on September 20th, 2017 by Rebeccca
Galen died at about 6:30 yesterday evening. His breathing was becoming more shallow and his body was showing the signs of dying. I decided that I didn’t want to remove his wedding ring from a cold body, so I asked him permission to take it and wear it. I thanked him for the years we had together. As I slipped the ring from his finger, his breathing changed and within a couple minutes he was gone.
I want to thank everyone for sharing this journey with us. The last 53 days have been brutal – that’s how long it took Galen to leave his broken body after we received the diagnosis. I was sure that when the grim reaper appeared at the pearly gates with Galen’s body, they would check the records and tell him, “You took the wrong person. Take him back and restore his health and get that jerk over there. . .”
Now his sister and I will take care of some business, then I will spend a few days with my family in Edmonton. And then life will go on, without a very creative, talented, kind, loving man.
I will probably plan a get together for friends and family over Canadian Thanksgiving. It will be an informal time of sharing stories together. We will also do something in Oregon at a later date.
Thanks again for sharing our journey.
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Galen
50 Responses to “He’s Flown”
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September 20th, 2017 at 7:09 am
We weep! May Love’s Arms hold you tightly! We are so thankful for the time we have had with you both over the last number of years! Galen was truely a Loving Kind Incredibly Creative Person. We will miss him greatly! Take care, you have our number!
September 20th, 2017 at 7:14 am
Rebecca – Our love and prayers for you and the family. We are all grieving with you. Much love!
September 20th, 2017 at 7:25 am
No more suffering for Galen. Back in June, we were at the Hospital Fundraiser. Didn’t know then that Galen would need the hospital soon after that. Have peace he is in a better place and take care yourself. Peace.
September 20th, 2017 at 7:26 am
From my family to yours, ill always remember the times we had together at Ness Creek and ill always be able to recall Galen dancing in the mud to make bricks for our clay oven. A special guy. Love to you all at this time and all the time.
September 20th, 2017 at 7:34 am
Oh Becky, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue without Galen.
September 20th, 2017 at 7:41 am
You read the signs very well.We are sorry. Yes what a ton of talent gone but just think of all the places you can go to see the work of his hands.Shell Lake will keep his memory fresh for a very long time.You are so brave.
September 20th, 2017 at 7:47 am
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you.
September 20th, 2017 at 7:56 am
I am so sorry. There are no words to express what I would like to say, it all sounds so pathetic. It is never easy to lose someone we love. When mom died Jared our pastor gave me Psalms 116 especially verse 15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Love to you Becky. Chloe
September 20th, 2017 at 8:03 am
We are so sorry to hear of Galen’s passing. May God give you some peace and comfort during the days ahead.
September 20th, 2017 at 8:07 am
Oh Rebecca, words are not enough. Take care of yourself. We will be in touch.
September 20th, 2017 at 8:14 am
Our deepest condolences Becky. We didn’t know Galen well but being residents of Shell Lake we certainly knew of his many talents. It’s a blessing that his struggle and pain are over and we know you will cherish the memories of your life together.
September 20th, 2017 at 8:16 am
My heart goes out to you Rebecca. My deepest sympathy to you and your loved ones. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
September 20th, 2017 at 8:31 am
The world has lost one of its best. Our hearts ache for you. Let us know if there is anything we can do in the coming days or months.
September 20th, 2017 at 9:22 am
It’s hard to accept that Galen is gone. Condolences to you, Pamela and John, and Donald and Jill. What a tough time. Thanks for sharing your life with us during Galen’s last days.
September 20th, 2017 at 9:23 am
Rebecca, we grieve with you and pray that the Lord will comfort you and give you strength in the days to come. We are so saddened. Peace and Love. Lean on Jesus.
September 20th, 2017 at 9:28 am
So sorry for your loss.My sympathies are with you and the family.Hugs and blessings.My heart is heavy but I am happy to have known Galen and have met you guys in Vic.Take care xo
September 20th, 2017 at 9:58 am
Such sad times for you Rebecca, but he will always be close to you, your memories will keep him with you. He lived a rich and adventurous life, always open to trying something new. He was a fine man, so gentle and loving. Always generous with his time, his talents, his knowledge, his home, his laughter, his hugs and his friendship. Alan so enjoyed the weekend he spent with just you two last summer. Galen will be missed by many. Stay true to yourself, allow your friends to love and support you, take time for you.
