Saying Good-bye to a Friend
The following is a description of Don Hubbard’s funeral and interment. It is not intended to be an “After Action Report,” rather just an account of the proceedings. I have tried to remember as many of those as I could who were part of the funeral activities, and if I have inadvertently left someone out or misspelled a name please accept my apologies and let me know so I can correct the information. I am grateful for the musical and military support that was present to honor Don and know that his family passes on their sincere appreciation for all that was done.
Jari Villanueva
Don Hubbard died of a heart attack on Thursday, December 18, 2003. After consultation with Don’s family over the following weekend, a funeral service was designed to include the different aspects of his life – family, friends, and members from the Civil War re-enacting hobby as well as his business, Teen Winter Sports, and his church. Don had requested to be buried in his re-enacting uniform of Union Lt. Colonel which he wore as commander of the Eastern Field Music School, and had asked for certain Civil War music to be performed at his service. Don was a US Marine veteran, having served during the 1960s. However, Marine support was not requested for the funeral due to the inability to locate his discharge papers. The funeral home did supply the family with a US flag.
News of Don’s passing spread quickly through the re-enacting world. A call went out for musicians and troops to serve as honor guard, and the response was great. Many who knew Don in various capacities wanted to be involved with his funeral. Many more who could not be present sent their condolences and reminiscences of Don, along with many floral arrangements.
Don’s visitation was Monday, December 22 from 4-8 PM at the Everly Funeral Home in Fairfax, VA. During the four hours of the viewing, an honor guard stood 15-minute watches by the casket. The watch was coordinated by David Noell, Don’s drum teacher, and for the most part the honor guard consisted of the musicians who served under Don in one of his field musics, although there was no shortage of volunteers. There were Union re-enactors and also Confederates who stood with the Virginia state flag. Every changing of the guard was done with the utmost respect and precision. Although most of the musicians had never been involved with a watch like this, they performed admirably with military precision. The family commented they were quite pleased and impressed with the guard and noted the devotion of those who participated. I stood a watch with David Noell, who is a member of the 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard). He was in Zouave uniform, and I wore my Air Force uniform as a tribute to Don’s service to our country. I was proud and honored to stand a final watch for someone who worked so hard for us all.
During the viewing, music played quietly over the sound system. The music, supplied by Joe Whitney and myself, was taken from various soundtracks and recordings of bands of the Civil War and included pieces Don had requested and music of his beloved fifes and drums. During the evening many of Don’s friends from his Teen Winter Sports business, his church, and many re-enactors also attended. Those who could not make the funeral on Tuesday came Monday evening. Some came in uniform, some came in regular dress, but all with the same purpose – to say good-bye to a friend and colleague.
On Tuesday, December 23 the funeral service and interment were held. The funeral took place at Truro Episcopal Church in Fairfax, VA, a church rich in Civil War history. It was a beautiful sunny and warm day. In attendance were an honor guard, fife and drum corps and pall bearers made up of Teen Winter Sports colleagues and re-enactors.
The service included the playing of The Little Brown Church in the Wildwood, The Vacant Chair, and Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring by church music director Diann Clark on the organ and myself on trumpet. Erica & Kent Courtney sang Angel Band as part of the prelude music. The Reverend Marshall Brown officiated. Hymns included A Mighty Fortress is Our God, Rock of Ages, and Amazing Grace. Both Don’s business colleagues and the re-enacting community were invited to participate in the service. A scripture reading was read by musician David Loyal, and Joel Hummel (Sergeant Major at the first Field Music School and a Lt. Colonel in the USMCR) spoke on behalf of the re-enacting community. His eulogy including reading from some of the many emails sent in the 24 hours after the announcement of Don’s passing. After the conclusion of the service the casket was taken outside and the US flag was placed over it.
The funeral then proceeded to National Memorial Park in Falls Church for the interment. The procession was met inside the cemetery by the fife and drum corps under the direction of drum major David Runner. Playing muffled drums, the corps led the procession to the gravesite. The corps included Joe Whitney, David Noell, Andrew Faudree, Adam Wiley, Matt Piston, David Loyal, Jim Flood, Timothy Ertel, Seamus Ertel, Aaron Cregar, Owen Budd, and Matthew Fogle.
Once at the site the fife and drum corps escorted the casket to the grave playing a somber funeral march. Eight pall bearers (Don Harrelson, Mark Elrod, Jeff Smith, and David Michel were among the bearers) held the US flag over the casket during the brief interment service. At the conclusion, a firing party of re-enactors fired three volleys and Taps was sounded. The flag was folded and presented to Don’s aunt by David Michel of the 2nd US Dragoons. After the service the drums and fifes played Merry Men Home From the Grave as they departed.
The firing party was under the command of Lt. Rich Hill who did a superb job in giving commands and taking charge of the re-enactors at the church and cemetery. Among those troops were Michael Schnaffer, Denny Rohrbaugh, Joshua Mordin, and Kevin Kelley. Ken Coanshock carried the NJ colors. Lester Schumaker attended in his Navy uniform.
A special note of thanks goes to Joe Whitney and David Noell for taking charge of the field music. Julio Zangroniz, Steve Pannier, Tom Piston, Alex Garbeck, Wayne and Joseph Abernathy were among other re-enactors at the service. Civilian women included Heather Faust and Kathryn Coombs.
After the funeral a reception was held at an American Legion hall in Fairfax. Many rose to share fond memories of Don. Pictures provided by Teen Winter Sports, David Loyal, and David Noell were displayed on a table in the hall. It was fascinating to all to find out about Don’s “other life.” We also found out that Don was known as “Skip” to his aunts, who had little idea of his re-enacting. They only knew he would be gone for days at a time when they were to pick up mail at his house. Many stories were told reflecting Don’s sense of humor, his generosity, and his love for and ability to inspire young people, whether it be on the ski slopes or the field of re-enacting.
Rich Hill summed it up very well in an internet report, when he said:
“Those who attended Don’s funeral yesterday came to know a few things about Don they may not have known before.
For example, he loved young people and spent much of his time and not inconsiderable energy working in several different pursuits on their behalf by organizing and mentoring, teaching and guiding them in his unique style.
He was an accomplished skier.
He was consummately, a gentleman.
He loved Our Lord Jesus Christ and, in turn, was loved by Him who is Love itself.
He did not merely bring a presence to the things he did, he brought passion, majesty and, in a world of failed promises, commitment.
He was an exemplar of Christian behavior.
He was a gift to many people in many different walks of life.
Don’s heart was indeed in reenacting but it was also in skiing and in worshiping God and in the hearts of the young people with whom he associated.
We who remain, turn our hearts to God in thankful joy for the gift to His people that was Don Hubbard. We enjoyed his presence here on earth and now that he has gone on to his heavenly home, his many contributions will not soon be forgotten. We will sit before the fireplace, before the Altar of God, before the campfire remembering him and his innumerable achievements in this world for years to come.
In his living, Don taught us how to live for others and in his dying, he has taught us how to live eternally. May he rest in peace.”
Tags: bugler, Don Hubbard, In Memoriam