Arlyss Is On His Way

The slumber room at the undertakers is quite large and designed so that people will come in, view the body, and then mill about and talk about the deceased. Well Arlyss did not agree. The room was as I described but the dynamics were quite different. Arlyss was down at one end of the room with a sort of half smile, and I kind of knew what he would be thinking if he were alive.

In life, Arlyss was a person who came into a room and mingled but never stood out. Today he shone the whole time. As in life, he was quiet and almost unnoticed but today the throng that filled the room were laughing and talking - and on every lip was a Arlyss story. He was the star and every person in that room mingled and met, some for the first time in years and  and the topic was Arlyss.

Maybe hundreds were there during the three viewings. What a term, "viewing" which opens up the idea of examining the body, but Arlyss had other ideas. He knew that by designing this celebration this way, that everyone who cared would come and re-unite in celebration of his life. He knew that the people who cared would be there - and they were. Friends, teachers, students and people who had been the recipient of his generosity all came out, and although he was not a vocal participant, he was there also.

Arlyss stories came forth and everyone had a happy face and a cheerful smile as the time was shared with the memory of this teacher and friend who touched so many. The two stories that bear receiving the printed word are as follows:

Arlyss loved cats and owned many. He lived on Mary street so word around the city was that Arlyss had the best CAT HOUSE in Pembroke.

Arlyss loved dogs and when his dog LUCKY died he buried him in the back yard. On one of Arlyss' visit to a flea market he found a stone to place on LUCKY'S grave. His mother came to visit and in her wandering about the yard, she found the grave. She was curious and leaned in closer to read it. It read.. "In loving memory of mother".  His mother was upset and when approached, Arlyss explained that although it was not appropriate, the price had been right.

The whole time we shared in PEMBROKE was immersed with memories from time shared from an earlier era and as we drove back to Oakville, my kids and Theresa felt that this celebration of life was truly an Arlyss moment.