The Funeral Service for Jason Cope

Godhi of Gyrfalcon Hall Kindred, Hebron, Indiana

Fall 2004

Goði: Chris Haviland of the Kindred of Ravenswood, Zionsville, Indiana

Opening
Family, Friends and Kindred – Attend now to my words! We are joined together in memorial to honor our fallen kinsman. Open your hearts and do not let this moment pass you by – for life is fleeting and we are here together – let our deeds this day be written among the heavens that we may never forget this man who is gone from us.

Godhi’s Rede
We are gathered here today to remember our dear friend Jason, to grieve for him and his family. Jason’s passing leaves us with many questions. We cannot begin to fathom the reasons behind the events that led us to this place. But even as we question what has happened, we take solace from the sure knowledge that while the form has left this earth, Jason’s soul will remain with us forever. We know that the great wheel of life and rebirth turns always, and that by our remembrance we insure our future. Though the body has gone, his soul remains, fast and secure in our hearts, and when ready, we know he will walk in the midst of his folk once more.

Jason lived as large as any man has ever lived on this earth. His warm and loving spirit, his sense of adventure, and his overwhelming presence will fill my heart forever. He was a staunch friend – he was always there, no matter what. Open handed and generous to a fault, he would give you the shirt off his back. As a teacher he made a difference in the lives of many, many young people, I can only wish that I had a teacher who taught like he did! I remember walking shoulder to shoulder with Jay and Alice at the renaissance fair, dressed to the nines in medieval garb. Gods, how he loved the faire! He loved the pageantry and the romance of it – he loved theatre and film – and he loved to surround himself with friends. Jay had a deep mind and a fine sense of humor. And when he laughed, he laughed enough to set the world laughing with him. His songs, jokes, and light heart are what I will remember the most. Jason made a real difference in the world, and I feel blessed for having known him.

Cattle die, kinsmen die,
one day you die yourself;
I know one thing that never dies-
the dead man's reputation.
-- Havamal 76

Closing Prayer
There is an ancient prayer among our people, uttered by those facing death. I know that Jason would have wanted it to be said for him today.

Let us pray -
Lo’ there I see my fathers.
Lo’ there I see my mothers, my sisters, and my brothers.
Lo’ there I see the line of my people back to the beginning.
They call to me.
They bid me to take my place amongst them, in the halls of the Gods,
Where the Faithful and True live on forever.

Jason, my brother, kinsman, and friend – We will never forget you and we will always love you. I wish you peace and rest. Come back to us when you’re ready – and until we meet again, rest safe and sound in hands of the Gods.

Farewell!

The Rite is ended, the folk go on.

"Hail Thor, Strongest of Gods and Men!" - Jason Cope

The Kindred of Ravenswood
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