Search the Archives
Last weekend over 40 brothers from Chi Phi traveled to Alexandria, VA by car and plane to attend the memorial service of Wiatt Farrar, a truly beloved brother of Chi Phi. The service was held at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Wiatt’s alma mater and the place people knew him best.
Wiatt was always easy to spot because his red hair stuck out of the crowd, but that’s not why everyone noticed him. People noticed his smile, laugh, and of course his feet, as they always seemed to be sliding across a dance floor.
Sitting in the chapel waiting for the service to begin, tears rolled down the faces of women and men alike, as people from all over the world entered to mourn Wiatt’s death. It seemed like there were several reoccurring themes throughout the service. Speakers told old glory stories about his days on the football and lacrosse fields and basketball court. We also heard about his friendliness and how he always made it enjoyable to hang around him. Listening to these stories, family and friends alike both switched from tears to laughter with ease.
Wiatt’s death is not just a loss to the Chi Phi brothers, but to his family, high school classmates, and anyone who was ever touched by his adorning smile or laugh. At the reception, Wiatt’s dad, Scotty, left me with some words of advice as I had trouble controlling my strange mix of emotions; I had the biggest smile on my face as tears rolled from my eyes. He wiped a few teardrops from my check and told me that every time we smile, it brings us closer to Wiatt.
by Samuel J. Pouns
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
RSS 2.0
