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Please do not take this post as selfish but I need to express my sentiments to a lot of people and this avenue seems the most practical.
First, my task yesterday at Rick's funeral was the most dificult challenge of my life. I have never felt as inadequate as then. Because I am just naturally an emotional person, I knew that my task had to keep me as stable as possible in order to complete the job. I couldn't afford the luxury of breaking down. And, then, how do you put the words together to say what needs to be said?
Surrounded by my heros that I had admired for the past twenty-five years or more, I felt like the street bum that had just stumbled into the king's banquet. And then it was my job to put into sentences what each of them wanted to say. What an impossible task.
In true family tradition so many of you called, wrote, and dropped in my pocket special words of encouragement. Many responded to my call for help with prayer. I carried with me to California a print out of all the posts here and elsewhere, notes from phone calls, and two special guardian angels.
On Sunday, as our "family" gathered at the funeral home I listened to the "Rick" stories and tried to absorb the spirit of what each of you were trying to convey. Thank you, Danny, for taking the time to pray with me. None of you can imagine the pressure that I felt as I wrote my eulogy.
Afterwards, so many of you came to express your thanks for what was said. You will never know how grateful I am for those words and for the opportunity (and tremendous honor) to speak at Rick's funeral. Your prayers worked and I was able to get through it without falling apart. Now, later was my time to cry as I tried to tell everyone bye and leave for the airport.
I truely believe that it was not me that was speaking but each of you and that your prayers were the only thing that enabled me to do what I did. Thank you does not seem adequate, but "thank you".
On the flight home I was overwhelmed by the great bond of family that we have in this craft. Someday I hope to put it into words. Out loss this past week was a shared one, and the burden was made easier by that special "spirit" that was present.
One of the things that Chuck Davis said at the funeral was that he had meant to thank Rick for all that he had done for him and just never got around to doing it. Let's not have another one of these "gatherings" and have to say, "I wish...". Make sure that those around you know how special they are to you.
I am a blessed person because I am a part of caring, loving group of people from all over the world. I thank you for allowing me to be a part of this family.
Just one last remark. At the lunch after the funeral, someone slipped something into my coat pocket and thanked me for my message. It was a hurried trip to the airport and an exhausted body that fell into bed at 1 am this morning, but when I was unpacking before leaving for the studio, I found in that coat pocket $300 that you had gathered for my plane fare. I have no way of knowing who all contributed to that, but to each of you I thank you greatly. It was not just the money that was special (although it WAS money) but the thought meant so very much more to me. Thank you, thank you.
Robert Beverly took a bunch of photos, along with what I took at the luncheon. We are going to combine them and put them on a CD, along with any others available, such as those from Kim Zanetti. If you have any photos that you would like to have included, please let me know.
When I get the photos assembled, a CD will be available to anyone who asks. Note: these are photos of the funeral service, not of Rick's work. Other projects are under way for a CD of his stuff.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Raymond, thank you for your kind and thoughtful words. I for one, look up to you as a friend, gentleman, and a great human being. You and I know who gets the credit for our strength when we need it and endurance during difficult times. We all owe a thanks of gratitude to you for being a humble and great representative of the Letterhead family.
-------------------- Ray Skaines League City, Tx www.srsigns.com Posts: 130 | From: League City, Texas | Registered: Mar 2003
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Yes did fabulous Ray, like I told you I thought you were a minister!
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Ray I want to thank you also! No one could have done a better eulogy! The fact that 150+ "wanna be's" to "sign gods" were in attendance, is proof of Rick's abilities and love of the Craft! As you said...when visiting Rick, you'd feel that you were his best friend, until you learned that he treated everyone that way...beginner or Master.
Thank you for what you did for all of us.
-------------------- Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA
(714) 521-4810
si.allen on Skype
siallen@dslextreme.com
"SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"
Never mess with your profile while in a drunken stupor!!!
Brushasaurus on Chat Posts: 8831 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I again applaud your ability to accomplish what you did. I could not have pulled it off with the grace that you did. I also beleive the context of your statements are definately worthy of putting on paper and I for one would be appreciative if you could make a copy of the eulogy available!....It was a great synopsis!
And yes...It astounds me to see the abilities that folks posess outside their field. I would have thought that you to be a professional speaker!
Kudos! and my utmost respect!
-------------------- Robert Beverly Arlington, Texas Posts: 1023 | From: Arlington, Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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Raymond what an amazing job you did on Monday I honestly thought that is somthing you might have done on many occasions. It honestly was the most special funeral I have ever attended. It most certinaly was a fitting tribute to an amazing person.
