My family and I have always believed in celebrating people’s lives, while they are still with us and after they are gone. That is exactly what we have done with Joan.
I know that many people find comfort in traditional funerals or crematoriums, but I have always felt they can be rather impersonal, and often difficult places for children. When it is possible, finding a place that the person truly loved can feel far more meaningful. Somewhere beautiful, with space to breathe, where friends and family can return to reflect, and where children feel at ease visiting, remembering, and asking questions.
Image from Sam Branson
Image from Sam Branson
We are incredibly lucky to have Necker Island. When my parents died, we celebrated their lives there and planted trees on the far side of the island, where we scattered their ashes. Over the years, those trees have grown strong and beautiful, living reminders that life continues on.
To celebrate Joan’s life, we held a beautiful procession around the island, all dressed in white, alongside our wonderful BVI team, past and present. Sam and Isabella sang some beautiful songs, Holly spoke so movingly, and our five grandchildren read a touching poem for their beloved Granny Amma. We closed the service with everyone singing Lean on Me. It was simple, heartfelt, and truly beautiful.
I spoke to thank everyone for the love and care they showed Joan over the years, and for the kindness they have shown all of us. As I began to choke up, I explained that I have always cried at happy films as well as sad ones, so there were a few tears, but they were mostly tears of gratitude, filled with thanks for a life so fully lived.
Image from Patrick Henry
I shared a few stories from our fifty year love story, including how I once took Joan to Necker all those years ago in an effort to impress her. Without that adventure, none of us would have been standing there that day.
Afterwards, we all went back down to the beach to toast Joan and share more magical stories of her life.
Joan loved to sit down and have a good natter with her friends. Over the past few weeks, and at the celebration itself, it has been wonderful hearing so many stories about her.
Image from Patrick Henry
One friend shared that Joan was the most genuinely interested woman he had ever met. She always took the time to listen, to ask thoughtful questions, and to offer calm, wise support whenever it was needed.
Sam took some lovely photographs of the sun shining on Joan’s special spot, and later the moon above, which she loved to gaze at.
When my time comes, my ashes will join Joan in that special place and I know future generations of family will be able to connect with us there. This summer we will hold a celebration for friends and family and it will be a party to honour her extraordinary life. Just the way she would have wanted.