Our community recently lost one of their own, my brother, Myles Robert (Bob) Ellis to cancer ["Soccer game honours Ellis," The Chief, April 17]. On April 26, we were able to say goodbye to our brother and pay him tribute, and thanks to many people, it was done the way he would have liked.
We played a soccer game as a memorial followed by a celebration of life and then a barbecue. On behalf of my family, I want to express my thanks and praise to those who helped us. And if I may, for the sake of those who couldn't be here, I will briefly describe a special day.
First, the weather was ideal. At the new swank field, generously donated for our use by Quest University, the setting was beautiful. When we announced the game, we left it as an open invitation, so we didn't know how many would turn out, both for players and spectators. Well, in the end we had enough players to field four teams.
Before the game, all players gathered around the centre circle, as Bob's two sons, Nicolas and Tomas, carried a large picture of Bob into the circle and placed it at centre. All players and spectators (over 100 people) held hands and observed a moment of silence. Everyone then simultaneously released a balloon into the air amid plenty of smiles and tears.
In the end, after many collisions, accidental or otherwise, and many tumbles (unaided) and many quick substitutions for ailing lungs, the game settled into a very competitive affair. Chances came fast and furious at both ends. The goalie for Team Myles proved to be the difference as the game ended in a 3-2 victory for Team Myles.
After the game, we gathered again at the Brackendale Art Gallery, generously donated for the afternoon by Thor and Dorte Froslev, for a celebration of life. An emotional eulogy was read by long time family friend Dr. Paul Ciechanowski. Old and new photos were projected on a big screen, stories were told, toasts were raised.
We are a close family and we were ill-prepared for what is a devastating loss, but it has been made easier by our many friends and relatives who went out of their way to offer their support. The outpouring of sympathy and concern is greatly appreciated.
On behalf of my sister-in-law and my two nephews (who flew in from California for the weekend), and my entire family, we feel thankful that our community rallied around us.
We are, as my brother would be, humbled by your caring.
Dan Ellis
Garibaldi Highlands
