Friday, September 7, Sheldon and I flew to Salt Lake City to pay our respects and share our sympathy with the family of Rob Lamb. Sheldon was devastated with the news of Rob's tragic airplane crash the week before. After having worked with them so closely for the past year as the managers of the Anaya home project in Homer, we had grown to be quite close to Rob and Kristen and their 5 children. Their best friends and employers, our clients Gene and Andrea Anaya invited us to stay with them in their beautiful Victorian home for the weekend.
Daughter Kailea gave us a tour of the home, featuring many rooms which had been remodeled by Rob with Kristen's design. Sheldon especially like the sport court in the back yard, though it was too HOT (85 degrees) to shoot long.
We stayed in the "Americana" room downstairs.
Friday evening we attending the "viewing" where we saw Kristen and the kids for the first time.
We were welcomed as family and watched them greet friends and family for 3 hours in a room with Rob's casket, beautiful flowers, and several tables and displays of photos and memorabilia. Rob's passions were his family and flying; his airplane insignia was incorporated in the floral arrangements.
Rob was an amazing husband and father... an inspiration to us as we saw the testimony of a life lived to the full, faithfully working and playing hard with his family. They loved Alaska and would spend much of the summer here!
Guests lined up around the block for hours to pay their respects.
Emotionally exhausted, the family's Mormon faith sustained them with hope and peace. The eldest son was given a break from his 2 yr. mission in Paraguay to return home for the service. So good for Kristen and the kids to all be together... Thatcher (20 yrs.) looks so much like his Dad!
The Memorial Service was held at the church the next morning, Saturday at 11 a.m. after another two hours of "viewing", greeting guests, and a family prayer. Each of Rob's siblings shared stories during the service of his growing up years and antics.... Lots of laughs and a few tears, too!
The nieces and nephews (50+) were invited to sing one of Rob's favorite songs, a children's hymn. His kids sang it in French as he had taught them, with tears streaming down their faces.
Thatcher delivered an awesome tribute to his Dad... incredible gut-wrenching testimony and life legacy confirmed by the sanctuary packed with 1,000+ guests.
Balloons were distributed as we proceeded to the cemetery.
Son McKennan (18 yrs.) will depart for his 2 yr. mission to Paris next month. We all released balloons with messages in Rob's memory... a beautiful goodbye in flight.
Kristen encouraged so many with her smile and peace all weekend.
Youngest son Garen (13 yrs.) shared a memory back at the church during the lunch with the family. (300+)
Saturday after the memorial, and Sunday after church, we spent time with the family at Rob and Kristen's home. What a gorgeous representation of their teamwork, design, construction, and skill!
Daughter Lorisha (15 yrs.) made crepes for us all, just like her Daddy taught her.
Back to the gravesite Sunday afternoon to visit and collect flowers to dry and arrange.
Kristen and the 5 kids in order: Thatcher, McKennan, Kailee, Lorisha, and Garen. Plus 1, Daniel Anaya. :)
What a beautiful family we have grown to love!
Gene and Andrea took us back to the airport Sunday night. We toured the visitor center at the Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Thank you, Friends, for including us in your lives. We love you and pray for you!
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