Phred has Passed, the Prayer Pups join our family & funeral news (pg. 13)

[Edwina's Secretary]

Yesterday Randi and I visited Gini. We went out to her backyard and talked and laughed about the bbq in 2005 - when Phred sent the fire engine.

On the way back to the expressway we had to pull over for a fire engine with its siren on.

Randi exclaimed - "It's Engine 29! The same one Phred sent to the bbq!"

He is still with us....

[shais_mom]

I wish I could have gotten more of the personal stories but I knew my sound wasn't up to par. And I didn't have a big enough card.
I have emailed the The professional photographer said she will
email the vids directly.

[shais_mom]

OH
Gosh- I TOTALLY forgot.

At a table at the lunch there was a corkboard that was COVERED with envelopes and cards from all over the PET TALK WORLD!!
Joan thought it was so awesome and special she wanted them displayed.
So PetTalker's were represented quite well today!

[K9karen]

Yesterday Randi and I visited Gini. We went out to her backyard and talked and laughed about the bbq in 2005 - when Phred sent the fire engine.

On the way back to the expressway we had to pull over for a fire engine with its siren on.

Randi exclaimed - "It's Engine 29! The same one Phred sent to the bbq!"

He is still with us....

That made me feel better.. knowing for sure he's still around. Phred may not be here physically but he'll be with us forever.

Thanks Staci for the videos. The mold has definitely been thrown away.

[shais_mom]

:love:I've got one more video uploading but its a big one so its taking awhile. I'll get the link when its finished.

[ChrisH]

Thank you Staci. {{hugs}} Lots of LES stuff flowing here.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Thank you Staci! I kept our Phred in my prayers all day yesterday. I bet he had a front row seat and enjoyed it all. :love:

One thing I've always wondered, why do they play bagpipes at firemens funerals? They even do that here now. I think it's lovely. I just wondered why. :love:

[shais_mom]

I am not really sure - I will have to research it - but I know they said that his funeral was a lot of "firsts" The first they'd ever had bagpipes and actually the first that they used a military like formation and they practiced it and practiced it b/c they knew that they wanted to do it right and for John/Phred they HAD better do it right b/c he ran a very tight ship! :)
Carrie and I were talking to the Chief and we said "this is our first Fireman's funeral like this we'd never seen it before" And he said "yea ours too" chuckled and walked out the door. Well, I thought he was joking but in talking to Joan it WAS true. They had never done it in formation quite like that before. The back of the church was lined with about 20 firemen all in their dress blues and they stood with military precision. When stories were being told, and I told about my LA Firemen story the crowd was laughing and chuckling but none of the firemen cracked a smile, but as he was escorted down the aisle at the church several of them either had tears in their eyes or had tears running down their faces. The young girl that carried his helmet down the aisle ahead of the casket was quite emotional. He had sooooo many people that loved him.

[Taz_Zoee]

LES here again.
How could you not love Phred? He was the kindest man I've never met. Gosh, how I wish I could have met him. I always dreamed about going to one of the Findlay gatherings, partly just to meet him.
The day will come that I will get to meet him. I'm sure he will greet each one of us at the bridge with our babies that are there waiting for us.

[shais_mom]

Question: Why are bagpipes a part of funerals, especially firefighter and police funerals?
Answer: The history of funeral bagpipes is a fairly simple (though very sad) one. In traditional Celtic cultures, including both the Irish and Scottish cultures, bagpipes were an important part of a traditional funeral. After the Great Potato Famine of the mid-1840s, Irish immigrants came to the United States in huge numbers. Due primarily to racism and xenophobia, Irish people were often allowed to apply for only the most dangerous and difficult jobs, including the jobs of firefighter and police officer.

Work-related deaths for firemen and cops were not uncommon, and when one or more of these deaths would occur, the Irish community would hold a traditional Irish funeral, including the mournful bagpipes. Over the years, this tradition spread to firefighters and police officers who were not of Irish descent.

So if it's an Irish tradition, why are the Scottish bagpipes used?

