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October 9, 1997
My Eulogy to Raymond D. Pellerin

Raymond was known to us in many different and special ways. Some knew him best for his vivid and colourful sense of life, others for his music. I saw in him compassion, understanding and forgiving ways. When I was asked by Danny and Colette sixteen years ago to be his Godfather, I was both honoured and excited to be the gate keeper for this young soul.

Raymond was to me, always agreeable just because he wanted to make it easy for us all --while, not caring so much for himself. And, he always found kind words to say. He would get involved with a smile and never complained.

He was kind and thoughtful of others needs and I will miss him greatly.

It is now obvious that Raymond was sad inside his heart. His sadness I believe was for himself. No one seemed to know for certain that he was sad or why.

Raymond seemed to have hidden his sadness from us all. The many phone calls that the family got in the last few days were mostly calls from his friends and special pals expressing their disbelief over Raymond’s final decision. I don’t think that he really knew just how many people loved him or how much. I know his friends will miss him dearly.

From his strong side, Raymond would not want his friends to be sad for him. He would only want happiness for us all.

The song writter Jean Jaques Goldman once wrote;

"Mais si grands notre amour notre foi en toi

Et difficile de te comprendre parfois"

e "So great is our love our faith in you

It’s difficult to understand you at times"

Raymond loved and was loved most of all by his Mom, Dad and his brother Eric. I feel I speak for them when I express sincere appreciation for the warmth that you have shared with them during this difficult time.

If we look at what Raymond would want of us from this misfortune is that all his young friends look closely at themselves and see the good in one an other. He would want you to love one another, care for your families more than anything and that you feel good about yourself. And, if your heart is sad and that your hurt inside, share your feelings with those who have accepted the responsibility of being the keepers of your spirit.

Although the grief I have in my heart for Raymond will be with me forever, the love that we shared will glow eternally and will make me a better person for knowing him.

The next song is by Céline Dion and dedicated in Raymond’s memory.

Vole vole petite aile
Ma douce, Mon hirondelle
Va t’en loin, Va t’en sereine
Qu’ici rien ne te retienne
Rejoins le ciel et l’etiez
Laisse-nous laisse la terre
Quitte manteau de misère
Change d’univers

Vole vole petit frère
Vole mon ange, ma douleur
Quitte ton corps et nous laisse
Qu’enfin ta souffrance cesse
Va rejoindre l’autre rive
Celle des fleures et des rires
Celle que tu voulais tant
Ta vie d’enfant.

Vole vole mon amour
Puisque le notre est trop lourdes
Puisque rien ne te soulage
Vole a ton dernier voyage
Lâche tes heures épuisées
Vole, tu l’as bien volé
Devins souffle, sois Colombe
Pour t’envoler

Vole vole petit flamme
Vole mon ange, mon âme
Quitte ta peau de misère
Va retrouver la lumière.