Bearly’s Obituary (Muriel Allingham)

If you have seen my spirit,

As it passed beyond your door,

Whisper gently what I meant to you,

I am off now to explore.

Bearly

January 30, 2012—January 30, 2018

Bearly; also known as Bear, Bear-Bear, Bear-Bear In his Underwear and Mr. Big Butt, enjoyed a great journey on this planet. He has left us for greater things; although, all who knew him believe wholly that it was far too early.  Bear will be remembered forever as the great kind and generous being that he was and is anticipated to be in his new role.

So many lives were touched by Bear.   To Marcelle he was a special companion, challenging at times, but always filled with love—and copious amounts of drool.  He will be missed by Aaron and Brooke and all his extended family who had the pleasure of leaving after every visit, covered in Bear hair.

He will be missed by Muriel, Jasper, Zola and Blair.  The “out of my kitchen,” admonishment rang out loudly on Christmas, when Bear came for brunch; always a welcome guest to share in the treats.

Larry and Foxy will miss Bear on morning walks through the forest.  As was Bear’s style he charmed everyone.

Bear witnessed many great places and things, while he was visiting in this realm. He could be found every Friday in the special places that he, Zola, Jasper and their two humans ventured.  Known to all as Fast-Food-Friday, where baked treats, dog goodies and tea were the anticipated event of a three or four-hour hike.

Six years of Fast Food Fridays have gone so quickly.

Sadness, joy, deep philosophical issues, failures and successes, much craziness and laughter, and companionship were all shared on these walks, and lest we forget—the food.

Bear loved chocolate; really, he loved everything, but oh how he loved chocolate (no dogs were hurt in the distribution of large quantities of chocolate, on our hikes).  Baking skills were always rated on drool-worthiness, and Zola often went home with a seriously Rasta inspired topknot thanks to Bear’s excessive drool over a particularly delicious offering.

But Bear was so much more than just a friend and companion, he was truly a gifted and luminous being.  He was deeply loyal, and protective.  He was the joker, and the philosopher in water.  His reflection will ripple in all the streams, rivers and creeks that he ever plopped his big butt into.

If you have ever looked outside your window in anticipation of someone who was or had a flash of memory so vivid and real that you are transported in time, then you are lucky.

Here’s to Bear, a truly genuine spirit, who never left anyone untouched by drool, or Bear hair.

We will miss you ‘Sweet Potato.”

This obituary was written without the input of Bear’s cat, Wiggles, who could only add that she will miss tormenting Bear daily.