-------------------- John Yarnell Yarnell Signs 8328 Lander Ave. Hilmar, Ca 95324 209-632-6326 john@yarnellsigns.com Posts: 6 | From: Hilmar, Ca | Registered: Mar 2003
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OK, I'm crying again..... Ray, God gave you the words and our hearts were touched. Moment by moment we were drawn closer to each other and the wonder of the gifts we enjoy. The words in the funeral home further knit our hearts and our directions, then the graveside message solidified it. The message was delivered in an amazing way by the perfect man for the job. Ray, thank you for saying Yes to the call that was before you. With fear and the humility from understanding our inadequacies we can see God work. Thank you for setting such a fine example for me. I respect you highly.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6718 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I had the fortunate oportunity to meet Rick. Si Allen took me and Sue over to see his shop the Wednesday afternoon before his death.
The man is everything all of you have said ... and more that words can not describe.
Sorry I had to return to Australia before the funeral. But my heart was there with you all. I lost a friend and mentor I had only just made days before.
I have digital photos of one of Rick's last projects ... restoration of painted glass panels. Also probably the last photo of the master himself taken in his studio.
Ray, if you would like copies as a prologue to the CD ... e-mail at jonsigns@enter.net.au and I would be only to glad to send them.
posted
As soon as Ray got into the eulogy, maybe by the first joke or Glawsonism that loosened us all up a lot - I said to myself "Yeah, this is the right guy for this job!" I can't imagine anyone possibly doing it better. Kudos to those who twisted your arm to do it. Robert Beverly has a good idea for once about the copy - it was a great accounting. I'd also like to have one.
I was taught, like a lot of us guys, not to cry; that it's what sissys do, and I've always tried not to do it or at least not let it show. I've never cried so much in my life as I have since last Monday, nor felt less like a sissy for having done so. I would not have been able to use my voice to do what the several speakers did, let alone the excellent job done by Mr. Chapman. I'll be glad when I get all cried out and can speak normally, again.
Ray, I've read your articles and posts for years. I'm very glad to have finally met you. I envy the closeness many of you shared with Rick. I knew him some but not that close. Ever since I decided to become a sign painter I've held the real old time greats like Strong, Imelli, Martin as my heroes and in the back of my mind I wanted to be like Frank Atkinson when I grew up. Of course he's just a name on a pedestal, I never met or knew him - way before my time. But Rick Glawson was a real person to me and one to try to emulate. Now I want to be more like him when I grow up.
Thanks again, Ray - ya done good!
Posts: 1859 | From: / | Registered: Nov 1998
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Ray , you possess a very special quality and now everyone else knows the real person you are.I am sure we all will be waiting to read the very fine job you did at the funeral. I agree that prayer has a lot to do with such events.
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Ray...I never knew Rick, never experienced his wit , charm nor friendship. For that I am deeply sorry, I have admired his work and reputation for years.
I have however met you and I can rightfully say a better person couldn't have been picked for such an awsome job.
Thanks for being who you are...see you soon at another meet.
Respectfully, Monte Jumper
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
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In reading what you convey here Raymond, followed with the responses underneath and on other posts too, ... well, I'm touched. I realize just how rich Rick Glawson was in the quality of his relationships. A wealth beyond measure, and one he produced simply by being himself.
I will wait a little longer before sending off a little note to Lola. I remember that when I lost my own father, the times alone, after the dust settled, were the hardest times. Those were the times the walls seemed to close in, and the emptiness felt engulfing.
I also remember how utterly flabbergasted and honoured I was to see so many of my friends gather to pay respects for my dad, and also to comfort me, and my family. Some who had never even met him, but just knew him thru my love for him.
It was then that I discovered how much a memorial service really mattered to those left behind. I am so very glad that Lola had such friends around her at this time, and that the friendships are such deep and caring ones.
Indeed, it's times like these that strengthen, and as Rixax states, solidifies the bonds. It is the very finest meaning of "family".
I am also very happy to know that Rick Glawson's relatives got to know so much more of him during all this. It's odd how it happens sometimes, that we can learn more about a person after they are gone. Even those in our own family, we learn more about them by what and who they leave in their wake. I can only imagine how wide Rick's relative's eyes were opened by such a grand service.
I've met some fine people thru "Letterheads", and have formed some wonderful bonds. I want to take this opportunity to let you know how much I appreciate and love knowing you.
Losing someone special truly makes you grasp tighter onto those you treasure around you.
Pretty mushy stuff eh? Heck, there you have it, and I feel better for having said it. Nettie
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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![[Wink]](wink.gif)
about the copy - it was a great accounting. I'd also like to have one.
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