There were Three Memorial Services held in Dylan's Honour.
Friday, May 16 - the day after Dylan's death.
A beach ceremony was held in West Vancouver, BC
23 people were there including family and friends from the Greater Vancouver area.The evening was beautiful and still down by the beach in Ambleside.
We set out a ring of candles in white paper bags and each of us spoke from our hearts. Eden sang "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd as Jim played guitar for her.
Each person was given a balloon - there were 22 of them to represent the 22 years Dylan lived and we each released our balloon when we were ready. As they drifted slowly up into the air and towards the mountains, they moved together and formed a heart. It was incredible and so powerful. We all felt Dylan's presence with us.
Tuesday, May 20 - a funeral at Taylor Funeral Home in Newmarket, ON
150 people attended Dylan's funeral. There were four large photo collages of Dylan's life that Eden put together as well as a scrolling photo collection on the many television screens in the visitation room that Justin put together. Kim made the program and organized the service. It was so beautiful to have Sheryl Sterling (Dylan's Godmother) and Adriane McNeely (Eden's Godmother) speak at his service. Eden and Justin sang the song "Brother" and Jim played guitar for them. We all took turns speaking and honouring Dylan.
As Dylan's casket was walked out, the last song he had written (only 2 weeks before he died) was played. It was powerful and beautiful. We know that Dylan would have been happy his music was heard.
Justin painted an incredible portrait of Dylan and those at the funeral were asked to sign it. Afterwards, we were able to have friends and family get up to speak and have refreshments. It was a beautiful time of sharing and we are very grateful for everyone who made the effort to be there.
Sunday, June 8 - A celebration of life ceremony on top of Knox Mountain Park in Kelowna, BC
100 people gathered to celebrate Dylan's life at Knox Mountain in Kelowna.
We met at the base of the mountain where people could sign the painting if they wished. Bookmarks with Dylan's photo and poem were handed out and we all walked up the hill to the first lookout over the city.
The weather was very windy but it was a beautiful night. As we all took turns speaking and saying our final public good byes, there was a huge pink cloud that lingered over our heads as though smiling down on us. Doris Bregolisse and Debby Helf recited the poems we had selected and Justin and Eden sang the song "Brother". We handed out 22 balloons which were released during Dylan's original song. The wind carried the balloons up and over the mountain.
Kim led the crowd in the singing of "I Shall Be Released" which many there knew.
At the end of the service, everyone was given flower seeds to scatter as they walked down the mountain. It is our hope that these seeds of love will be scattered far and wide as some seeds were also sent to family and friends in Ontario, Connecticut and Los Angeles.
Many thanks to our wonderful friends and family who helped plan this beautiful and moving service and to those who simply made the effort to be there with us and honout Dylan.
