Reading 3: Andrew Morrison

“A Life Well Walked”

They walked their days with steady grace,

Not loudly, not to be seen—

But faith was written in every choice,

In all the in-between.

Kindness shaped the work of their hands,

Patience guided their way,

Love was shown in simple deeds

Returned again each day.

They trusted God in ordinary hours,

In labor, rest, and prayer,

Believing goodness mattered most

In how we choose to care.

Now faith has led them gently home

Beyond our tearful sight,

Where love is whole, and mercy reigns,

And work is finished right.

We carry forward what they gave—

Their gentleness, their light—

A life that showed us how to live

By walking in what’s right.

Reading 2: Alison Sanford

Your Spirit

By Tram-Tiara T. Von Reichenbach

I know that no matter what

You will always be with me.

When life separates us

I’ll know it is only your soul

Saying goodbye to your body

But your spirit will be with me always.

When I see a bird chirping on a nearby branch

I will know it is you singing to me.

When a butterfly brushes gently by me so care freely

I will know it is you assuring me you are free.

When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches my attention

I will know it is you reminding me

To appreciate the simple things in life.

When the sun shining through my window awakens me

I will feel the warmth of your love.

When I hear the rain pitter patter against my window sill

I will hear your words of wisdom

And will remember what you taught me so well

That without rain trees cannot grow

Without rain flowers cannot bloom

Without life’s challenges I cannot grow strong.

When I look out to the sea

I will think of your endless love for your family.

When I think of mountains, their majesty and magnificence

I will think of your courage.

No matter where I am

Your spirit will be beside me

For I know that no matter what

You will always be with me.

Reading 1: Brandon O’Leary

Today we gather to remember my grandad.

Grandad was a quiet man. He wasn’t one for long conversations or big speeches.

Grandad was a planner and a builder. He built houses, furniture, and a life rooted in care, pride, and steady hands. He believed in doing things right, taking your time, and standing behind the work you put into the world. Those weren’t just carpentry lessons, they were life lessons.

Some of my favorite memories with him are simple ones. I remember loading firewood from the shed and stacking it in the basement for the winter. There were no long talks, no need to explain anything. We just worked side by side strategically placing each log to maximize space. That was Grandad’s way, showing up, helping, being there.

He helped me build wooden race cars for Scouts, always patient, always steady. He didn’t say much, but you always knew he was proud. And you always knew he cared.

Grandad loved everything Grammy cooked and baked . He always called her “Mom,” and she always called him “Dad.” After 67 years together, those names said everything about the respect, love, and partnership they shared.

In many ways, Grandad and I were a lot alike I even have his feet .. Neither of us are big talkers.. We didn’t need deep conversations to understand each other. The understanding was already there ,in the work, in the quiet moments, in the time spent together.

As written in his obituary Grandad’s life was built with skill, shaped with care, and finished with love.

And his legacy lives on , not just in the things he made, but in the people he shaped and the values he passed down.

Thank you, Grandad, for everything you built, and for everything that you were.