarks, his pastors offered prayers, and then we also had an open invitation for people to get up and share their memories of Cliff.  That was so nice because we heard so many wonderful stories about Cliff that we never even knew.  Cliff was also a part of many symphonies throughout the valley and so the conductor of the American West Symphony played a violin solo and then six other members of the symphony played one of the pieces that Cliff had composed (which was played over in Germany a few months ago).  There was a really sweet spirit there and I was so grateful for all who were willing to participate.  I am also grateful that his legacy will continue to live on through the music he wrote and the life that he lived.  He touched so many lives and  I hope that when it's my time to go, I will have made as much of an impact on others lives the way he had in his short 79 years on earth.

After the funeral service we had a little ceremony at the gravesite.  A prayer was offered and then military honors were performed.  They played taps and folded the American flag that was draped over his casket.  The flag was presented to Ryan "on behalf of the President of the United States"  and that was such an amazing honor.  Here are a few pictures of the occassion:

I just wish to share one final thought, which came from Ryan's remarks.  His dad wasn't too thrilled with the idea of Ryan joining the LDS Church because he didn't agree with the theology. But Ryan wanted to share a scripture in his remarks so he said, "I want to share a scripture but I'm going to stand over here a little (away from the casket) because it comes from the Book of Mormon. You all might want to watch the casket and make sure my dad doesn't roll over."   The place erupted into laughter and then he shared this scripture:

"...the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles, and from all care and sorrow".

I know that Cliff has returned to the God who gave him life and I know he is resting now from all his cares and sorrows. Though there was great sadness in the fact that we had to say goodbye to a wonderful man, the day was full of peace and comfort. A life was celebrated and honored rather than mourned and that's exactly how it should be. Thank you to all who helped make this day as special as it was.