RIP John. He was a good person.

 

As I have previously posted: I thought that it may have been in poor taste to take pictures or video of John's service. However, for those of you that have never experienced a Full Honors Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery you can get a peek at what the service was like by clicking here Each service has there own team to perform the appropriate service. Once you click on the link, click on your browsers back button to return to view the next Army photo. If you click on the link on the top of the current picture you will be returned to the photo home page and have to choose a service again.

 

Thanks for the updates, folks. Nice to know John's farwell was as special as the man it celebrated. Thank you to all who attended for representing the many friends John made in the S2000 community.

 

It was so nice to be a part of the ceremony at Arlington. And yes, I'm sure RC would have been happy to see the 4 S2000s representing the car he loved. I also thought it was nice that Bettye had a picture of him in his S at the reception. That, along with the riderless horse, Taps, and seeing a slideshow of pictures of him when he was younger made it hard to hold back the tears, so I didn't even try.

Bettye was a picture of composure and grace throughout it all and seeing Jr. by her side the entire time in uniform was heartwarming and impressive as well. It was nice to see some of the old gang as well. Bettye seemed most appreciative to see us there. I told her if they could make it to all the many meets they've attended throughout the years, we could make it to RC's final mini-meet. It was also nice to see her smile when I told her that only RC could bring me out of retirement this year.

It was a very moving and lovely ceremony, even the weather cooperated. It reminded me to live each day to the fullest. RC will be missed grinning behind the wheel of his yellow S but the car has been passed on to Jr. to continue the love affair with his car. We hope to see Jr. and Bettye at some future meets so we can raise a glass to RC once again. I told Jr. that we would make him an honorary Vintage member. He grinned even though he says he still has a year and a half to go before becoming official. Badge him anyway, Jim!

PS: I also thought it fitting that he was laid to rest so close to the road, as in resting by the side of the road. May he rest in peace. Love to Bettye and family.

 

^^ I miss RC terribly. His passing has had left a big hole in my heart.

 

Thanks for that post, Granny.

We could not make it, but are grateful to those who did attend.

I miss John as well. He was way too young to leave this earth, but he sure did leave one heck of a mark of his presence of his time here.

 

I just came across this thread. Though I didn't know RC Ryder personally, his call sign was one I became familiar with over the years. I am sorry for his loss. I am glad the Arlington ceremony honored RC.

 

Thanks, Angela, for a wonderful report.

I received a PM from Aashish informing me of a post in John's obituary by TomandMarlaR traseta@neo.rr.com.

[QUOTE - POSTED BY: TomandMarlaR traseta@neo.rr.com]
[We lived next door to John, Betty, Ashley, and Johnny at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas in 1983-84 while we were students at the Command and General Staff College. They are a wonderful family, we enjoyed many fun times, backyard cookouts, jokes about the Volvo, etc. We are deeply sadden by this news. We were reassigned to Japan for 3 years and then back to Washington. We tried to locate them, but never were able to reconnect. If you read this, Betty, and would like to contact us, we’re in the phone book in Hubbard, Ohio and on Facebook. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.]