Christmas Morning

Joanne, Anne and I went out this morning and scattered Dad's ashes along a beautiful, remote section of the Upper Deschutes River.   The temperature was in the mid 20's, but the air was still and the sunshine brilliant.   There was a few inches of fresh snow along the ground and a thin layer of ice along the edge of the river.  Deer and rabbit tracks were evident along the water.   There were splendid reflections of the lava rock formations and old growth ponderosa pine trees in the still river.   Birds were calling softly from the forest.   All in all, an idyllic spot; I think Dad would have approved !   I took a few photos to share this memorable Christmas morning.

Let Evening Come - A Poem

Here's a wonderful poem that Frank's nephew Michael shared with us.


Let Evening Come
by Jane Kenyon

Let the light of late afternoon
shine through chinks in the barn, moving
up the bales as the sun moves down.

Let the cricket take up chafing
as a woman takes up her needles
and her yarn. Let evening come.

Let dew collect on the hoe abandoned
in long grass. Let the stars appear
and the moon disclose her silver horn.

Let the fox go back to its sandy den.
Let the wind die down. Let the shed
go black inside. Let evening come.

To the bottle in the ditch, to the scoop
in the oats, to air in the lung
let evening come.

Let it come, as it will, and don't
be afraid. God does not leave us
comfortless, so let evening come.

Double Haiku by Francis

This lovely double haiku was written in memory of Frank by his nephew Francis.

Light gone from eyes
That lovingly held the world
Shining now elsewhere

Beautiful bird has
flown to heights unimagined
I hold this feather

Resonance - A Poem

The following poem was written by Frank's niece Brigitta in 2003 in memory of Frank's mother Dorothy Cleland.  She felt that this poem was also well-suited to Frank.

Resonance

There is peace in the space where I keep you.

A certain depth of sadness
Lit by grace and dignity,

Quiet,
Quiet.

A song of brilliant green
Deepens,
Shelters,
Whispers wisdom,
Colors weeping red
To turn brittle in the autumn sun,
Falling gently with the frost.

I will hold you.

And the memory of a touch,
Distant and profound,

Lies in clarity at the heart of it all.

Shannon's Tribute

Here's a tribute that Shannon prepared for Grandpa Frank.   It was among the last things read to him before he died.

The Top 10 Things I Learned From

Grandpa Frank

1. Value education.
2. Work hard for what you want.
3. Birds are fascinating friends.
4. Spend and save wisely.
5. Find humor in every situation.
6. Quay is indeed a word.
7. Explore outdoors.
8. Quality family time is a priority.
9. Marry you best friend.
10. Love with everything you have.

Thank you for everything you have taught and done for me. I love you so much.

With love,
Shannon
December 2009

A Lifetime of Love - A Poem

Here's poem that Anne wrote for Mom and Dad on the occasion of their 50th anniversary in August, 2006.


A Lifetime of Love

For 50 years, my mom and dad
Have been married, have been glad
Together they have been a team
With love and friendship as their theme

They’ve always shared the same ideals
Caring how each other feels
They’ve always tried their very best
Whenever taking on a quest

While raising kids, they did display
Integrity, honor, and fair play
Their loving guidance and high expectation
Produced kids with an education

Through the years, they’ve had much fun
Birding, camping in the sun
Taking photos, hikes and trips
Family times and good friendships

Through 50 years, their love is strong
Together is where they belong
My mom and dad, two hearts, one voice
Husband and wife, partners by choice

We’re proud of you and this special date
We love you and we celebrate!

Happy 50th Anniversary!

With love,
Anne

Memorial Service

There will be a memorial service for Frank in Bend on Sunday, Jan. 17th, at 10am. We will be sending email with more information. If you would like to attend and do not receive an email in the next day or so, just email Todd at tcleland@gmail.com

The Toastmaster - A Poem

Here's a poem that Anne wrote on the occasion of Dad's 75th birthday in 2003.

As far back as I can recall
Our family's had a protocol
Of honoring the times we share
By raising glasses in the air!

