Goodbye, Warren Matumeak - part 4: final military honors; Psalm 23: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever
Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 6:05PM 
As the service draws to an end, Barrow veterans, including many who have fought in foreign wars, took turns in paying Warren Matumeak their respect. Wesley Aiken, who served with him, salutes his life-long friend and closest cousin.
James Kapu Ahsoak and Thomas Hopson during the folding of the flag.
As Hopson takes the folded flag, Nowpakahok salutes.
David Leavitt presents the flags of the State of Alaska and the Alaska Territitorial Guard to Warren’s daughter Darlene Kagak.
Wesley Aiken presents the American flag to Warren’s eldest daughter, Alice Akpik.
;)
His fellow veterans give Warren Matumeak a final salute. To see a larger version of this image, click on the picture. "View as slide show" will display larger versions of all pictures.
Warren’s grandsons Warren Kagak and Tommie Akpik lead the way as Warren's pallbearers carry him from the church…
…and then to his grave.
Family members gather around as Warren Matumeak is lowered into the permafrost. Afterward, when they gather at his home to eat, they will express great confidence that he has gone to a better place and that in time, short by eternal standards, they will join him there.
The Reverend John Chambers conducts the graveside service.
The grave is filled in.
Warren loved Psalm 23 and had recited it a few times during the final weeks of his life, so the family asked Mark Ahsoak if he would create a plaque of Psalm 23 for the cross that would mark Warren’s grave. He did. Darlene examines the plaque and is pleased by it.
Robert Akpik places a wreath on the cross that now marks his aapa’s grave.
Family members gather behind him.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table...
Reader Comments (4)
We all walk through this "valley of the shadow of death". I treasure Psalm 23 for it is a song of such comfort.
Bill, Thank you for sharing with us, again. What a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony. Psalm 23 has been my comfort all my life. I suffered with severe migraines for many years & when the pain medications failed, Psalm 23 never did.
I didn't comment when you lost Sandy. It was too difficult, it broke my heart too. I sent many prayers your way and still am. I don't know why her loss was and is so personal to me, maybe because of your pain. I didn't know her, but I came to love her through your blog, I just didn't realize how much. So my friend, I wish you peace and healing and many thanks for allowing me to be a part of all of your wonderful life and family. All the best! Always!
Bill, your words and photos always leave me in tears of gratitude. Always respectful, poignant, gleeful, soaring, and hopeful. Thank you very much...please know how much we appreciate your intimate sharing of your life amongst your family and friends.
Thank you Bill-I was not able to make it to the gravesite because of arthritis;
Juuku was not feeling himself during the day-but he made it to the singspiration.I plan to buy myself a new camera so I can start taking pictures again. I wanted to mention the cross with the aluminum metal nameplate which was made by Mark Ahsoak Jr. if you ever notice our cemetery-Mark(Payuk) Ahsoak Jr. has made so many and does this voluntarily, time & materials donated by him-I could see music cymbals on uncle Warren's nameplate(I have never seen those before on a cross nameplate)-Uncle Warren was a great brother in Christ and a great mentor for so many of us who love gospel music and mostly love God- we, the Inupiaqs are a spiritual people and your pictures really capture this and I just want to thank you so much. Quyanaqpak! June min'