Kin Appreciate Condolences

* My family and I extend heartfelt thanks for sharing with Southern Californians the tragic loss of my husband, author Forrest E. “Skip” Fickling (April 11).

The memorial service honoring Skip’s 73d birthday, the special life he lived and his new life in heaven was truly magnificent. Inspiring beyond belief was the blessing of Rev. Gary Tucker, the words spoken following his invocation, and our proud U.S. Marine Corps personnel, who stood at attention in their elegant blue uniforms during the entire 45-minute procedure.

The magnificent 21-gun salute that followed and the commandant’s flag presentation brought tears to many an eye, as did the empathetic flag offering by the Air Force (who came all the way from March Air Force Base) to my sons Michael, Christopher and Jeffry.

Add to all this the five graceful gulls who swooped dramatically down at close of the ceremonies. A professional choreographer could not have designed it more eloquently.

GLORI FICKLING

Laguna Beach