November 28, 2020 at Remics Rapids
We had the memorial service this afternoon by the Ottawa River. It was a lovely location, windy and cold but the sun came out in the end. You had to be bundled well for sure.
I feel surprisingly calm tonight. Probably because the day went really well. It was wonderful that we were able to hook up many invitees to participate by zoom, including my mother, family members in Halifax/Montreal and other friends. Hooray for technology when it works.
It was a wonderful tribute and sendoff. I opened it up by welcoming family and friends and reading the little speech below. Then Dennis' daughter Jennifer spoke ~ we were surprised that we held it together, we're tougher than we give ourselves credit for.
* * * * *
Today is November 28, 2020 ~
We pay tribute to my husband EDWARD DENNIS WICKS ~ the man, the legend ~ the funny guy with a million stories and the infectious laugh. His glass was never half empty, it was always full to the brim.
Some people might have thought that Dennis didn’t have a serious side. But Dennis was very serious about the people he loved. He loved his wife, he loved his children, he was crazy about his grandson Aaron, and he loved his many family and friends fiercely.
For years before Dennis’ cancer, we would semi-joke around about THIS day ~ he would always say that he wanted a big party with music, laughter and fun, NO TEARS and NO LONG FACES ~ just everyone remembering good times. Dennis would say that he wanted to be propped up by the bar. And I’d answer that I was going to pickle him and put him in my fridge.
So today is not a day for tears and long faces ~ there will be plenty of time for those. Today is about Dennis and how he touched people everywhere he went. I’ve never seen anyone make friends so easily. I don’t know how I got so lucky to have him in my life as my adorable husband. I TRULY did hit the jackpot.
I’m NOT surprised that TODAY is the 28th~ we used to say everything happened to us on the 28th:
- our first date
- moving into our condo
- the purchase of our home
- our four-day wedding
- and now, Dennis’ final farewell
For most of us though, it’s far from final. Dennis’ memory can NEVER be erased. In my heart, Dennis has given me enough love to last a lifetime. I feel him with me at all times. For me it hasn’t sunk in that he’s really gone and I hope it never does.
As we share in the loss of Dennis ~ my family is crushed : my mother Edith, my brothers Jean (Joanne) & Michel, my sisters Lucie (Larry) & Marie, our best man at our wedding Bob, our nieces Sarah, Amanda & Stephanie, our nephew Philippe.
My condolences go out to the big warm Wicks family who has become mine. A few of the family members are actually already up in the sky, joined by Dennis. These are all Dennis' siblings: Betty, Jim, Ruth & Ernie, Barbara & Greg, Patsy & Gordon, Chris & Ben, and he had many nieces & nephews.
My deepest condolences will be ongoing with Jennifer, Jeff, Paige and Aaron. As we grow together to face life WITHOUT a husband, a father and grandfather, we will be somewhat comforted when we realize that being together as a loving family, is how we will continue to HONOR Dennis’ life and legacy.
One big consolation is that there’s a long list of many loved ones already up in heaven that were eager to welcome Dennis. So have your party up there, honey ~ down here we’re still dealing with Covid.
REST IN PEACE, DENNIS.
I LOVE YOU
AND ALWAYS ALWAYS WILL
AP: Honorable Mention 2025
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