Celebration of Life

From The Oige Keane Memorial Wiki

A Celebration of Life was held for Oige Keane on July 30, 2009 at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church in the village of Ballard. The Presbyterian Church was where Oige attended Boy Scout meetings with Boy Scout Troop 41.

Program

• Chuck Lepkowsky, mentor/friend: Chuck gave a welcome message, and served as the MC
• Old Mission Santa Ines Youth Band, former band/choir-mates: OMSI youth played 5 worship songs
• Liam Keane, brother: Liam read a speech he wrote, recalling Oige's goals in life, Buddhist beliefs, and an event after his brother's death
• Carlyle Eubank Sr., Scoutmaster/friend: Mr. Eubank spoke of Oige's character and his growth, including a story of a map and trips to Colorado
• Byron Cragg, Mason VanValin, Carson Rick, Alex Nishi; friends: these classmates and friends of Oige's wrote and performed an original song, with Mason doing lead vocals
• Steve Oaks, Scoutmaster/friend: Mr. Oaks spoke of Oige's involvement in Scouts and related "You meet two types of people. Those who love Oige. And those that don't know him. To know him was to love him."
• Andy Radford, Conductor of the SB Youth Symphony: Andy spoke about Oige never yawning during rehearsals and played a few songs on Oboe with Brad Emerson, a family friend, accompanying him on piano
• Janet Kean, aunt: Janet read the story of two twins in the womb
• Paddy Kean, aunt: Paddy read two of Oige's poems
• Boomer Roberts, friend: Boomer played Oige's song A Little Advice
• Mary Beth Woodruff, dear friend, mentor, and viola teacher: Mary Beth played three songs for Oige and spoke of her experiences with him
• Jeff Bridgeman, SYVPC pastor: Jeff spoke a few words and then offered an open microphone to any in the audience who wanted to share stories
• Video by Byron Cragg: a video created by Oige's friend Byron was played, featuring home video, school projects, and photos with music as well as recordings of Oige playing viola, including his last public performance
• Andy Kean, uncle: Andy gave a spiritual blessing and remembered Oige and his motto "Not all who wander are lost"
• Spencer McDonald, uncle: Spencer played "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan, one of Oige's favorite artists

Afterword

After the service, the community gathered outside and offered condolences and memories.