George Fox Graduation and Uncle Roy's Funeral

George Fox University Boise Center Commencement! Today was the day we've been practicing for. The five of us met down at the shop at 8:00 a.m. so we could ride together to the Jordan Ballroom at BSU. It was way too early. I had to get up at 6:30 after a very sleepless night. We had a sound check and a run-through between 8:30 and 9:30 and then we had an hour before the start of the program to hang out and feel nervous!

The ceremony started at 10:30 and our first song was directly after the opening prayer. We sang, "You Will Never Walk Alone" (Point of Grace) and it actually went pretty well.

The second song was at the end. We sang another song by Point of Grace, "This Day". We were much more confidant about this song so it went really well.

We had to choose a name for ourselves a couple of months ago so they could print it in the program. I couldn't think of anything but I ran into Tresa at the bookstore as the deadline was looming and she suggested "Circle of Friends". I sent it in along with some general information about us and this is how the description reads in the program: "'Circle of Friends' is an ensemble of five women who have sung for many years but have recently joined together to form this group. All but one are graduates of George Fox University in Newberg, and all attend local Friends churches." They didn't list our names (or point out that I am the one who didn't graduate from George Fox!) so I'll list them here: L to R: Tresa Redford, Katrina McConaughey, Lynne Smith, Ellen Morse, and ME!

Judy Repp took our picture and will be managing us as we "take it on the road"!!!!!



Today was also the day of my Great Uncle Roy's funeral. He was a great man and I regret that I didn't get to spend more time with him. We celebrated his 90th birthday 2 summers ago and he was as sharp as a tack. He and his wife June had been married for 70 years! 70 years!!!! My dad's father died when he was about 3 years old- he was killed in a logging accident- and my dad and his 2 younger brothers were left without a dad at a very young age. My grandpa, Chet, had 9 brothers and 1 sister and they all pulled together after he died to take care of the three little boys. They were raised in the Eagle/Star/Meridian area and my dad was very close to Uncle Roy and his kids. Here's the obituary from the Statesman:

Hiner, Roy H.
Roy H. Hiner passed away at age 91 at a local hospital on Wednesday, June 6, 2007. Services will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens. Services are under direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home. Roy was born in 1915 at Meridian, Idaho, the fifth of 10 children of George and Stella Sisemore Hiner. He rode his Shetland pony to school the first four years. After the death of his parents he lived with his uncle and aunt, Harmon and Margaret Hiner in south Boise and attended Garfield School. He graduated from Boise High. Roy married June Kennaly in Sept. 1936. They celebrated their 70th anniversary. He worked for Dependable Wholesale until he went into the Navy during W.W.II, where he served on a sub chaser and patrol craft in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. After returning, he worked for the State Highway Department and retired from International Harvester after 30 years. He was president of the International Association of Machinist Union for 12 years. He was past commander of the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.). His hobbies were hunting, fishing, golf, and playing pool at the Senior Center. He enjoyed all of his buddies. Roy was adored by his large and loving family and is survived by his wife, June and their sons and wives; Roy Ken and JoAnn of Boise; Dyon and Sharon of La Center, Wash.; and Jon and Earlene of Preston, Idaho; Nine grandchildren, 18 great- grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. One sister and eight brothers preceded him in death. Roy was a very gentle and loving man and was very proud of his sons and their families. He will be missed by all of us. A viewing will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2007 from noon until 1:30 pm.
Published in the Idaho Statesman on 6/8/2007.


The Hiner's aren't especially religious although Roy's son, Ken, is a chaplain at St. Lukes Hospital. Aunt June requested that my Pastor Dad help Ken hold it together at the service. Ken called attention to the fact that Roy and Chet had been close and now their sons were sharing in Roy's funeral together.

That handsome guy in the middle is my dad:

The Navy representatives folded the flag and. . .

. . . presented it to Aunt June.

"Taps" played in the distance. . .

The grandchildren all placed roses on the casket:

We continued to share memories of Uncle Roy at the reception. This sweet, old man sang a song that Roy requested to have at his funeral. It was a very sad song but I could have listened to this man sing for a long time:

Red River Valley:

arranged and adapted by Arlo Guthrie

From this valley they say you are going
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
For they say you are taking the sunshine
That has brightened our pathways awhile
CHORUS:
Come and sit by my side, if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
Just remember the Red River Valley
And the cowboy who loved you so true

I've been thinking a long time, my darling
Of the sweet words you never would say
Now, alas, must my fond hopes all vanish
For they say you are gong away

Do you think of the valley you're leaving
O how lonely and how dreary it will be
And do you think of the kind hearts you're breaking
And the pain you are causing to me

They will bury me where you have wandered
Near the hills where the daffodils grow
When you're gone from the Red River Valley
For I can't live without you I know

After the funeral, I picked up the kids and we went down to Ann Morrison Park where Dale and Rob were taking down the stage and canopy. We helped a little bit. . .

. . . and then we played a little bit. We fed the ducks. . .

. . . and the kids climbed trees.

It was a long and tiring day and by the time we got home, we were all ready for a good night's sleep.