Bellamy Memorial Service
A down-state Memorial Service was held for Mel and Judy Bellamy on a day when everything cooperated but the wether. A few Beaver Islanders drove down early, but those who planned to drive down or take the Island Airways' chartered plane were prevented from doing so by the blizzard that closed everything down. Still, 400 people attended, 325 of whom stayed for the meal that followed.
The service itself, conducted by Reverend Britton, was very moving. Mel's spiritual mentor spoke, as did Jennifer, who read her poem about her parents, and Mike, who revealed that, throughout his upbringing, what his parents stressed was character and faith, and what he remembered most was their character and faith. The service itself was modeled on the Bible Study classes that were held in their cottage at Cable's Bay. A video collage was shown that included scenes of Mel and Judy as kids, them growing up, meeting, falling in love, and footage of several great moments in their life.
Just as their classes featured music, so did the service. Psalm 23 was read, a band played, and five songs were sung, starting with Mel's favorite, “He's still working on me,” a message he felt was exemplified by his life. The printed words were fed into a projector, and the gathering turned into an emotional sing-along that eliminated every single dry eye. The theme was, “I'm Free,” taken from a poem that ended,
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now. He set me free.
A similar service is planned for Beaver Island this summer, on July 27th, 2003.
–Tina Morgan
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