We are headed out as a family to meet up together in Lewiston Maine and celebrate the life of Wyland.
I found an Airbnb that would accommodate or crew and allow for time together. I enjoyed capturing moments like this as the home paralleled a local slow moving river.
It was also less than a mile from the casino hotel that my folks and sister's family were staying. Here is a goofy photo of me saying Hi to them. Running briefly with Chris
Here is a quick shot of our place. Beautiful grounds (great for a wedding) with interesting neighbors that greeted us that morning and offer to show us their rescued donkeys and pigs. Great local feeling
A photo of Barbara and Liz inside prepping breakfast for the crew.
Breakfast got to be alfresco this morning
While everyone headed out to prep for the service i was able to enjoy a few extra moments with these boys
We made it to the service (with a rather epic story to always remember about my folks, myself and directions....) The grandkids were ushering folks in and distributing the program that Barbara and Liz put together. They do clean up quite well.
Liz, Wyland and Chris all made speeches capturing different memories and treasures of their father. Impressive how well they captured the ups and downs and emotion. They ceremony ended with the 1812 overture and a perfect finale to the service.
The service at the cemetery was extraordinarily striking. The day was truly beautiful - as Wyland ALWAYS brings the good weather. that tradition continued
The flag was delivered to Barbara by a COL - reflective of Wyland's rank when he retired from the military.
Liz coordianted for everyone to deposit a stone from Lobster lake on the casket
The taps and the rifle salute were striking.
It was an opportunity to capture the beauty that existed that day in all the family together.
Barbara had work since the day Wyland passed to ensure this memorial service truly reflected the man. We pray she can now appreciate being surrounded by family and friends being thankful for their presence.
The cousins
The original family
The reception was held at a hotel near by. The boys quickly made use of the green space outside for a football game together. These suits surely got a work out. Wyland was surely giggling and watching from above.
Meanwhile at the girls tables =)
We opted to get the boys to put their jackets back on to capture some family photos. I am guessing the grass stains on Shane's pant might be park of the continued memory of this weekend.
It was a true blessing to have so many Leadbetters together. Thankful that we captured these photos -
The cousins (missing Peter and Lindsey)
Bring in the spouses that were there (missing Kevin, Anita, and Nikki)
Here captures Barbara with Wyland's older brother Charlie with his second wife Alice - and sister Emily that had flown in from Nevada.
The original Leadbetter crew
Now bring in the spouses and the kiddos!
Love this capture that Minh sent to me after the ceremony
While I cannot figure out how to rotate this one, It captures Winslow, Sebastian and her daughter Hannah.
Thank you to my folks, my sisters family and the Briggs that were also there is support of Chris's family and knowing Wyland with their own memories as well. We had a nice evening back at the Airbnb sharing memories there as well. My family also came over in the morning to share a breakfast together curtosey of our Texas friends.
Of course Drew demonstrated that he can catch a fish just about everywhere.
Before we headed out we toured a bit of the Bates campus with Barbara and Liz's family. I would imagine a pleasant walk down memory lane for both Barbara and Liz.
I pray this weekend was the celebration of life that the family desired, the time together in a location that truly meant so much to both Barbara and Wyland. Their family is a continued legacy of a life well lived.