In short, it's because the Scottish highland bagpipes are significantly louder than the traditional Irish uillean pipes. Though it's likely that either or both types of pipes were used at funerals in the 1800s, the Scottish highland pipes are now almost universally used.

Where do they find bagpipers to play at firefighter and police officer's funerals?

Fire and police departments in most major cities have a special brigade, usually as a division of an Irish fraternal group called The Emerald Society, who learn to play bagpipes and drums for the very purpose of honoring their fallen comrades. In some places, civilians may be members of the pipe and drum band, but generally, the members are active or retired firefighters and police officers.

[shais_mom]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVNKSUEEJVE

[rosethecopycat]

I am just seeing this thread.

Godspeed Phred.

You helped me keep a 'childlike' perspective on life that will continue on.

You will always be remembered. :love:

[Grace]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVNKSUEEJVE

Thank you, Staci. Major LES here.

[Freckles]

Staci, that 4th video is excellent. Sound was good and you must have used a tripod. Minister's remembrances of Phred were perfect.
Could hear you chuckling a few times.

[Cataholic]

Thanks for posting these, Staci. The last one, especially, was wonderfully sad to absorb.

[Bengalz]

Staci,

Thank you for all you have done to include us in this memorable tribute to Phred. Without your thoughtfulness, we would have missed very special moments. Phred provided us with so many special moments - it is only right that we share and respect his special moment - a life well lived and a man truly loved and respected.

Thank you for giving us all that moment.

Rest in Peace dear Phred and know you will never be forgotten.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I tried to watch the memorial service but when I saw the empty fireman's outfit I just couldn't do it. :(
Be at peace now dear Phred. :love:

[Randi]

Watching the Memorial video I had to go get some more tissues - it was a wonderful service. Thank you for sharing this special moment. I'm glad some of you could be there.

As I was flying back home from CA yesterday, I felt a little closer to Phred - and seeing the Fire Engine no. 29 going past us on Wilton Ave. after having visited Gini was simply amazing!

Phred, you will be missed sorely and never forgotten. :love:

[Catty1]

Staci, thank you for sharing all this. It helped us to be a part of saying farewell to Phred.

And that fire engine #29 - Phred is still setting up surprises.

[slick]

I've just spent some time reading this whole thread and viewing the videos.

Staci: many thanks. I know how hard it was for you to capture the service without completely falling apart during filming. I managed to download and save them in RealPlayer format. {{{hugs}}}

Randi/Sara: Yes, I can just imagine how you felt seeing engine #29 pass by. Phred spirit is forever engraved in CA.

So many memories and so many giggles and tears. RIP Phred. :(

[wolf_Q]

Thanks for the videos Staci. I wish I could have been there in person, it was great to be able to sort of be there with your videos. It's still so unreal, hard to believe he really is gone. :(

[anna_66]

Another heart felt thank you Staci for posting the pictures, the video and all the other things you did.
As I sit here with tears running down my eyes I'll never forget how Phred left his impression on each and everyone of us.

We're gonna miss you fireman Phred.

[shais_mom]

I've just spent some time reading this whole thread and viewing the videos.

Staci: many thanks. I know how hard it was for you to capture the service without completely falling apart during filming. I managed to download and save them in RealPlayer format. {{{hugs}}}

Randi/Sara: Yes, I can just imagine how you felt seeing engine #29 pass by. Phred spirit is forever engraved in CA.

So many memories and so many giggles and tears. RIP Phred. :(

thankfully my sister let me borrow her tripod so I was able to get it set up to stay still. I think Diana got a video of the firetruck parade - but hasn't had time to upload or do anything with them. :)

[lbaker]

What Karen said about the "empty" pews not really being empty, but filled with all of us that couldn't be there in person said it best... we were all there in spirit Phred. Thank you for being.

Laurie

p.s. Staci, I will see you (and everyone) Memorial Day.

[k9krazee]

Thank you Staci :love:

[moosmom]

Thanks for posting the video, Staci. I only wish I could've been there to pay tribute to a great guy!

It's just not the same without Phred.

