Services, and Reception

We held our services today. It was amazing the number of people who showed up. As I’m sure SDSU students who attended will attest, over a quarter of the guests were standing outside. I was told there were over 400 cars parked for my brother’s services. We held the services, my father, my cousin Elizabeth, my cousin Doug Bradley, and then Doug’s high school football coach spoke. There was singing performed by my mother’s middle school principal.

The pallbearers were myself, Ed, our cousins Doug Scott DeWitt, Doug Bradley, John DeWitt(Elizabeth’s younger brother), Evan Kullberg, and finally Carl Davidson. We placed my brother on his site, folded our gloves into the handles, and placed our carnations in a circle on top of the casket. Then they lowered him in. Our family tradition is to complete the entire backfill by hand and shovel. It is a full affair, with as many people as possible getting involved. My brother Ed and I though, did not stop. At my Uncle Dick’s funeral in 1997, my Uncle Doug told me when I asked to take his shovel so he could rest, that he would not as “this is the last thing I can do for my brother”. I hold fast to my uncle’s words, and remembered them when he was placed at Rose Hills in 2000.

After the services, many people attended the reception at our house. My Aunt Sally, and many of the teachers from my mother’s school did all the set up and coordination. I can’t thank them enough for that.

It was good to see everyone there, and to speak and listen to various stories.

For my part, I wish to thank everyone who attended, and I want to make special mention to some personal friends.
Everyone from the Scout Troop 441, Jason, Sheyn, Sean, Liam, Mike, Bob, Fred, David Kim.
From Warren days, Mimi, Naeem, Sarah and all of Doug’s friends I did not know your names.
From the beach, Michelle, Starla, David and Colleen, Judy, Phil, Tim, George and Jackie. And especially Seymour, Pat and Cynthia.
To the South Gate Police Department, for everything they’ve done this week, from Saturday morning until this evening, has been handled with a special kindness, class and dignity that no one could ask for.
To the SDSU PD, for answering my questions and helping me understand the events of that night, and their consideration and gentleness with handling everything.
To Mark and Laura, and Jeff, thanks for the consideration, help and understanding.
For everyone I missed out on, or only spent a moment with today, I wish it could of lasted longer, and run into forever.

And to Chad and Carl, Doug’s roommates, my thanks, support and sympathy for your loss and grief. You share as much as we do, and I can only hope for the best for you two in the days and weeks to come.

Finally, to all my family, both near and far. We could not do this with out you.

Please, leave your thoughts and considerations here, as I am glad to know. Even if you had to listen from the outside, and have sore feet, let me know.