Stone Markers installed October 5th, 2012
With just hours to spare before we said our farewell to New Hampshire, the headstone and grave marker were installed in the cemetery. About 5pm on Thursday Sept. 27th, Krystyana and I arrived at the cemetery to watch as they placed the stones. This was the first time we got to see the finished stones instead of drawings and Photoshop ideas on a computer.
Now if anyone wants to visit they will be able to easily find the right place, just use the map from my previous post and look for the unusually shaped deep gray headstone – see picture. Colors in my photo are a bit off – the stone is a charcoal grey with almost sandstone like markings.
At the foot of the plot on the left is Jake’s personal marker. Again, see the picture. This was even harder to photograph as the dark areas are really a mirror shiny black. The big features were sandblasted and then the delicate shading was etched by an artist by hand using the original photo as a reference.
Some of you may recognize it. It was taken by Jake on our Antarctica trip while at Elephant Island. He posted it on the blog in September 2010 when he entered it into a NatGeo photo contest, here is the link if you would like to see the original http://www.jakestake.tv/2010/09/07/vote-for-me-at-national-geographic-photo-contest/.
The next day Krystyana and I dropped in with a couple pots of bright colored flowers to brighten it up a bit.
As mentioned at the start, the kids and I are now back home on Bonaire with all the fun of reopening a house after it has been very lightly used for over a year and a half. I expect to be having a very quiet putting the ashes into the sea thing Tuesday, October 16th, probably up at Ol’ Blue during sunset. All are welcome. Jake didn’t want a religious ceremony of any sort.
Linda, Krystyana and Bas
23 Responses
Mercy Says:
Such a beautiful tribute to a wonderful husband and father. He was and is, truly loved.
Bill Heyman Says:
Those are beautiful memorials for Jake.
Barbara Leary Says:
Very beautiful! I am going to try to get out to the cemetery when I am back there in a couple of weeks, thanks for posting the information.
Hugs to you all.
Denise & Teddy Says:
love and hugs to you, Linda, Bas, and Krystyana
… Jake is in our hearts always
Tom Cousino Says:
Linda, thinking of you, Bas and Krystyana as you start this new chapter. Wonderful markers and so fitting to use one of Jake’s photos. When I next ride in that area, I will stop by. Hugs to you all.
Freddie Hughes Says:
These are beautiful Linda, Krystyana and Bas. I am so glad that you got a chance to see them before going home… know that I think often of you and hope that you are doing well… Enjoy the warmth and friendship you have on island.. hugs and love to you all
Liz and Ed Says:
Beautiful!!! Please know that we will be thinking of you on the 16th. I will be able to close my eyes and imagine…I’ve been at Ole’ Blue at sunset. I will be in the hospital for another surgery. Love you all!
elaine Says:
beautiful stones. thank u for taking the time to post
hugs to u all
Sarah J. Says:
Much love to you all. The 16th, has been marked in my calendar. God Bless. SJ
Kitty Says:
So beautiful… Thank you again for yet another moment that takes my breath away… Much love & hugs to you all.
Roy & Helga Says:
Lovely resting place, kind thoughts & hugs from us both to you and the kids.
Laura R Says:
Tears in my eyes as I look upon the stone. What an incredible tribute. I can only be there in spirit on the 15th, sadly, but know that my thoughts turn to you and your family on that day and so many other days.
Laura R.
Ted Says:
Very cool rememberance markers! Love the quote.
Kelly Baum Says:
Those stones are beautiful, Linda. And so different, like Jake. Thank you for sharing them with us. I will be with you in spirit on the 16th, sending my love and gentle hugs.
Tara Smith Says:
Very beautiful indeed.
On the 16th Guy and I will send up our extra thoughts of Jake and the lessons he bestowed on us. To never miss a hug, smile from the heart and live with genuine curiosity in the world around us.
Dara Says:
A beautiful memorial to a remarkable man who will continue to inspire us all to become all that we might be. I’ll be thinking of you, and remembering all the good times, on Tuesday at sunset.
Vince DePietro Says:
Very fitting..Vaya con Dios..
Louise Gauron Says:
Beautiful tribute.You and your family will be in my toughts on the 16th at sunset. Gentle hugs
Margarite Says:
Loving thoughts to you and for all of us tomorrow at sunset.
More and more tears……
Elvira Bolaños Says:
Beautiful! Hugs. I’ll be thinking of all of you on Thursday.
pat murphy Says:
thanks for the update linda. i tried to get there this week but couldn’t get a ticket. you’re in our thoughts and prayers today. we’ll be with you in spirit, especially at sunset.
Barry Baker Says:
In memory of Jake Richter. He showed me several things I had not seen before. One was my first seahorse. Second was a pair of Black Brotulas, a fish not seen by many. Third was while cleaning fish after snorkel fishing was a Viper Moray coming out of the water on the shore rocks 6 inches to get a piece of fish for himself. And last but not least, gastronomically, the heaven known as Rijsttafel.