[lizbud]

Thank you Staci for sharing the amazing pictures and videos. It was good
to hear all the wonderful things about Phred by others who knew him well.

He sure touched a lot of lives & will be remembered as long as we live.

[lynnestankard]

I'm so sorry to hear of 'Phred's passing - I've read this whole thread and cannot stop crying. What a lovely gentleman John was - always there with a kind word and deed for those of us who needed it.
The times we've all ROFL with his wonderful stories are without number - his kindness was legendary and I will miss this wonderful man.
Thank you so much Staci xx

Rest in peace dear, kind Fireman Phred:love:

[ramanth]

I'm finally home. After the funeral, I went out East to Atlantic City for New Years.

I'm really honored that I was able to make it to the service. It was very beautifully done and I had no idea it was a first for those firefighters.

Staci, I can't believe I missed the Pet Talk card display! :o

[4 Dog Mother]

I am finally working on the pictures and the video I took at Phred's funeral last week. Here is the parade of fire trucks in honor of Phred. It was at the end of the funeral and as you can see we went outside without our coats and boy was it cold out there. But it was truly amazing the extent the volunteer fire department went to to for a proper send off for Phred. Once again you could see how he touched people when you see the trouble they went to to "research" the proper way to honor him at the funeral. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtWkEBsyhQM

[cyber-sibes]

Thanks for braving the cold, Diana. The volunteers look so nice standing there in their uniforms. I'll bet Phred loved that parade!

[momoffuzzyfaces]

How wonderful that they did that. It was so touching to see everyone standing in the cold in his honor!!! I'm sure Phred was watching and giving everyone a hug. :love:

[Randi]

Thank you for sharing this. It was indeed touching to see the parade to honor Phred - just like he deserved. I'm sure it would have made him proud. :)

[gini]

In my heart I want to believe that Phred got to see his own funeral, so he knows how dearly loved he was by so many.

It is so touching to think that this fire department went to so much trouble to "get it right" - for their buddy.

Diana - thank you once more - all of us deeply appreciate it.

[lizbud]

In my heart I want to believe that Phred got to see his own funeral, so he knows how dearly loved he was by so many.

It is so touching to think that this fire department went to so much trouble to "get it right" - for their buddy.

Diana - thank you once more - all of us deeply appreciate it.


Amen Gini. I'm sure Phred was pleased with all that was done in his honor.
It really shows the respect they felt for a remarkable man. Thanks Diana
for braving the cold to get this film.:)

[shais_mom]

this is the ACTUAL photo video from the professional photographer.

I haven't looked at it yet but here it is!


To watch this PhotoShow, visit this URL: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/pn2kj8uj?language=enu

Kim Maloney created this PhotoShow with Roxio PhotoShow. Discover how easy it is to make great slideshows and share them with friends and family. Try it free!

[cyber-sibes]

Thanks so much for posting this, Staci. Watched it thru many tears, it was heartbreaking to see some of those pics. There are some very touching images, too. I think I counted 7 different townships represented in the Firetruck parade - I'll bet Phred enjoyed watching that from a front-row seat in the clouds, but wondered what all the hubbub over him was about. ;)

Rest easy, dear Phred, you did good here, and we know you are doing good where you are now, too. Pet our pups for us, we miss you.

[shais_mom]

yes I was even there and some of the photos were hard for me to watch as well.

[Grace]

Thank you, Staci. Douglas and I just watched the slide show. Great photos.

[ChrisH]

Thank you for the video Diana and for braving the cold to take it. Thanks also to you Staci for posting the PhotoShow link. Both of which touched the heart with the respect and honour shown to our dear Phred, most especially the fire truck parade.

One small thing about the PhotoShow puzzled me however, as to why the accompanying music chosen was 'Land of Hope and Glory' an essentially British patriotic song.

[Grace]

Thank you for the video Diana and for braving the cold to take it. Thanks also to you Staci for posting the PhotoShow link. Both of which touched the heart with the respect and honour shown to our dear Phred, most especially the fire truck parade.

