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We're back from the service and it was extremely emotional. Natasha, Marci (Natasha's sister), Christi and I sat together and watched one of the most moving ceremonies we've ever witnessed. The service began with a lone bagpiper piping a Scottish piece that I was not familiar with, but it still reduced us to tears. After that, a video presentation of Rob's life was shown, with Amazing Grace playing in the background. A greeting and invocation was offered, followed by the offeratory hymn Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow and a pair of scripture readings from the Book of Genesis. From there, a quote from Rob was read:
We recited the 23rd Psalm and then the minister read lessons from Romans, 1 John (including a passage that I read last Sunday as the Worship Leader at my church) and Matthew. The hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee -- the melody from the final movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony -- followed the scripture readings, and the Homily and hymn His Mighty Hands came next.
After that, several friends and relatives eulogized Rob, including moving tributes from his brother, Tom, and his niece, Theresa. I got up and spoke a few words on behalf of Scubaboard. I told of how caring a person Rob was and how he was a major influence on all of us and our actions. I talked about how I felt Rob had aided the pilot that landed the Continental jet that had blown two tires in Houston earlier this week. I concluded with the dedication of my 100th dive to Rob and how he will be with me in spirit on every dive I do for the rest of my life.
The bagpiper then concluded the service by playing Amazing Grace once again, reducing us all to tears one more time. It was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful friend, colleague and family man
When I get home tomorrow, I will scan the program in and post it here along with a picture I took of the set up they made at the front of the sanctuary, one that was absolutely beautiful.
I love the beauty of the undersea world. I love its solitude, and its amazing creatures. I am constantly amazed at the stunning visual panoramas I find in the depths.
We recited the 23rd Psalm and then the minister read lessons from Romans, 1 John (including a passage that I read last Sunday as the Worship Leader at my church) and Matthew. The hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee -- the melody from the final movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony -- followed the scripture readings, and the Homily and hymn His Mighty Hands came next.
After that, several friends and relatives eulogized Rob, including moving tributes from his brother, Tom, and his niece, Theresa. I got up and spoke a few words on behalf of Scubaboard. I told of how caring a person Rob was and how he was a major influence on all of us and our actions. I talked about how I felt Rob had aided the pilot that landed the Continental jet that had blown two tires in Houston earlier this week. I concluded with the dedication of my 100th dive to Rob and how he will be with me in spirit on every dive I do for the rest of my life.
The bagpiper then concluded the service by playing Amazing Grace once again, reducing us all to tears one more time. It was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful friend, colleague and family man
When I get home tomorrow, I will scan the program in and post it here along with a picture I took of the set up they made at the front of the sanctuary, one that was absolutely beautiful.