As many of you know, my dad passed away this past November. He was cremated, and with the emotional weight that comes with saying goodbye to a loved one—as well as the logistics of spreading his ashes and creating space for family to gather—we decided to celebrate his life with friends and family this summer.
The last week of July, my brother and his family came out from Virginia, and we commenced our adventure. Dad had asked for his ashes to be spread in a few of his favorite places. Luke and my mom took the first bit of ashes to Lake Havasu in December. Then, this summer, we focused on his favorite spots in Idaho: his beloved fishing hole on the Salmon River at 7 Mile, his favorite hunting area up Arentson Gulch near Mackay, and the Blackfoot River, where he spent many days—both as a boy and as a man—fishing and enjoying the outdoors. My mom, our family, and my brother’s family were able to visit each place—sharing memories, saying a few words, and shedding a few tears to honor Dad in these places that meant so much to him.
We wrapped up the week with a celebration of his life at Meridell Park Event Center in Pocatello. It was a sweet time—gathering with family and friends to remember the man he was and the joy he brought to all of our lives.
As part of the ceremony, my brother and I shared a Life Sketch that my mom and I had put together. Sharing his story with those gathered was truly a gift, and ended in a standing ovation for the man we all had loved. Everyone there had known my dad in their own unique way—some as family, some as lifelong friends, others through work or shared adventures. It was meaningful to weave together those pieces and offer a fuller picture of the man he was—the experiences that shaped him, the people he cherished, and the values he lived by. It reminded us how rich and layered a life can be, and how many different ways one person can touch the lives of others. If you’d like to know more about my dad’s story, you can read the Life Sketch HERE, and view the accompanying photos HERE.
As I said in our speech, I miss my dad very much, but I am so thankful for God’s gift of him in my life. He was a good father, grandfather, husband, brother, veterinarian, and friend. He was the kind of person you could count on—for honesty, for help, for a good story, or a glass of wine. So, here’s to a life well-lived, a man deeply loved, and memories we’ll carry with us always. Cheers, Dad. I love you!
By Katie Miller
For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE
