We are here to celebrate Kyle's life. He would have been embarrassed over this outpouring of emotion, but I know he would indulge us in a few tears and solemn moments in his memory.

First, I want to thank everyone ... family, and friends of Kyle's for being here to share in the celebration of his life. Also, I want to thank the friends of Toni and Stephen who have opened their hearts and their homes to my family in our time of need. Ellensburg was Kyle's world. He gravitated towards it. I understand why he did. The warmth and compassion in which we have been treated will never be forgotten.

Growing up Kyle was a serious child, but quick to smile and joke around. When Kyle was younger we spent summers and holidays together. Each time we would see each other I was in awe over how much he had grown. I remember a time he was visiting us after he started Lewis and Clark College. He sat down at his Nana's piano and played a spirited jazz song off the top of his head. It lasted for minutes. I was flabbergasted. At that time I realized his passion for music. He was now more than a young boy to me; he was a talented young man finding his place in his world.

Kyle was unique. He was a good student and an outstanding athlete. He balanced his classes, his sports and his social life. He made friends wherever he went and was liked by everyone. He enjoyed being part of a team whether it was football, rugby or jamming with his friends, but he also enjoyed being an individual.

I can remember a conversation with my brother Glenn. He had just spoken with Kyle's football coach at Lewis and Clark, Gerald McEldowney. Coach McEldowney was impressed with Kyle's talents on the field, but more so off the field. Coach never had to worry about Kyle. He had a broad spectrum of friends throughout campus, did well in the classroom and loved his music. At that time Uncle Glenn referred to Kyle as the Renaissance Man. Indeed he was.

I have seen Kyle twice since he left Lewis and Clark College. Once at his graduation from Central Washington and the last time at my 50th birthday, both times we were genuinely glad to see each other, but uncomfortable not knowing how each other felt. We knew it was time to renew our relationship. It was time to mend fences. Now those fences will have to wait.

My family was on the Oregon coast vacationing when I received word from Toni about Kyle. I cannot explain my feelings in those first few moments after that, but as I turned around I found my son Aleck looking up at me. I remember hugging him. He looked up and said, "Dad, it's going to be all right. We will get to see Kyle when we get to heaven." Although it will never be the same, it is going to be all right. That's what Kyle would have wanted. We will miss him. I was very proud of him. I will always love him.

Thank you for being here to remember our son Kyle.

Some things I'd like to say ... but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.
I am writing this from Heaven where I dwell with God above,
Where there's no more tears or sadness there is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight,
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had picked to leave you when my life on Earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again you were missed while you were gone
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan,
There is so much we have to do to help our mortal man."
Then God gave me a list of things He wished for me to do,
And foremost on that list of mine was to watch and care for you.
And I will be beside you every day and week and year,
And when your sad I'm standing there to wipe away the tear.
And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all those loving years,
Because you're only human they bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry It does relieve the pain,
Remember there would be no flowers unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you of all that God has planned,
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand,
But one thing is for certain though my life on earth is o'er,
I am closer to you now than I ever was before.
And to my very many friends, trust God knows what is best,
I'm still not far away from you, I'm just beyond the crest.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb,
But together we can do it taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like to it for you too,
That as you give unto the World so the World would give to you.
If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain
Then you can say to God at night, my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that my life it was worthwhile,
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is down and feeling low,
Just lend a hand to pick them up as on your way you go,
When you are walking down the street and you've got me on your mind,
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when you feel a gentle breeze or wind upon your face,
That's me giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
And when it's time for you to go from that body to be free,
Remember you're not going, you are coming here to me,
And, I always love you from that land way above,
W'II be in touch again soon...
P.S. God sends His love

I'll send you for a little time a child of mine, He said,
For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But, will you till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring you his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief,
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from Earth return,
But, there are lessons, taught down there, I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again?
I fancied that I heard them say, Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay;
But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

Edgar Guest

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