One small thing about the PhotoShow puzzled me however, as to why the accompanying music chosen was 'Land of Hope and Glory' an essentially British patriotic song.

It may be British in origin, but it is played in the USA at many high school graduations - or at least it once was.

[CountryWolf07]

Had a dream last night, even though I never met Phred or his dogs, Cinder and Smoke, his dogs were in my house, hanging out on the couch. He must've sent his dogs to check on me. ;)

[lizbud]

Had a dream last night, even though I never met Phred or his dogs, Cinder and Smoke, his dogs were in my house, hanging out on the couch. He must've sent his dogs to check on me. ;)


Aww, what a nice thought.:)


Thanks Staci for posting the photos. It looked like a beautiful service
for Phred. It's nice to know he was afforded the respect & admiration of
so many people. The pet pictures on the casket gave me LES.:(

I think Phred would have approved of everything.

[wolf_Q]

Wow, that was really hard to watch. :( That was sweet to have photos of his pups with him. It looks like he was given the honor that he deserved, he would have loved the fact that all the firetrucks came. I hope he knows that if everyone who wanted to be there could have came every seat would have been filled. :love:

[Catty1]

wow. just wow. I really choked up at pics of him, and loved the pics of him and Cinder and Smokey in the casket.

There were two firefighters standing guard...a man with a light ginger beard who always seemed quite sad in the photos. I have to wonder if Phred was a loving and tough mentor to him, or even just was like a dad to him on occasion. The other one was a bit older, with a large dark moustache and eyes the same - he looked like he was remembering many things.

And that young woman - I paused on her picture. I agree she did seem very emotional.

Phred was so special to so very many people. I hope he knew how very loved he was, especially with all the cards that came in.

I do hope there is life after death and that Phred was able to see everything. Staci, I think I saw you in one photo.

Those fire engines - all of them - cleaned and polished, every square inch. wow.

Thank you so much for posting this.:love:

[4 Dog Mother]

I am not sure of the first fellow you described but I have to say I was touched by how many of these firefighters were in tears during many parts of the funeral. It was obvious that he touched each one in a special way. I am pretty sure Staci can say whether I are right about this or not but the fellow with the mustache was one of Phred's good friends. He drove to Marysville - I think every day for his job and he spent a lot of that time on the phone to Phred to keep awake. I am pretty sure that Joan told me that he spent a lot of time on the weekends sitting by Phred's side. I'm kinda of thinking that he was Heidi's dad at least before the divorce.

I think that each of those firefighters could have told us a personal story about how Phred had touched them or helped them. It was amazing to see and for that I will always be grateful that I went to the funeral.

[Husky_mom]

very hard indeed.. very lovely to see his pups pic with him.. and all the firetrucks

I kinda relived my hubs.. only he had a closed casket.. :(.. when I saw Phred I weeped like a baby.. one cannot picture the situation as real.. one doesn´t wants to.. so hard so hard..

[shais_mom]

I am pretty sure Staci can say whether I are right about this or not but the fellow with the mustache was one of Phred's good friends. He drove to Marysville - I think every day for his job and he spent a lot of that time on the phone to Phred to keep awake. I am pretty sure that Joan told me that he spent a lot of time on the weekends sitting by Phred's side. I'm kinda of thinking that he was Heidi's dad at least before the divorce.

I think that each of those firefighters could have told us a personal story about how Phred had touched them or helped them. It was amazing to see and for that I will always be grateful that I went to the funeral.

yup - you are right - the man with the dark moustache is Brian and he drove to Marysville every week to work then drives the 4+ hour drive back to Youngstown/Berlin Center. A lot of times when I called Phred - he would say - can I call you back - I'm talking to Brian. AND he was Heidi's dad pre-divorce. It was really tough on all of them. I agree Diana - I wish some of them would have told us Phred Stories.

I got an email from the Photographer and she took a dvd to the fire dept - she couldn't figure out how to get the video online. I am going to call there in a day or 2 and see if they will burn me a copy and send it to me - I think I might be able to find someone around here to d/l it to email. I would really like to have it for the Memorial Service at the Findlay park.