We give a toast to celebrate
Moments, big or small, yet great!
Reunions, birthdays, family fun
Trailer camping, jobs well done!

Who is the one to recognize?
These special times when they arise?
There's just one man, he's our comrade
And that one person is my dad!

He always has the words to say
How we all feel that special day
He speaks so well, his words so true
His thoughts so clear, and when he's through...

We smile, we nod, we lift our glass
And toast together with such class!
It's what we do, it's how we pay
Honor to our special day!

I thank my dad for this tradition
Toasting, honor, recognition
For he's the man, the real headmaster
To me, forever, the toastmaster!

To my dad on his 75th birthday!
With love,
Anne

Bird Photos

Here's a few of Frank's photos of wading birds:




Sandhill Cranes (Top)

Blue Heron (Center)

Green Heron (Bottom)

Bird Poem

Here's a Robert W. Service poem that captures how Frank felt about birds:

"A thousand birds are in my grove,
Melodious from morn to night;
My fruit trees are their treasure trove,
Their happiness is my delight.
And through the sweet and shining days
They know their lover and their friend;
So I will shield in peace and praise
My innocents unto the end. "

- "Bird Sanctuary" by Robert Service


Image from Quiet Girl Gallery

Frank's Obituary

Here's the obituary that Anne and I wrote for Dad. It will run in the Bend Bulletin on Dec. 24th. Please use the comments sections for your condolences, memories and stories.

Franklin Andrew Cleland

Oct. 7, 1928 – Dec. 20, 2009

Franklin “Frank” A. Cleland was born to Robert Earl and Dorothy Voss Cleland in St. Francis, Kansas. He grew up on a farm in St. Francis and moved to Genoa, Texas, when he was in high school. Frank attended Texas A&M University, where he majored in chemical engineering and served as a battalion commander in the Corps of Cadets. After graduating from Texas A&M in 1950, Frank continued on to graduate school at Princeton University, earning a Ph.D. in chemical engineering in 1954.

Following graduate school, Frank joined Shell Development Company in Emeryville, California, as a research scientist. Frank enjoyed a 34 year career with Shell working in a variety of research and management positions before retiring to Bend in 1990. In 1956, Frank married Joanne McConaughy in San Francisco and they shared 53 wonderful years together.

Frank enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family camping, backpacking and boating. He cared deeply about protecting the environment and served on the Central Oregon Audubon Society board of directors for several years.

Frank was a passionate bird watcher and avid wildlife photographer. He traveled widely throughout the United States, Canada and Australia photographing hundreds of different bird species in their native habitats. Frank’s photographs have been showcased at the High Desert Museum, Lava Lands Visitor Center and numerous Central Oregon art galleries and art auctions. His images have also been published in field guides, calendars and post cards. Hummingbirds were Frank’s favorite species and he took particular delight in the challenges of photographing these tiny birds.

Frank is survived by his wife, Joanne, of Bend; son, Todd Cleland, of Corvallis; daughter, Anne Garner, of Los Gatos, California; and granddaughters Valerie Cleland, Stephanie Cleland, Shannon Garner, Kristin Garner, and Lauren Garner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Partners in Care Hospice House, 2075 NE Wyatt Court Bend, OR 97701. A private family service will be held.

Arrangements are by Baird Funeral Homes of Bend.

Frank's Last Days

Frank passed away last night at about 9:30pm at the Partners in Care Hospice House in Bend, Oregon. Joanne, Anne and I were with him during his last few days and had the opportunity to say goodbye and tell him how much we loved him. The Hospice House was an incredible place for Frank to spend his final week; the staff there did an amazing job keeping him comfortable so that we could focus on loving him and supporting each other.

Over the last 3 years, Frank suffered from ataxia, a neurological condition that gradually affects balance, walking, speech, swallowing and breathing. Up until his last week he was able to stay at his lovely home in Bend, where Joanne did an incredible job caring for him. He was able to enjoy the great view and parade of birds and squirrels that visited the feeders along the deck. We enjoyed a wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving visit with him before his health declined sharply in December. This photo was taken during that visit.