While our hearts were heavy with sadness, we had the opportunity to host the celebration of Paul Blakely's life. It was his and Erika's decision to hold his memorial service at the Fellowship. Everyone pitched in and we were able to accommodate family, friends, and those in the greater Longview community who wished to remember and honor Paul. Smiles mingled with tears as we joined together to celebrate Paul's life.

Richard Parrish, Betty Golding, Bob Winters, Mandy Beeman,

and Durren and Jonna Anderson shared their music. Richard opened the service with several Liszt consolations. He chose that particular music because "Liszt touches the soul with quiet, understated melodies that soothe and convey beautiful music without being ostentacious." Richard said he chose those and other pieces of "quiet elegance, reverence, dignity; (because) I thought Paul personified those qualities so very well."

Durren and Jonna Anderson and Mandy Beeman sang Farewell, My Friend. Later in the service, Bob Winters accompanied the celebrants of Paul's life on his guitar as we sang We Laugh, We Cry. And, thankfully, as always, Betty Golding led us in singing the hymns, her voice leading the way and weaving together our tentative and searching notes.

Ruth Semrau was emcee with her excellent presence and well-chosen words. We listened as Phil Fenton, Marolen Mullinax, Susie Paul, Ellen Herbert, Paul's brother Robert Blakely (with his sister Barbara Blakely Nelson for support) and Kathy Lansford (reading Erika's reflections) spoke of knowing and being with Paul.

Sharon, Jessica, Helen and Peggy took care of the food and drinks for the approximately 200 people who attended. Kerry Brown, with Special Events, donated the canopy, tables, chairs, table- cloths and punch bowls.

This was a tremendous undertaking for our Fellowship but we were up to the task. I know it would have made Paul happy in his heart to see the Fellowship he helped nurture and sustain with his time, talent and money rise to the occasion and do so well. Every individual effort was a tribute to Paul that he earned by the way he lived his life.

Preparations began long before the day of the memorial service. On Friday, Kay Cox, Huey, Jonna, Julie, Peggy and Marolen worked to get the building ready and set up all the extra chairs. The canopy was delivered in the afternoon and Jack McElroy, Jim Bolls, Durren, Jonna, Huey and Sky struggled to put up. The directions were even consulted, but things weren't going too well. Finally, when the rest of the rope was found under the pile of canopy material, erecting the structure proceeded smoothly. The tables were set up, and pushed against the poles for extra support. The first thing we all did when we each arrived Saturday was, with bated breath, look to see if the canopy was still standing. (It was - thank goodness!)

Because Jerry had to be out of town, Sherry took over video taping duties, so if you were unable to attend the service, there will be a copy of the video tape in the Fellowship's library.

Many others helped in unnoticed and un-named, but not unappreciated, ways.

But that's not the end of the story. A concert had been scheduled for Saturday evening, so as soon as the service was over, several friends and members folded up all the chairs and stacked them outside in the back while Sheila got the building ready for the Therapy Sisters.

All the work was done willingly, thoughtfully and with deep caring. A gift from the UFL community for two of our beloved members, Erika and Paul.

An All Too Brief History

(supplied by Betty Golding)

              2004 -- The Committee found 2301 Alpine Road