We started out early (I sent the boys camping with the Troop on their own - I was going to try to make the journey from Table Rock). Cargo was coming up from Columbia, stopping to pick-up Senor Tequila in south Charlotte. I had called Tim to see if he was going, he was not going to attempt it since it was raining quite heavily. Cargo agreed to pick him up on the way to get me and then onward to Martinsville. It was still pouring down rain coming out of Charlotte and we had quite a bit more on and off along the way. But as we approached the funeral home, it cleared up and became a beautiful fall day.
The service was well attended by friends and family, nearly filling the chapel. Rabbi did an excellent job conducting the eulogy which celebrated the life of Phil "Gunslinger" Thompson. I think much of the crowd was intimidated by seeing us biker types as well as having the whole thing conducted by one!
From there, we freight-trained it to Lynn's house and hung out before deciding what to do for dinner.
The service was well attended by friends and family, nearly filling the chapel. Rabbi did an excellent job conducting the eulogy which celebrated the life of Phil "Gunslinger" Thompson. I think much of the crowd was intimidated by seeing us biker types as well as having the whole thing conducted by one!
From there, we freight-trained it to Lynn's house and hung out before deciding what to do for dinner.
From left to right:
Kelly, Cargo, Tiny, MAS Tequila, Talon and Rabbi
As mentioned, the weather cleared up nicely and it turned into a nice fall day. The fall colors in the area were quite spectacular - this tree in front of Lynn and Phil's house was in full color. The whole setting was very peaceful which was emphasised by the companionly conversation with my fellow VROCers.
As it got dark, we wandered over to Phil's Classic which was still trailered and we all signed the gas tank. I put Sherm's name there on his request.
Per Phil's request, Nena's "99 Red Balloons" was played and then the ninety-nine red balloons were set aloft into the heavens just past sunset.
Eschewing dinner, as it was getting to be the time where we had to leave in order to get home at a reasonalble time, Cargo, Tim and I headed south. We stopped in Reidsville, NC at Carmelas Pizza. Cargo dropped me off around 10pm.
It was a long day but I am glad I was able to pay my respects to Phil, offer my condolences to Lynn and family and to see some fellow VROCers again.
