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Legacy.

Generations with crazy physical prowess and agility matched with integrity and profound love.

I attended the funeral of a grand man a week ago. A man whose father was a gymnast. This man was marked with Tough Grit, Steel Determination and ‘No Fear’ combined with compassion for the hearts of those he taught. “Be humble when you win, and proud when you loose. Know, that this may be the game, where the opponents are older, tougher and stronger, but you give everything you have anyways! This may be the game when you begin as a boy, and finish as a man”.

Hundreds attended the funeral. Lives touched profoundly by the character and determination of this man, who worked hard for the team to win – accompanied by the medals to match the passion – as baseball coach, soccer coach, dragon boat captain, Son, Brother, Husband, Father and Grandfather. His legacy lives on. Sons marked with the agility and ability to invest in the lives of others, to love deeply and risk much, impacting the generations to come. ‘No Fear’ is being passed down to Grandchildren, who are already taking up the mantle of determination.

Thank you, to those captained and coached by Danny Strain for sharing his impact on your lives. Thank you to the Strain Clan, for sharing the stories and the life, of your Brother, Husband and Father, who lived life large, who fought the fight, bravely, facing each day with courage. The legacy of Daniel Robert Strain lives on.

Each of us have been woven together with gifts. Even if we have not known those who have gone on before us, we each have the option to choose to walk in our skills and abilities. But no matter what inborn talents we have, matching those gifts with fierce love, integrity, tenacity and compassion, impacts our world and creates legacy. May we be torch bearers. May we pass the baton effectively to the next generation.

I had the rich joy of visiting the town of Field, in August, where there is a great Rande legacy. Field is in the middle of Yoho National Park and is the place where my late husband, Rob Rande spent the first 5 years of his life. Rob’s Nanna; Signe Rande, lived in the same house in Field for 60 years. (1935-1995) Rob’s Grandfather lived there with her, till his death in the 80’s. From the time Rob was 5, when he moved to Squamish, till Rob was 12, he would spend most of every summer with his Nanna and Poppa in Field. The family then moved to Golden, just a short distance to Field where Rob would visit often.

My Dad also has history in Field. He lived in Albert Canyon and worked on the railway with Gene Rande, Rob’s Uncle! There was such friendship with Gene Rande, that my Dad, named my Brother after Gene Rande! When my Dad was talking about Albert Canyon, Rob told the story of his Grandfather, who was almost killed in Albert Canyon! My Dad remembered the terrible snowstorm and avalanche that Rob spoke of.

Nanna’s house is now owned by Jason and Jessica. They have renovated and built a beautiful guest suite above their new kitchen, called ‘Edgemount Guesthouse’. (The first image below, where I stayed). It was wonderful waking up in the night and seeing the moon over the mountains as Rob would have seen it as a little boy!

We visited ‘The Velvet Antler’; a pottery shop (in the second photo) showcasing the incredible talent of Catherine and Ryan Cameron, and now their daughter Caitlin, as well! It was delightful talking with Catherine Cameron, who was trained at Yoho National Park by Rob’s Mom; Vesta Rande! Vesta worked for Parks Canada in her later years till she retired in the early 90’s. Katherine told of Vesta’s determination to create great Parks Canada Personnel, by taking the time to give excellent training! Rob lived the legacy of the strong work ethic he was given.

The adventures of hiking from Lake O’Hara into Lake Oesa, on August 30th, will be for another blog! For now, I just want to say, it was good for my heart to be in the place where there is such Rande history!

 

This is a grand new day!

I am very happy with Netclimber’s for building such a beautiful functioning site for me. The training has been fantastic! I am grateful for Diane Askin’s skill and insistence on me finding a site I liked! It was so valuable to ensure we were all on the same wavelength.

In the researching stage, I was delighted to discover Chris Burkard’s site (http://www.chrisburkard.com/) and would like to give Chris full credit for the style of my site.

I hope you will find it easy to navigate this new site and will find many things to encourage you on your journey.