Kilted at a funeral

**Verlyn** · 5th February 06, 11:50 AM

When my future son-in-law's grandfather passed around Thanksgiving time, the local bike club organized an honor ride to the funeral in his honor since he was an avid (and national record holder) cyclist. I had heard some folks talking of it being in poor taste for a bunch of lycra clad cyclists to show up at the funeral. Mike (future SIL) showed up at the house at 7 the morning of the funeral with one of his grandfathers bikes and asked if I'd tune it up. He said he wouldn't be doing the honor ride, but wanted to ride from the church to the cemetary on his grandfathers bike. The club met and rode and when we got to the church, his grandmother thanked each and every one of us and said Don would have loved the idea. The Pastor mentioned in his sermon how great a show of love it was that his cycling friends honored him and by the family's request, we were placed directly behind the hearse for the trip to the cemetary. Every single member of the family came and thanked us for the tribute. Not a one thought the garish colors were inappropriate. A funeral should be a celebration of the life of the deceased. We should honor them and if it means not wearing a somber suit, then so be it. I certainly hope that when my time comes, there are kilted gents at the funeral. I think you honored your Uncle to the utmost. Good on ya!

**GMan** · 5th February 06, 03:27 PM

When you are yourself at a funeral or a memorial it is indeed a tribute to the one that is no longer physically with us. You did a great honor by being Kilted as a memory to your Uncle, as he has been part of your life. Good for you!

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 5th February 06, 05:40 PM

Darrell,

My prayers to you and your family. May your FIL get better or pass on in peace and not suffering. Asking your wife her opinion is the best approach.

One point I did not mention was that I had not told my wife that I packed both the kilt and suit. I told her today, and she felt much better that I was cognizant of others feelings and had verified before the service that the kilt would not be a problem.

Verlyn, that is a great tribute! I agree that the service should be a celebration of the life of the person who has passed and not a restricted dress code fashion show (is that too harsh?).

**mexpiper** · 7th February 06, 10:21 PM

I understand the color thing being very garish... at a recent funeral I attended, it was a tradditional Hispanic Catholic Mass, I had my dress pants and a Guyabera (AKA Mexican Wedding Shirt), many were dressed that way. When the family came down the isle following the casket, all her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren had bright pink/fushia t-shirts on. It was her favorite color, so to honour her they wore them. Yes, even the men and boys!!

I found it very appropriate, as long as it was done with respect.

I think that when my time comes , i am going to ask everyone to wear a tartan or plaid of some type.... but than again at my church.. when a very liked, loved and respected young man died (16 yo of cancer) , we sang "take me out to the ball park" as his casket left the church, led by the priest.