[RICHARD]

Did anyone pay attention to the FT that came from POLAND?


LOL,

Only Phred could get a fire truck from Europe included in the parade.;)

Beautiful!

[Bengalz]

Did anyone pay attention to the FT that came from POLAND?


LOL,

Only Phred could get a fire truck from Europe included in the parade.;)

Beautiful!

This should be no surprise Richard. Phred was, after all, the ultimate renaissance man and had a worldwide influence. I would expect nothing less :):love:

The slide presentation had me choking up - a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. Phred must have been watching from his recliner up on the Bridge and introducing all his buddies to Jonza - oh the stories ... to be a fly on the wall!!

Phred - we sure are missing you:(

[lizbud]

Did anyone pay attention to the FT that came from POLAND?


LOL,

Only Phred could get a fire truck from Europe included in the parade.;)

Beautiful!



I'm pretty sure that was a Ohio FT. http://www.polandfire.org/

[shais_mom]

I'm pretty sure that was a Ohio FT. http://www.polandfire.org/

seriously - ummm I think Richard knew that -

[lizbud]

seriously - ummm I think Richard knew that -


with Richard, you never know......... seriously :D:D

[gini]

shhh, he thinks Poland Spring Water comes from..............guess where?

Why is it so easy to tease our Richard? Guess I had better watch out, he might put something in my food or drink!!

[lizbud]

shhh, he thinks Poland Spring Water comes from..............guess where?

Why is it so easy to tease our Richard? Guess I had better watch out, he might put something in my food or drink!!


hee hee Never tease your bartender or your cook.Wise words indeed.:D

[gini]

I just realized that I am doing the teasing in Phred's beautiful thread. I am sure Phred will be glad to share some KLAM JUIZE though and forgive me.

[RICHARD]

shhh, he thinks Poland Spring Water comes from..............guess where?


I am not stupid.......But, what do they do in the SUMMER months?:confused::o

I do not think Phred would mind us being phunny here. He would join in and straighten us all up!

[shais_mom]

no he wouldn't mind phunny. :)

[Catty1]

I just got the Christmas card I sent him returned today. I don't want to just throw it away.

Does anyone know if his sister wants them? Any ideas?

I knew I might be waiting too long and was "busy"...I'm sorry, Phred. There was a pic of my new "Katkid" as you called her! ;)

[shais_mom]

his sister is Lula and Bibette - you can PM her and ask :)

[Bengalz]

no he wouldn't mind phunny. :)

Agreed :) Phred had such a fine sense of humour and often taught us how to laugh at ourselves:D It seems fitting to carry on his tradition and share a little "phredness" occasionally ... let's not disappoint him :love:

[Daisy and Delilah]

Thanks for posting the slideshow, Staci.

Rest In Peace Dear Dear Phred. He was one of the nicest people I've ever known in my life. So sorry he's gone. His humor kept us all going so many times. I can see him and Bowser playing together right now.:)

[Bibette & Lulu]

Thank you for asking - yes, I would enjoy that. I have learned alot about another side of my brother from the sharing here on PT and from my opportunity to meet some PT/Findlay friends of Phred's at his funeral. Thank you all for your caring, sharing and support. One thing my brother and I shared was a love for animals and never wanting any to suffer. Our very first dog was a "rescue dog" - a tri-colored, long haired stray that wondered into the yard. After much pleading - Mother agreed to let us keep her, in the basement at least!!! Unfortunately, she died soon afterwards possibly from a case of distemper.

So - now we move on to puppy #2 - Phred used to visit with the guys at the local police dept (really - ONLY visiting!!!). They had a stray that was the spitting image of "Lady", except a little smaller. I was in junior high and Phred in HS - he came home to tell us about her and that in a couple days she would have finished her 3 day hold and then could possibly be put to sleep. Mom capitulated a little more quickly and off she and I went to check out the puppy. They kept the dog in a cage in the lower area of the station, where the cars were parked. The officer opened the cage's door and the little wiggly dog took off down the alley. I was heartbroken and scared she was going to run away. He told me to call her, which I did. She turned around, running back and jumping into my arms - no question here - we had ourselves another dog!!! Since we hadn't gotten much use of the name Lady and this little gal looked so much like the first stray, we named her Lady. She was part Pomeranian and Shelty - and was the best little family dog you could want!!!

