A Celebration of Life

On Sunday February 10th, we held a memorial service for Jin. It was attended by family and friends, colleagues and students. There were estimates of over 300 people in attendance.

Putting this event together was truly a group effort. The Ohlone students and teachers created an amazing paper loop rainbow that framed the stage. Artwork from several classes lined the walls. Chinese lanterns were suspended from the ceiling. Pictures, magazine articles and a memory jar for the guests to contribute to, helped to make this an event that none of us will ever forget.

Julie Bagniefski and Frankie Murrray delivered moving and thoughtful eulogies. Paul Trugman, Jin's brother in-law, performed his version of John Lennon's "Imagine". Frankie read "The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Reilly". There were poetry readings, stirring speeches and much, much more.

I was an emotional wreck in the days leading up to this event. I wanted it to be special, I wanted it to be moving. I wanted everyone in attendance to take a special memory away with them. Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, I got my wish. (all my wishes actually) it turned out absolutely perfect. Thank you to all the helped with all the details and decorations, the set up and the tear down.... and thank you to all that attended. We really appreciated having each and every one of you there. I'm posting some pictures of our very special event. More to come soon.
This has been, and continues to be, very hard, but we'll make it through this. Thank you all for keeping us in your thoughts.
John, Christen, and Jamie