A fine send off

Colby and Bolder in happier days

Bolder had a fine send off. His memorial service was a great tribute to the guy he was. It was held at a beautiful chapel shared by several parishes - packed to the brim with standing room only, over 300 people. The Eagle County Sheriffs were on Highway 6 parking people, and shuttles were hauling people from far off parking spots to the church. Episcopal priests did the service and three of his best friends spoke.

Cindy and Bolder's son Colby finished things up by doing a short speech. He is Jud's age, and he lives in the Vail Valley, managing a restaurant after finishing culinary and management school in Denver. Colby had to take several deep breaths during his talk, but he did fine. I was so damn proud of him!

 

After the service, Cindy and Colby greeted people in the foyer for nearly 2 hours. Colby's restaurant, Moe's served wings and sliders with pudding and somebody else served chardonnay and Budweiser. Extended family escaped upstairs to the fireside room. My aunties Jean (with husband Bruce) Rader and Marty (husband Bill) Lamm and cousins Amy (husband Tom) and Richard were there. It was so nice to see them! I am usually lucky as I get to see Lamms each Christmas but seeing Raders was one of those sad/happy benefits of a funeral.

clockwise - Paul, Betsy, Jean, Amy Lamm Brownlee, Marty Lamm, Back Row - Wayne, Bruck and Richard

I also go to see my niece Leslie again along with her husband Jordan (no not her sis...) and Susi's husband Jim. Bets was accompanied by her spouse Wayne and her son Paul who had gotten to hang with Boldie this summer during our Cannon Beach trip. Nice to see them too. It's been fun to get to know Paul as an adult. Amy was with me and Paul was home holding down the new fort. And hunting.

Bolder's 86 year old mother Claire was there, accompanied by her son Bret and his wife Trudy. They all live in Massachusetts. Bret had been here the weekend before - and left morning before Bolder died. Claire held up pretty well considering the circumstances.

After the Memorial reception, we went to Cindy's place for a while. Then she looked exhausted. So we went back to our hotel and headed to e-Town - the bar Bolder loved so much. He was the Mayor there! When I walked in, I got to see the end of the Iowa State football game - the Cyclones polished off Kansas. Boldie would have been happy. His ISU cap was one of 3 well worn caps featured at the memorial service. The bartender did a toast to Boldie and we all raised a glass. Amy and nephew Paul ordered "Bolder" drinks. Vodka in martini glasses and Budweiser chasers. Amy was smart to dump her vodka into my cranberry juice. Paul wasn't...Boldie would have loved being there. Gee I miss him!

The toast

The Bolder

 

I shed tears several times throughout the weekend. It's just hard for me to get it through my head that he's really gone. Not just away. There is a benefit fundraiser December 5th at eTown to help pay medical expenses. Even though he's gone, those didn't go away. They may have to pitch a tent to fit everyone in. Vail Mountain has donated an Epic ski pass - that's a $500+value. There are lots of other great things too. I think I'll try to put together some kind of Iowa package with stuff from that Iowa store.

Paul and I will be back in Vail for Christmas. Colby will be in charge of the Christmas party this year...but let's face it. Nobody can ever take Bolder's place! Love you Boldie!