As you can see, Phred came by his passion early in life!!!

Thank you all again. Mom1 (aka Nancy)


I just got the Christmas card I sent him returned today. I don't want to just throw it away.

Does anyone know if his sister wants them? Any ideas?

I knew I might be waiting too long and was "busy"...I'm sorry, Phred. There was a pic of my new "Katkid" as you called her! ;)

[lizbud]

Thanks for the stories of Phred's & your childhood dogs. Sounds like
you both were life long animal lovers, like most of us on PT.:)

[Miss Z]

Oh my goodness, I'm very late to see this, and I can't believe we have lost such a charismatic and unique Pet Talker. :( I really had no idea he had been so ill...

We'll definitely miss him here. :(

[shais_mom]

I'm posting this here b/c this has more "traffic" than the Memorial day thread. We are planning a small Memorial service for Phred over Memorial Day weekend. If anyone has any ideas please PM me or if anyone has "Phred stories" that he has touched you in any way and are willing to share, please PM me as well. I'd love to print them off and read them.

[captain]

I'm posting this here b/c this has more "traffic" than the Memorial day thread. We are planning a small Memorial service for Phred over Memorial Day weekend. If anyone has any ideas please PM me or if anyone has "Phred stories" that he has touched you in any way and are willing to share, please PM me as well. I'd love to print them off and read them.

I am more than happy for you to read out the story I posted in his thread, the one where we posted our memories? This is a wonderful thing you are doing, and I know Phred and all the furkids up on the RB will be sitting with Chawklit Chip Cookies watching down on you all.

[ramanth]

Did Phred ever share his cookie recipe here? I fail at the search function. :o

But I'd like to attempt a batch to bring. :)

[shais_mom]

not that I know of but I wonder if Nancy knows it? :)

[shais_mom]

Here Kimmy


http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=49620&highlight=choclate+chip+cookie+recipe

[ramanth]

Thanks Staci! :D

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I will never forget Klamz juize (or however Phred spelled juice).
His cat Bootz (aka Boots) was having trouble, um, peeing. I suggested mixing tuna juice with his water. That helped.
Then someone suggested clam juice and later Edwina's Secretary started a thread in Cat Health called Dear Phred.

She went to the grocery looking for something to entice kittys to drink. She came up with clam juice. That turned into one of the funnest thread's I ever read on Pet Talk. I still laugh about it. (it's still there is anyone wants to read it. just type Dear Phred in the search under Cat health. ) :D:love:

It's something no one can really describe. It just needs to be read. It is really long so would be a good read on a rainy day!!! ;) :love:

[Sudilar]

Oh my goodness. I have just read this!!! I had no idea. I can't stop crying.

Phred was the BEST. I looked forward to reading whatever he posted. I am so very sad.......

Phred, you are loved by so many......and I'll bet you were overrun by RB furangels when you arrived at the Pearly Gates....

[ramanth]

I'm sorry it's in a thread like this, but I am glad you are well Sudilar. You've been missed!

*hugs*

[RICHARD]

I thought of Phred a few days ago.

I was a passenger on a trip and like to look at the semi trucks to pass the time on the road. I also like to check out the cargo on the flatbeds.

As we drove past one truck I noticed some BRIGHT RED pipes at the back of the trailer.

I looked again and could not figure out what they were until we were almost
past the end of the load.

It was a load of brand spanking new fire hydrants, lying in their sides, being moved to their new home.

I immediately thought of Phred......:D

[K9karen]

That's so neat, Richard! Funny how Phred left his "mark" on all of us. I think of him often too when I see stuff.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Only just come back due to lack of pet situation being rectified - so very sorry to see this. Phred will be sorely missed by us all :(