This description was written by Bill Whalen for Carol Duncan

Hi Carol - Have you heard a report from Denis Hill's "funeral at sea"? It was a nice affair. At 9am on a glorious Sat morning, about 7 sail boats and Bob Lehrman's motor cruiser with Phil Phillips, our Venice Marine Policeman, leading the procession with his lights a flashing departed the VYC. I believe 2 or 3 other sailboats joined the procession as we motored toward the jetty. The winds were very light without a cloud in the very blue and clear sky. The water was flat, just perfect for our ceremony.
 
As we made the 3 mile mark, with Jack and Jan Stevenson's boat in the lead and the Hill family aboard, they pulled to off to port and the remaining boats encircled their sailboat. We were all tuned to channel 72, and as soon as the circle was completed, Janice's voice broke the silence and the ceremony commenced with a few words from the family. This being my first funeral at sea, I was quite enthralled by the entire event. It was a moving experience when the kind words ceased, and the family all stood around the perimeter of the stern, tossing bouquets of flower that floated on the water. Then the immediate family members dispersed Dennis' remains into the sea. As this began, John Lynch who was on my sailboat, Lefkada, lifted his trumpet and played a song for the family, followed by his rendition of Taps. The only sound was John's horn. It was a wonderful end to a lovely ceremony. Within seconds of John's music ending, Janice returned to the radio and advised the ceremony was over and all were invited back to the VYC for drinks and light foods.
 
Everyone returned and were docked by 1030 at VYC. Several boats rafted up alongside others with Jim Eve attached to us at Heigel Park. The bloody mary's flowed with coffee juices breakfast rolls and pastries and such. The gathering was comfortable and conversations flowed like wine. Dennis Hill's daughter stood up and said a few final words about her Dad. Shortly thereafter, about 11:30, thank-yous with additional condolences began. By 12 noon all were gone. I think each of us participating shared similar feelings, all very positive, and never to be confused with other funerals we have attended and participated in before. Simply a wonderful and unforgettable experience. Sorry you were not here to experience the morning. I'm sure you would have felt as moved as I.
 
Bill W