January 16, 2009 Ken's wife passed from this life to the next. He stayed home from work that day not realizing (though he may have had an intuition) it would be his last day with her on this Earth. Ken would call Terry that night and I would be honored with a call from him the very next day. He asked me to be a pall bearer. On Wednesday, January 21, 2009 he had his wake. I took my children and my wife. It was Ava's fourth birthday and we took her to Arby's and let her have some curly fries, a roast beef, and a chocolate shake. The children were fairly good and we stayed about an hour. Ava made a few people happy by coming up to Hyon's body that was dressed in a beautiful Korean traditional garment (hahn boke). I was telling Ava how Hyon had gone up to heaven, and Ava just says, she is very beautiful...those in the first row on the right side could here it and I could tell they thought it was very sweet. On Thursday, January 22, 2009, Paula came over and watched the children so Stacy could accompany me to the funeral. We arrived right around 1200. They had some food already prepared and ate before the funeral. In hindsight, it was a better arrangement and allowed people some nourishment before the additional emotional trauma that was sure to follow (no one would pass out or anything). There was a great coconut cake, some great pudding, beef tenders, potato salad, garden salad, and some deviled eggs as well as chicken and dumplings. The little church, Arkadelphia Baptist Church, was quaint and beautiful. The weather was about 70 degrees and cloudless..in a word, perfect. The plot right out the church had only a few occupied sites and Hyon would be buried next to Ken's father who also had passed on after a bout with cancer (the year prior). Ken performed remarkably in his eulogy and even was one of four carrying the casket. He was emotional, but help together the entire time. He was able to get through a dedication/eulogy to Hyon and there was narry a dry eye in the place. Ken has already said that he plans to be back to work on Monday...yes, just a few days after the funeral. We are praying for the family that they continue to be strong and Ken's faith has been an inspiration to those that know him.
We had the misfortune of being so far away from our extended family for little Cole's passing. This said, my parents kept us informed and it made for an even harder week for us and for many others. We understand that his funeral will be this Tuesday, January 27, 2009 with the wake the night earlier. The specifics of Cole's passing are hard to get into to. It was sudden and shocking. I do know that Jesus claimed him as his own and that passing away means entering some place far better. Our prayers to the family...especially the Buckinghams and the O'Briens, but for everyone. I understand that little Cole has helped others with his Cornea, Kidneys and Liver and this is no small gift! Here is a copy of the obituary for little Cole!
Cole James Buckingham
Buckingham, Cole James age 4, born June 27, 2004, died unexpectedly on January 21, 2009 at Minneapolis Chil- dren's Hospital. Cole was an absolute blessing to all of us and we know our lives will never be the same without him. He had a spirit that lit up any room he entered and you couldn't help but completely fall in love with him. Cole is survived by his parents, Jesse and Shannon (O'Brien) Buckingham; his adored brothers, Casey and Anthony; his grandparents, John Buckingham, Carole Buckingham, Phil and Vonnie O'Brien; great-grandparents, Delores Rouillard, Adeline May, Don and Elaine O'Brien; aunts and uncles, Jennifer Buckingham, Jason Buckingham, Molly (Tony) Hines, Katie O'Brien, Jennifer (Patrick) Jordan and cousins, Erin and Jordan McEachern, Jonathan Buckingham, Sam, Charlie, Joe and Stevie Hines, Lauren Jackson, Drew and Abby Jordan; as well as many family and friends. Cole was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Norbert May, Roger Rouillard, John "Jack" and Dorothy Buckingham. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, January 27 at 11 AM at Mary Queen of Peace- St. Martin Campus in Rogers. Visitation will be held AT CHURCH on Monday from 3-8 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to Mass. Burial to follow in St. Martin's Cemetery.
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