Alan and Mavis
September 20th, 2017 at 9:59 am
“….death is only a horizon…..and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.” Rossiterm Raymond
September 20th, 2017 at 10:18 am
For many years, and especially now, you have made a most special journey with this kind and loving man. You will need time to get used to loving him in a new way. My heart is with your heart. My tears fall with yours. You were brave to share this precious moment.
September 20th, 2017 at 10:20 am
I am so sorry for your loss. Words are so inadaquitto help but know I am praying four comfort and peace.
September 20th, 2017 at 10:31 am
So sorry for your lose Becky. You two left the impression that you had a great relationship. I enjoyed the little outing that he took me on,to Shell Lake. He walked with me over much of the property where you lived. Then I was also glad that you were able to go to Mexico, and see where we lived, and that pastor Enrique was able receive you and show you around.
We love you both and trust that you will carry on sensing peace and God’s presence.
September 20th, 2017 at 10:38 am
Rebecca. We are shocked and heartbroken for you. We didn’t know Galen had a diagnosis, and how quickly he left us. We grieve with you, and for the loss of our creative and fun cousin. Thank you for the way you shared the last minutes with us.
September 20th, 2017 at 10:47 am
To Rebecca Kennel, Pamela Kennel Smith, John Douglas Smith, Donald Kennel, Jill Driver Kennel, niece and nephew – I wish you peace and comfort. Deep and heart-felt condolences to each of you.
September 20th, 2017 at 11:39 am
Our sincerest condolences. Thank-you for sharing these last weeks & allowing us to be part of this very sad & difficult journey. Our hearts are with you in your loss as we remember the kind talented man who was Galen.
September 20th, 2017 at 11:51 am
Oh Becky, our words are not enough to say how sorry we are to hear of Galen’ s passing. His body and spirit are set free of the pain and suffering. Our love and prayers to you.
Byron and Judy
September 20th, 2017 at 11:58 am
Rebecca, we’ll hold you close in our hearts & send prayers for Galen’s journey. Rest & take good care of yourself, it’s what he would want. We both have loved & lost before so remember to reach out for support, it’s what helps along your path going forward.
Many hugs to you!
Peace to Galen!
September 20th, 2017 at 12:17 pm
I didn’t sleep much last nite and was in prayer for you both. His eternal house is ready and what a creative one it will be!!! Hugs, hugs, hugs….. It was a blessing for both of us to know you and thanks for your openness on Galen’s final earthly journey.
September 20th, 2017 at 1:47 pm
Ewan & I are so very sorry for the pain and suffering that your dear sweet man
endured…thank you for sharing your difficult journey. ..we admire your strength and courage…..may the love and memories that you and Galen shared wrap around you in a warm hug….
September 20th, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Ooooo Becky!! So so sorry for your great loss! It happened so fast since you wrote of his diagnosis!
I am so sorry to never have known Galen as an adult except thru your Facebook posts and the pictures.
Blessings of peace and comfort as you reflect on your life together! Be comforted by your memories!
Love lots, Linda
September 20th, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. You both suffered too much in the last days, now it is the healing that will take time. Bless you. We have his creativity to look at each day such a blessing and beauty. I was hoping to cross paths this weekend but we will have coffee this fall.
September 20th, 2017 at 6:35 pm
Rebecca,
I am so sorry. Galen was truly a lovely man.
I wish for you love & support from family & friends, time to grieve, & joy at his memory.
Much love to you & the rest of Galen’s family
September 20th, 2017 at 6:49 pm
So sorry for your loss, Rebecca. Galen was an extremely good man. The world has lost one of its best. The days ahead will be hard. Have lost loved ones as well (as most of us have). All I can say is “When morning comes and you wake up, just breathe and do.” When time has past, and you aren’t sure what to do next in life, please consider writing a book about your adventures with Galen. What a wonderful writer you are! “You feel like you are right there. And it makes you cry”, Jim said. He is so glad that he had a good visit with him when he was here. I, too, will remember him as I last saw him in his workshop. We will miss him dearly. Take care. Jim & Grace
September 20th, 2017 at 7:19 pm
Dear Rebecca
There are no words that can express how sad I am for you.
And when your days Rebecca is so dark that you can’t see any light at all, hang in there for just one day more, as tomorrow might just be a bit brighter
lots of love
Rigmor
September 20th, 2017 at 7:25 pm
So very sorry Becky Galen was one great man he will be greatly missed by all who knew him Let your memories fill your heart and help you through
September 20th, 2017 at 8:03 pm
Rebecca – I feel so saddened to hear of Galen’s passing. What a beautiful pair you made.God knew what He was doing when he brought you together. What wonderful memories you are left with. May they get you through the difficult days ahead. God be with you. Beth (Pott) Horon.
