On Sunday we went to a lovely memorial gathering for Marc Coeffic who was known to many of you. It was a small affair hosted by Sophia and their daughter Camille who was over from France and was held at the Helm – the lounge bar opposite the Buccaneer.
Marc had made it very clear over the years that when he died he did not want a funeral – or any sort of gathering – but I believe that funerals are not for the deceased – they are a way of marking a very important rite of passage. They are for those left behind – a way to come to terms with what has happened and a chance for friends and family to come together and laugh and cry and talk and remember the person who is no longer with us.
Sophia gave a simple, beautiful speech that was very moving. Camille very bravely read a lovely message from Yanni – Angelika Bacchus’ son , Gail – Sophia’s sister read another moving message from Dr Bacchus and then people were invited to say whatever they were moved to in his memory. It was a wonderfully poignant time and friends and family said what needed to be said ….. That is so important to do.
There were boards up with Marc’s pictures of all sorts of events and people – he was a very talented photographer with a great eye for a picture and the ability to capture a moment forever on film. There were a couple of young children there as well – such a beautiful reminder of the circle of life at a time that could otherwise be a sad and maudlin affair.
Mark’s legacy includes both his beautiful daughter as well as the pictures that will endure over the years. Funerals and memorials are good time I find to muse on what each of our legacies will be. Some much more solid and visible than others which can just as importantly be intangible and more ethereal ….. A good thought to meditate on and not in a sad sort of way. It is so important that we recognize and acknowledge what we have contributed in life – because we all do even if we are not instantly aware of it…..
It was a gathering that I think served all of us well , simple, heartfelt, honest and true. Perfect ….
I had a wonderful treat this week – a private yoga class with Monique Carroll in Ethan’s magnificent Lookout Pavilion at the Levy Preserve. I won it in a draw at the yoga class Monique teaches at the Levy Preserve every Saturday at 10 am.
So it was a first time for me doing restorative yoga – ever heard of that ? It is a slow and meditative form of yoga done with props like straps, bolsters and yoga blocks. It was very peaceful and contemplative and I really did feel restored after it. The following lines taken from the verywellfit.com site sum it up perfectly……
“Restorative yoga is a restful practice that encourages you to slow down and open your body through passive stretching.It is a practice of deep relaxation that emphasizes the meditative aspect of yoga—the union of body and mind. ”
Plus the surroundings of being way up above the tree line and gazing out over the expanse of the preserve made it a very special experience…..
And so dear friends that’s it for this week – feeling grateful and relaxed after my yoga session and giving thanks for those who are still with us…….
Take care and give a little thought to what you think of as your legacy that you will leave behind – an open mind and a peaceful setting will help you open to what your contributions have been in the world. It is a profound exercise and absolutely everyone does contribute so do not be tempted to dismiss your gifts to the world……..
Here are some more of Marc’s pictures that were on display on Sunday…… and thanks to Yasmin for some of the pictures at The Helm
Rest in peace Marc….
18 thoughts on “A Lovely Memorial Gathering for Marc Coeffic”
I was not surprised when you mentioned a couple blogs ago that Marc passed. I saw him at Island Farm in mid-March, as he walked away in his white shirt, khaki pants, and hat, with his pickups. I thought to myself he won’t be with us much longer. It was something about his gait, the way he meandered through the crowd as if the seas parted for this thin man. We remember him in his yellow VW bug, stopping to chat with us, always smiling, waving. Or taking pictures at your parties, or playing great tunes at Bacchus. Condolences to all who knew Marc.
Thank you Donna xx
Beautifully written. It made me cry.
Thank you Linda xx
Rest In Peace Marc
Thank you Mike xx
Our son died Palm Sunday,age 27.We will be having a memorial service to honor him in July.It’s so important for the loved ones left behind who struggle, even tho Marc didn’t want anything done.Sounds like it was a loving service.We talked many times with Marc in the past while buying paint and also at the Bacchus pizza nights several years ago. He was a big part of Eleuthera and will be missed.
Oh Lynn what a heartbreak. To die so young is such a cruel thing … I send you and your family love and condolences. I pray that your support network carry you through this awful time.
thank you kathy for this .marc, que tu repose en paix
Sorry I have only just seen this ….. Happy to have a spot where people can read about Marc.
Kathy, Your words are a lovely tribute to Marc. Sophia told me she located the box of my “Eleuthera” books I gave Marc to sell at his gallery shortly before he died. Sarah Gardner is picking the box up and I plan to sell the books at Sarah’s Island Nest shop as a memorial to Marc. They are the last books I have; I’ve been sold out for quite a while. I plan to donate the proceeds in Marc’s memory.
Oh that’s a lovely gesture Katie. I realize while I was doing some sorting out that in fact I do have a copy of the book – so pleased to find it ! Thank you x
Kathy, thank you for the lovely recap of the gathering in memory of Marc. We were among many dozens of homeowners who stopped by Paradise Paints weekly for house paint, spray paint and lovely tiles for all our renovations. He and Sophia were so sweet. It’s hard to imagine Palmetto Point without Marc. Our condolences to Sophia and Camille
Thank you Kay – lovely to hear from you and I hope that all is well with you and Dave.
Wow Kathy. You have moved me to tears this morning.
Your descriptive tale of the gathering to honor Marc is delicate, honest and caring. Your words of love resonate dearly with me on the passing of those you have loved. xo
Thank you for your beautiful words Susy and so lovely to hear from you…..
Thank you Marco for allowing me to be your friend.
You were an authentic, artist, good friend, loving, good listener, cultured, enthusiastic, always positive.
The French friends are all very sad and you will live on in our minds. I will miss our long conversations.
Some how you are still with us at every gathering.
HO! HA! HOOO!
Repose en paix mon ami.
Steph
Thank you for this ……