John P Funeral

 It has been a full year of naming the titles of my BLOG posts after Beatle songs but in honor of my mentor, boss, golf companion, and drinking buddy, I end that trend. 

Here is to John Pitkethly, may he Rest in Peace!

When I arrived at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church on A1A, my plan was take my camera into the church and photograph the event. But something told me not to do it. Maybe it was the solemn ritual of a Catholic funeral mass. Or those six years I spent in Catholic school, St Mary's in Middlebury Vermont, that made me think it would be reason (according to the nuns) to send me to the bad place. But I think it was I wanted to be part of the event, and not see it from the perspective of a camera lens. So I apologize for the lack of photos, but I can tell you it was a very nice funeral.

I have already told of my connections to John in a previous post, feel free to go to the archive and look it up. John was in the military so there was an honor guard that played Taps, and then unfolded and refolded the US flag and presented it to the family. This was all done outside the church in the entrance area. Most of the Pitkethly family was there.

In the above photo from right to left are John's three sons Scott, David, and John, his nephew David, his brother David and then more people including John Jr's wife and two kids.

Even Father Newcomb joined in watching the military honors. The man just to my right was Peter, who gave a nice eulogy before the mass started. He even mentioned our drinking group of six (now down to three), all by name.

Another view of the box holding John's remains, the flag, the family, and soldier while Taps was being played. That song always tugs at the heart.

Youngest son David, also hired a bagpiper to play since John was of Scottish descent.

After the funeral, people gathered at Lou's Blues for a lunch and some drinks. We took over the bottom area and our regular servers Jenn and Jess were able to serve us and also console us as we remembered our good friend John. I was surprised that the reception was on the handout flyer, but even more surprised when the priest mentioned it at the end of the service. David did a great job organizing the day.

Here are the three sons, David, John Jr, and Scott, in front of their dad at the bar for one last time. John was always a whiskey drinker so they had poured a shot that was set next to him. I told David we could not let that go to waste, so toasting John, David, Scott and I finished the shot.

After most people ate and had a drink or two, they left to head back to their lives, work or whatever. We decided to take John up to the outdoor deck for a few more drinks. That is the reflection of David and Scott above their Dad's hat, cigar and ashes. Maybe a frozen drink like a Bushwhacker or Painkiller.

There were lots of people at the reception including three David Pitkethlys. There were neighbors of John and Rose that I did not know, and friends of the family. One couple there were Angela and Fred Plitz. Fred was a longtime friend of David, and Angela was one of my hires at ENSCO. She told me that it was 18 tears ago that I hired her. How time flies. Me with Angela at the bar, taken by Fred..

And me with Fred Plitz, taken by Angela...

I am going to miss having drinks with John, but life will continue...