Brock Follows View A Story - Burlington, Ontario | Guelph Line Smith's Funeral Home
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The Boys Weekend to end all weekends!

I will try to publish this story for the third time after losing two previous attempts (to cyberspace)! I will start this by saying how proud I was after being with my son Ryan and his two good friends Juan and Brock up at our Davis Lake cottage for nearly 3 days last Thursday. Juan and Ryan arrived early but they wouldn't let the real festivities begin until Brock arrived around 5pm. We immediately went out on the lake where Brock quickly demonstrated a no holds barred attitude. He threw down the guantlet as he challenged the boys to entertain the onlookers and make sure everyone was having a good time. Brock and Juan chose to ski while Ryan wakeboarded. And let's not forget Ryan's 11 year old sister Kate, who later carved up the lake slslom-skiing. Brock graciously told Kate he had never seen anyone start on one ski before, never mind a girl half his age! The boys had a lot of laughs, some meat on the barbeque and I'm sure a few more beers but it was a relatively early night. The next morning saw Brock with apron serving up eggs and sausage, but I do believe it was Juan gets credit for the cooking. It wasn't long before the big challenge, and the boys were back on the water. Brock expressed a strong desire to wakeboard, especially after watching his friend Ryan jump the wake. After 9 attempts, Brock had the line of the weekend, which kept everyone laughing. I'd share it with you now but some things on a boys weekend are better left unsaid. On the 10th try, Brock was on top of the water and making 180 degree jumps...or at least attempting them. He showed no fear and a keen desire to entertain. He inspired Juan to drop a ski and go on one whereby the day previous Juan could barely stand up on two! Ryan wasn't going to rest until he landed a triple axle in the air and the boys weekend was well underway. Music blaring from the boat kept the spirits high as Kate got in on the wakeboarding act. A gas shortage meant all good things on water must come to an end. A succulent steak dinner and a few beers on the deck watching the sunset was a great way to slow things down. But Brock wouldn't have anything of the sort, and got up dancing to keep the party going. We must have heard the Gorillaz new song, Doncamatic 50 times that night, thanks to "Repitious Ryan" Our boys weekend more closely resembled a girls soiree as my wife Fran and girlfriend Carolyn finally showed up only to be greeted by 4 men and one young girl dancing on the sofa and chairs in the main room of the cottage. It was obvious that Brock "the Bobcat" liked to have fun, so we next were headed down the shore to my guitar playing neighbours house to enjoy a little more music. Although we were mostly off key,at least Juan had some musical ability as Kieth handed him an instrument. Brock requested Barenaked Ladies and low and behold his girlfriend Daniel calls him on his cell! It was after midniight when a warm smile overcame Brock. It was obvious he was smitten, and was so proud to pass the phone around so everyone could get to talk to his new found love. Moreso than any of us, "Bobcat" was in a happy place. Another hour later we were sent on our way, and as we walked home in the pitch darknewss, I was content to hit the hay as soon as I got home. But the boys would later wake me and the many cottagers on the lake at 3am. They bellowed out more songs and laughter at the top of their lungs, this time from a raft out on the lake. The last day was more of the same - watersports, good laughs, good food and good times. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the company, and I was never so proud that my son Ryan had found such good people he could proudly say were some of his best friends. Brock embodied an energy that was infectious. He had a joie de vivre that quietly crept up on people. I saw a man who liked to put it all out there, who played hard and had fun every step of the way. He was determined to succeed at wakeboarding, and that he did. We all had a hard time leaving last Saturday, but we felt it was just a temporary good bye. How could we think otherwise? He liked the Tragically Hip and he went out in that fashion - last Sunday he was very happy as he posted in facebook - "Life is Good". All we have now are the wonderful memories of those three days, and the things that Brock showed us - to laugh hard and often, be kind to others, never quit and to "enjoy the moment". Oh yes, and to dance as if no one is watching. Brock, we will always remember you and we know you are watching us. Peace be with you
Posted by Scott Rogers
Thursday September 5, 2013 at 11:41 pm
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