Celebrating Christine - 04/04/09

Christine Mooney, a very beautiful and wonderful woman whom I had the pleasure to work with passed away a few weeks ago. This was very sad news as she was quite young and an amazing force to be around, but she passed peacefully after a few years battling cancer.

Her husband Kim, her "Fristers" and many other family and friends organized a stunning memorial celebration for her today, for which I was most honored to attend.

Professionally, Christine was one of the top Costume Designers in Vancouver and a complete joy to work with and learn from. She and Kim had a relationship that I greatly admired and whenever I had an opportunity to spend time with them, was most happy to do so.

The Stanley Park Rowing Club provided a beautiful location for the memorial - the day was gorgeous and spring blossoms were everywhere, creating a fittingly poetic foreground to the water and city buildings beyond.

A huge number of people came to celebrate Christine, and it was good to see so many friends I've worked with in the past.

The speeches given by Kim, family and friends were most touching and inspiring - she was really loved and that love permeated everyone in the room. There were a lot of tears, but far more hugs and laughter.

Afterwards, I spent the remainder of the day on my own, reflecting on life, my life. Some times can seem quite tough, but overall, I am incredibly fortunate to live as I do, have the family and friends I have and especially the freedom, which I value so much.

Thanks Christine for being a light in my life, for the echo of your laughter and the memories of your fantastic smile.