It was a wonderful gathering that gave me a chance to visit with several individuals one-to-one as well as hear a few people, including Rob, speak to the group about Betsey. Everyone spoke of Betsey's laugh and smile, her outgoing nature, her humor and love of fun, her competence and ability both in math and in writing, which made her an ideal fund-raiser in Engineering. A colleague announced that while she was not free to divulge details, the College of Engineering would soon be receiving a very large corporate grant for which Betsey had written the proposal. Several mourned the loss of Betsey as a friend. In the few months after Betsey arrived in Boulder and before her illness, she had obviously bonded with several women who were looking forward to having her as a friend, and her untimely death had left a big hole. Others spoke of how impressed they were with the way Betsey had mentored younger colleagues, even during her illness.
A highlight of the testimonials was one to Rob's devotion to Betsey throughout her 20-month illness, which showed the meaning, the speaker said, of "in sickness and in health."
Katie had made a slide show of about 80 photos from all phases of Betsey's life and they were shown randomly on the big TV during the entire gathering. A lot of people took the time to watch and comment.
I was very glad I could be there. I stayed overnight, had breakfast with Rob and Katie at the Boulderado Hotel restaurant, and said goodbye to them at the RTD bus station. I was back in Jackson by 5:30pm. Literally a flying trip. But worth it.
Breakfast at the Boulderado
Goodbye to Rob and Katie
Coming into Jackson Hole - the Tetons
My plane
No comments:
Post a Comment