September 20th, 2017 at 8:43 pm
Dear Rebecca- What a privilege to have met you both and shared some time with Galen experiencing his generous spirit and great sense of humour. You have taught us so much over the weeks through your writing skills- please continue as you are able- it will bring us joy!, We were so happy to have been graced with a couple of his smiles yesterday too- see, on Eagle’s wings he flew XXXX
September 20th, 2017 at 8:50 pm
We are so sorry for your loss Rebecca. Our deepest sympathy. Galen was a truly remarkable man, so many talents and so willing to share. Our little village has so much to be grateful for that he initiated , contributed to or totally did on his own. He will be sadly missed.
September 20th, 2017 at 9:24 pm
Sympathies to you Becky God Be with you wk
September 20th, 2017 at 10:36 pm
Dear Rebecca
Galen touched the lives of so many people! It’s not fair that such a wonderful, kind, gentle man should had to have suffered so much in his last weeks of life.
We will always remember him shuffling across his shop floor as he carefully pondered some object that he held so purposefully between his thumb and fingers. We will miss his wise words, his hearty laughs, and that special twinkle in his eye.
We can’t even imagine how difficult this time has been for you. We wish you comfort in the days ahead and continued strength as you carry on. He was so fortunate to have you by his side all these years. Take care.
Hugs from all of our family.
September 21st, 2017 at 5:42 am
So very sorry, Rebecca, for losing such a wonderful man. The world needs many more people like he was; kind, creative and joyful.
For you I wish peace, grace and strength for the days and months ahead.
I’ll be here whenever you need someone to talk to.
September 21st, 2017 at 7:18 am
Dear Rebecca,
Wherever Galen goes, he will bring joy, levity and creativity!! Thanks to you and Galen for including me in your journey, and for you to be brave enough to care for Galen through this struggle and share it through writing!
The last time we met, Galen and I walked with an arm around each other’s shoulders, laughing about how he was looking forward to getting old…and fat! That, of course, was punctuated by that characteristic twinkle in his eyes, and wink!
I’m sorry he’s gone.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Vic
September 21st, 2017 at 7:49 am
We were so sorry to hear of Galen’s passing but glad he is suffering no more. We will continue to pray for you. Maybe sometime later you could show/tell us some more about your adventures/travels with Galen I wish we could have known him better. Take care. Love Pat & Stan
September 21st, 2017 at 9:08 am
We will treasure the things he made us,so easily,even more. So sorry!
September 21st, 2017 at 2:07 pm
So sorry to hear of Galens passing. He was a real gem, very kind and sometimes full of fun. You told me you had never been to Arizona. You have a bed at my place if you choose to come. My phone number is still the same 306 630 9396.
September 21st, 2017 at 7:03 pm
A true craftsman and a better human being. Many great memories will help you through this sad time. Be strong.
September 22nd, 2017 at 6:31 am
You paint such eloquent images with your words Becky. Thanks for your gracious invitation to us all to share this journey a tiny bit with you. You and Galen were an amazing match. He was one of the kindest, most gracious men I’ve known. Thinking of you during this transition.
Love you
September 22nd, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Dear Rebecca – we are both so very sorry for your loss and for the loss of the wonderful, talented man who walked amongst us so gently.
You are in our hearts and in our thoughts….
Nancy and Raph
September 22nd, 2017 at 9:56 pm
Galen: Your passion for what you loved was contagious, I hope I caught some of it. Your flight left too soon.
I saw a bald eagle near my yard today Rebecca, perhaps to remind me?
September 26th, 2017 at 8:12 pm
I just wish I was closer Bec, to sit with you, cry with you, share stories or be silent with you.I love you and I am so very, very sorry for this heartbreak.May Galen be at peace and may the love you had for one another over these many years fill your heart and bring you solace over time.
September 29th, 2017 at 10:06 am
Rebecca, I only opened your Blog today. We are so sorry Galen went so soon, but his suffering is over. I have thought of both of you every day since receiving the message of Galen’s diagnosis. We hoped for strength for both of you during this difficult time and for peace for you both. I am sorry I did not contact you before; I kept wording and rewording what I might say. Today I have read the entire Blog. We appreciate the friendship we have had with you and Galen. We appreciate the creativity of both of you and your “down to earth” attitude toward many things. What a chance meeting at the One-Act Play Festival… We are the richer for it. (We shall not be able to attend the Gathering on Oct. 7. We shall be in Calgary at a Memorial for Ray’s aunt.) Take care.