Sometimes I wonder why the term “funeral” has been rephrased “A Celebration of Life”. One year ago, during the month of June, I attended a family gathering upon the death of my eldest brother, Christopher Jon Iekel. He breathed his last on June 11, 2022. I now better understand the term, “Celebration of Life”.
My brother and I were born eight years apart. Each entered the seminary (a boarding school) at the age of thirteen. As a result, we really had little time to know each other and bond as children. It was not until we both reached our adult years that we became close. The loss was mine.
Chris was a hard-working, principled public servant, spending most of his career as a civilian in the Department of Navy. In 1970, upon moving to Maryland, he became a volunteer firefighter and member of the rescue squad in the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and remained so for over fifty years. He sometimes spoke of that experience but never shared that, during those years, he held the positions of Secretary, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, Chaplain and President of the Association.
With an unbending love for his wife and son, Chris was also firmly entrenched in his Roman Catholic faith. In his parish he engaged in the activities of Lector, Eucharistic Minister and, with his wife, RCIA instructor for people seeking baptism. For thirty years he carried Holy Communion to dozens of senior parishioners in several nursing homes. A man of moderate income, he was generous in giving to others.
Twelve months ago, I said goodbye to my brother. During those few days, while I grieved, I also learned so much about him. This brother of mine had given his time and energy to family, to Church and to the fire service. In return the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department provided him with a beautiful sendoff. Chris laid-in-state at the firehouse. Honor guards stood at attention and a prayer service was held ending in Company Formation and Final Salute. Carried in honor on a Company vintage truck the next morning, he was taken several miles to his parish church with a seven-truck escort down the center lane of the major N-S highway and, following the funeral Mass, carried under the traditional extended ladders on trucks at the graveyard entrance.
The words of final repose are meaningful and consoling. In part they include: Our brother, Christopher, has gone to his rest in the peace of Christ. May the Lord now welcome him to the table of God’s children in heaven. With faith and hope in eternal life, let us assist him with our prayers. The ceremony ended with TAPS and the firefighters’ traditional “Final Call”. As I left that site, I re-thought the graveside final words of committal and smiled. I now understood the significance of the words, “A Celebration of Life”. In his life, Christopher Jon Iekel exemplified Christ’s calling. My eldest brother was a dedicated and modest individual whose integrity was impeccable, his faith unshakeable and his loyalty unquestioned. I knew he had arrived and was welcomed into the arms of God.
Flying with Rick... 