Dearly Departed
Create a memory that will never be forgotten, with a unique and personal service, unlike any other.
In partnership with the Dingwell Funeral Home, The Fiddling Fisherman is honoured to offer a service that takes you from the land to the sea. This peaceful and moving experience gives families an alternative service option, allowing you to release the cremated remains of your loved one into the ocean.
The Dearly Departed Memorial Service offers you a selection of 3 customizable packages. The journey begins by boarding a new and modern custom-built fibreglass boat. Fully equipped with many onboard conveniences, this vessel provides an exceptional environment. A memorial service on the Northumberland Strait is a special way of paying tribute to your loved one. Celebrate their unique life with this unique service, inspired by the island and all of its east coast charm.
“Chaisson A Dream” is classified as a passenger ferry and is registered with TRANSPORT CANADA and is approved to carry 45 passengers.
Due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic and the associated lock-downs and travel restrictions we waited almost a year before we could get to PEI to comply with my late father’s wishes and to spread his ashes in the Atlantic ocean.
Thanks to J.J. and Julie Chaisson, owners and operators of The Fiddling Fisherman, this was made possible this past July, 2021, on their lobster boat “Chaisson A Dream” about ten miles offshore from Souris, PEI!
We made our booking quickly and easily with Julie over the telephone less than two weeks before our planned visit to the island. She was immediately able to accommodate our schedule and plans for a very small, private and informal gathering at sea where we would be able to share some departing words and spread my father’s ashes.
The day of the event we drove to beautiful Souris, just east of Charlottetown, where the Chaisson A Dream was docked at the local marina. As we boarded the boat we were warmly greeted by the very friendly JJ and his lovely wife, Julie.
Captain J.J. steered us out to open water, just far enough where we could see the shores of PEI and also have our privacy. Once there, he turned off the lobster boat’s powerful engine so that we could all appreciate the quiet of the open sea and collect our thoughts. Under beautiful sunny skies, and the company of nearby dolphins and curious seabirds, we bid my father farewell as we spread his ashes into the clear waters of the Atlantic ocean.
Before, during, and after the ceremony, JJ picked up his fiddle and treated us to some lovely and moving music. Snacks and drinks were provided and Julie also danced a couple of lively jigs! We were pleasantly surprised when Julie unexpectedly handed my mother a beautiful bouquet of flowers and gave her a warm hug. That was very thoughtful of them and was much appreciated!
We thank JJ and Julie for making this happen. While celebrating an otherwise solemn moment, we also had great fun! It meant the world to our family!
Hats off to The Fiddling Fisherman, JJ and Julie Chaisson, for making this a wonderful day for all of us to remember!
Paul
Ottawa, Canada