Yesterday, I posted a blog about my uncle Neil. Today, I received an email from a cousin who shared all the details of Neil’s funeral. I really appreciated that, since the service was out of province and I couldn’t attend.
My cousin said the funeral was short, simple, and very much something Neil would have appreciated. At the end of the service, a very fitting song was played – the original Norman Greenbaum recording of “Spirit in the Sky”. How awesome is that! This song, from 1969, was one both Neil and I listened to over and over, and I couldn’t have picked a better one for his memorial. I’m sure there were some very shocked mourners, as the funeral was held in a relatively traditional Mennonite church in rural Saskatchewan. Rock and roll music is still considered a sin by many, perhaps even sacrilegious for a funeral, and this particular song is particularly heavy on the rock and roll!
I am so glad Neil’s family defied tradition and went with something that was completely Neil. I hope my family will do the same when my time comes.
Here are the lyrics, in case you’ve forgotten.
Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that’s the best
When I lay me down to die
Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky
Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky
That’s where I’m gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that’s the best
Prepare yourself you know it’s a must
Gotta have a friend in Jesus
So you know that when you die
He’s gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky
Gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky
That’s where you’re gonna go when you die
When you die and they lay you to rest
You’re gonna go to the place that’s the best
Never been a sinner I never sinned
I got a friend in Jesus
So you know that when I die
He’s gonna set me up with
The spirit in the sky
Oh set me up with the spirit in the sky
That’s where I’m gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
I’m gonna go to the place that’s the best
Go to the place that’s the best
Inside the Writer 
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your uncle sounds like a wonderful man. I loved reading the stories of your shared earlier years. My thoughts and prayers go to his wife, as well. Love this song. And I love it that it was played for him…and for us. Big hugs and much love, my friend!