Celebrating a Life

Kathyrn was told that the portrait needed to be both recognisable and scalable, as the beloved friend adored merch and there would be a plethora of it at the event: T-shirts, hats, silk-screened totes, magnets and stickers.

Her first objective was to capture his likeness in a joyful and representative manner so a 'committee' of dear friends provided their input. She had two approaches to his face: the young, robust fellow remembered by most of his college buddies, and the more mature, wisened face with which she was more familiar. His hair was a particular focus: "wilder!" his wife kept insisting; "it was always a mess!"

Ultimately, they selected a few versions for different uses: a slightly older version with untamed hair, the happy younger version in his ever-present baseball cap, and a third, bolder and more streamlined version suitable for embroidery on the baseball caps. He was also well-known for his mantra, "be kind."

Kathryn was absolutely delighted by the way his friends embraced the merch approach; everyone wanted a remembrance of this fine man. Some delightful surprises included: bags silk-screened on-site, tissues (much needed), and bags of peanuts thrown out into the crowd while a member of Pearl Jam played the Star-Spangled Banner.

Kathryn felt immensely grateful to have been a part of this extraordinarily sad yet joyful celebration.