Posted by sukh gill

Carol Hogan: Celebration of Life

Dear Doris,
 
This email is going to the Presidents (current and elect) and Secretaries of the Rotary Clubs of District 5050, as well as to those on the Governor's Advisory email list, AG's and District Committee Chairs. 
 
As many of you may know by now, my wife, Carol, passed away on June 28 after being diagnosed with cancer on June 14.   We have so many friends in Rotary that I am asking that you share the plans for celebrating Carol's life with your members, for those who would wish to know.
 
I ask that people not send flowers or cards as things are a bit overwhelming for me at this time.  
 
Here are the plans for celebrating Carol’s life:
 
Sunday, July 10 – Rotary International President, and our friend, Jennifer Jones, will be at White Rock (close to the pier). The event will run from 9:30 to 2:30 with Jen joining us around 10:30.  We will have bands, food trucks, do a beach cleanup and more. I was part of the planning committee.  I will be there and hope that many of you will join me.
 
Monday, July 11 – Carol’s ashes will be interred during a gravesite ceremony at the Gardens of Gethsemani in Surrey.  Family, close friends and any others who wish to join us are welcome to arrive at 9:00 with the brief ceremony held at 9:30.  Everyone is invited to our home afterwards for an informal gathering.  Dress is smart casual or just comfortable.
 
Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 – an open house gathering at our home as a type of modified Irish wake.  Drop in as you wish and are able from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on either or both days.  No need to let me know if/when you are coming – just come if you’re coming. We will have catered snacks / munchies.  Bring your own refreshment but not food or flowers, and plan take your unused refreshments when you leave (there’s always way too many leftovers afterwards).  Dress is Island Casual (think Hawaiian, Jimmy Buffet, relaxed).  This will be a low key, mix & mingle.  Carol would love you to see her beautiful garden.
 
Our address is 6240 Killarney Drive, Surrey BC  V3S 5W9.
 
Our philosophy during our 42 years together was to enjoy life while we lived it.  The request that Carol and I do have for you is that you do something nice for yourself, and something nice for others.  That may be a donation to The Rotary Foundation or something else - do something that is meaningful to you.
 
Please do that whether you are able to celebrate her life with us in person or if you are unable to join us due to distance or other commitments. 
 
Despite the circumstances, I am grateful that all of our children and their partners were with us so that we could all support each other.  I am grateful for all of our friends,  neighbours and staff, as well as our Rotary family in District 5050 and around the world.  Carol and I have been blessed because of all of you.
 
 
Sean