We have been fortunate to be able to travel to Colby, Kansas for the funeral yesterday honoring Norm's brother, Harold, who died to this life on Sunday, Nov. 11. Here, for family who were unable to be here, are some photos taken yesterday and also Norm's tribute to his brother that he posted on his own FaceBook account.
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| The interior of Colby United Methodist Church after the flower service and before the funeral service began. |
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I am so grateful for my brother Harold, for the quiet care with which he served his family, community, church, and country. The love and respect which poured out for him as we gathered for the celebration of his life yesterday was awe inspiring. He clearly was trusted by people who lined up to ask for his carpentry skills to make their homes more livable, by the new recruits and the long time members and officers of the Kansas National Guard which he served for 41 years, by Jim Mardock the pastor of Colby United Methodist Church who clearly had lost not only a member of the church but a friend, by the family and people of the community who filled that church yesterday to remember his gifts to them. Harold did not demand respect and love, but in giving it to others it was returned to him. The care and precision which the veterans, soldiers and officers of the Kansas National Guard showed yesterday at the local cemetery out shown anything I've seen at similar services for veterans at Jefferson Barracks National Military Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. I am grateful for Harold Linville, September 3, 1931-- November 11, 2012.---Norm Linville
After the flower service, there was a dinner in the fellowship hall of the church at noon. This picture board highlighted some of the events in Harold's family life.
As time grew closer for the service at 2 p.m. members of the Colby Veterans of Foreign Wars arrived and set up an avenue of flags. Not until I started to work with the photo did I see how interesting the cloud formations looked against the blue Kansas sky.
The VFW members also comprised a motorcycle escort for the procession to the cemetery following the funeral service.
The Honor Guard from the Kansas National Guard acted as pallbearers at the cemetery.
Cars just kept coming and coming into the cemetery. Norm estimated 200 to 250 people attended the service at the church and most of them followed for the graveside ceremony. Here, pastor Jim Mardock leads the commital prayers.
The military honors continued as in the distance a rifle salute was fired and a live bugler played taps. Then two of the guard began folding the flag.
After this salute, the folded flag was presented to Harold's wife, Janice, and their daughters Debbie and Dina.
Below are a few family pictures and other scenes from the day.
Harold and Janice's daughter Debbie Bernsden with her children John and Julie.
Janice and Harold's daughter Dina Casey with her grandson Blake, who had been his great-grandpa's pride and joy for the last 4 months! Dina's children Kyle and Erin (Blake's mom) are in the grandchild photo which is next.
After the flower service, while waiting for lunch, we took several family group photos. Janice is with her and Harold's grandchildren: Erin, Kyle, John and Julie.
Norm has 19 nephews and nieces and these 8 were able to come to the service...a tricky thing to do for a midweek funeral when you are working, going to school, or both. Dina, Paula, Doug, Debbie, Carla, Mike, Scott and Aleta also took advantage of the chance to work on the plans for the next Linville reunion in August 2013.
For those who would like more views of the flowers, here are some I took after the flower service.
Many beautiful bouquets and healthy plants brightened the church. In the background is the framed Kansas State flag which was one of Harold's prized possessions. It was flown over the state capital and presented to him on his 80th birthday and 41st anniversary of membership in the Kansas National Guard. It should be noted that Harold celebrated his 60th birthday in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm after his unit was called up to serve in a supporting maintenance role.
The rest of the flowers.
The Linville Sibs started this tradition when their sister Louise passed away in 1999. The white roses are for Richard, Louise and now Harold. The red ones are for Walt, Maxine, Norm, Larry and Don.
