Memorail attended by hundreds to honor victims

PLAINS- Hundreds of mourners from all over Sanders County and beyond gathered at the gym at Plains High School on Saturday to pay tribute and respects to three Plains residents who perished in a tragic car accident on Friday June 14.

Family, friends and other members of the community filled the gym to honor Kathy Legard, Jake Legard and Peytan Yoder who were killed when their vehicle ran off River Road West into the Clark Fork River. The vehicle was recovered two days later.

Leading the ceremony, Bob Stephens said the service should be looked upon as a celebration of life. Stephens said he hoped people would remember the lives of those lost and the joy that they brought to their life.

Following Stephens’ words was an audio/visual slideshow. Photos of Kathy, Jake and Peytan during the various phases of their lives were projected above the audience set to music they cherished.

After the conclusion of the slideshow, musical selections that Kathy was fond of were performed. Kathy’s obituary was read aloud by Albert Arnold.

Jim Holland, principal of the Plains Elementary School was next to speak. Holland read Jake’s obituary and then recalled some fond memories of him. He spoke about their friendly rivalry and lively discussions about football and also what he called “the many faces” of Jake.

“Jake had many expressions that always put a smile on my face. I call one of them the deer-in-the-headlights face. Jake had eyes that could tell the story before his mouth had a chance. One of those times was when he was a young football player getting thrown into the fire without much notice. I remember this football helmet with two huge eyes inside of it,” said Holland.

Holland continued to describe more examples of the many faces of Jake embodying with his speech the hopes of Stephens that the day serve as a celebration of life and an opportunity to remember happier times.

“There are millions of people that never had a chance to know Jake. These memories will keep him alive in our hearts. It will help us move on,” said Holland.

Following Holland’s words, a member of the audience rose to read a poem in honor of 4-year-old Peytan Yoder. “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” written by Mary Elizabeth Frye in 1932 has been recited at funerals and memorial services for over 60 years.

Several members of the audience rose to say a few words about Kathy. Some accounts were humorous, some spoke of her dedication to the community. Stories of Kathy’s devotion to 4-H were common as were anecdotes about her years of service to the people of Sanders County.

A reception and meal ended the memorial service for the three members of the community that were lost. If judged by the stories and turnout of those whose lives they touched, they will be forever missed but never forgotten.