Carol and Sean Hogan
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Carol Hogan,
wife of PDG Sean Hogan.
Here is a letter Sean wrote about this and he wants everyone to know that we are to celebrate her life, just as Carol celebrated life.
Friends,
My wife, Carol Hogan, passed away on June 28 after being diagnosed with cancer on June 14. Carol and I had the privilege of serving as your Governor team in 2012-13. She was known by our Rotary family as “Poor Carol” – a nickname given her by PDG Denis Boyd. When anyone asked Denis why she was called “Poor Carol,” he would say “It appears that you haven’t met Sean yet.”
Humour was an important part of our years together. Our 35 years in Rotary enriched our lives, connected us with friends here and around the world, and gave us opportunities that changed our lives and the lives of our children.
Here are the plans for celebrating Carol’s life:
Sunday, July 10 – Rotary International President, and our friend, Jennifer Jones, will be at White Rock (close to the pier). The event will run from 9:30 to 2:30 with Jen joining us around 10:30. We will have bands, food trucks, do a beach cleanup and more. I was part of the planning committee. I will be there and hope that many of you will join me.
Monday, July 11 – Carol’s ashes will be interred during a gravesite ceremony at the Gardens of Gethsemani in Surrey. Family, close friends and any others who wish to join us are welcome to arrive at 9:00 am with the brief ceremony held at 9:30. Everyone is invited to our home afterwards for an informal gathering. Dress is smart casual or just comfortable.
Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 – an open house gathering at our home as a type of modified Irish wake. Drop in as you wish and are able from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on either or both days. No need to let me know if/when you are coming – just come if you’re coming. We will have catered snacks / munchies. Bring your own refreshment but not food or flowers, and plan take your unused refreshments when you leave (there’s always way too many leftovers afterwards). Dress is Island Casual (think Hawaiian, Jimmy Buffet, relaxed). This will be a low key, mix & mingle. Carol would love you to see her beautiful garden.
Our address is 6240 Killarney Drive, Surrey BC.
Our philosophy during our 42 years together was to enjoy life while we lived it. The request that Carol and I do have for you is that you do something nice for yourself, and something nice for others. That may be a donation to The Rotary Foundation or something else - do something that is meaningful to you.
Please do that whether you are able to celebrate her life with us in person or if you are unable to join us due to distance or other commitments.
Despite the circumstances, I am grateful that all of our children and their partners were with us so that we could all support each other. I am grateful for all of our friends, neighbours and staff, as well as our Rotary family in District 5050 and around the world. Carol and I have been blessed because of all of you.
The picture attached is from our month-long European holiday in May, one month before she passed. Carol enjoyed life right up to the end. Please do the same.
I ask that people not send flowers or cards as things are a bit overwhelming for me at this time.
Sean