[TheForge] Russel Jaqua

[Darrell]

Russell died last night as I and Amanda and Valerie sang him a lullaby. Jim 
was in the shop moving things with the overhead crane and you could see the 
sound pleased and soothed him as the industrial bass line to our melody.  As 
we sang the last note, he breathed his last breath.  It was a very tender, 
gentle death and I am so grateful for how his final hours in this life 
felt...a very still evening, warm and loving calm.  The gorgeous moon last 
night felt like his.

He is now lying in a beautiful coffin made of cedar that he asked my brother 
to make.



Visitation hours at Nimba:

Mon, Tues, Wed

11am-7pm



Funeral - Thursday June 15 at 2pm

at St. Marys Catholic Church followed by graveside service at Laurel Grove 
Cemetary.

A celebration feast will follow at our church, Grace Lutheran Church, from 
4-6pm.



There is no time now for personalized messages.  You'll get this message 
whether you live next door and wish to be part of all of this, or live 
across the country and will be here in spirit only.  But please do spread 
the word to anyone who would want news of Russell.



But I wanted everyone to know that after the amazing journey of living life 
on ALS terms, and one very hard week at the end, his final day was strangely 
moving and he died what felt like a truly good death.



Everytime I start to send this email I think..oh, but i should call that 
person and tell them this in person.  But of course I can't.  So please feel 
my warm tears and my warm heart and my humble gratitude for all the grace 
that God sent Russell and me for two years through each of you.



love,

Willene



Questions:

Grace Lutheran Church

1120  Walker Street

360-385-1595



Willene's messages

360-385-7258 extension 2



In memory of Russell, I am suggesting the Courtyard Fund at Grace Lutheran 
Church.  The courtyard was Russell's last big design project and he so 
wanted to see it completed before he died.  He was able to see the cement 
slab poured and he chose all the stone materials and designed the railings 
and hardware and central font.  When it became clear he would not live to be 
able to direct its completion, he was able to spend hours with Jim to 
discuss the metalwork.  Russell felt very moved that his final aesthetic 
energy was devoted to something that would be a part of our church.  For 
people who want to find a meaningful token of remembrance, I think it is a 
fitting way to honor him in lieu of florist gifts.  Flowers from your garden 
always welcome.

www.nimbaanvils.com
360.385.7258