Three Yards and a Cloud of Grandpa: We Helped Scatter the Ashes of a Die-Hard Fan
Jan 23, 2025
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David Fleming, a PTFO death correspondent, dives into the fascinating intersection of death and sports fandom. He discusses the rise of cremation and the popularity of team-branded urns, alongside whimsical practices like scattering ashes at sports venues. The emotional journey of fans, such as Edna honoring her late husband at a racetrack, highlights the deep bonds formed through shared passions. Fleming's insights reveal how memorials not only commemorate loss but also celebrate life, illustrating the enduring connection between fandom and friendship.
The podcast explores the growing trend of fans wanting their ashes scattered in sports venues, reflecting deep emotional connections to these places.
Ryan Clark's heartfelt tribute to his friend Kyle, involving scattering ashes on the Avalanche's ice, illustrates personalized memorial practices that embrace joy.
Deep dives
The Deep Bond of Friendship
Ryan Clark and Kyle Stark shared a profound friendship that revolved around their love for the Colorado Avalanche. Their connection grew over a decade, marked by moments such as splitting season tickets and FaceTiming games when one couldn't watch. The emotional weight of their friendship became tragically evident when Kyle passed away at the young age of 32 after suffering a seizure. Ryan's heartfelt recollections highlight the deep impact Kyle had on his life, emphasizing the collective passion and joy they found in supporting their favorite hockey team.
A Unique Tribute to a Best Friend
Ryan's unconventional tribute to Kyle involved spreading his ashes on the Avalanche’s home ice, an act that was both heartfelt and risky. In preparation, Ryan and Kyle’s family arranged tickets and set aside bail money, demonstrating their determination to honor Kyle’s memory without facing legal repercussions. On game day, Ryan executed 'Operation Kyle,' managing to place Kyle’s ashes onto the ice just as the Zamboni approached, symbolically integrating his friend into the arena they loved. Although he faced immediate consequences, including an indefinite ban from the arena, Ryan expressed no regrets, feeling that he honored their bond in a meaningful way.
The Growing Trend of Ashes in Sports Arenas
The episode discusses a broader trend where fans are increasingly choosing to have their ashes scattered in sports venues, highlighting the emotional significance of such locations in their lives. A survey revealed that many people would prefer their ashes to be spread in places like Fenway Park or Talladega Super Speedway, indicating a cultural phenomenon where sports arenas serve as modern-day cathedrals. The reluctance of sports organizations to embrace this trend due to fears of potential chaos underscores the cultural clash between fan devotion and institutional regulations. Despite their concerns, the emotional connections fans feel toward these venues suggest a growing need for acceptance of unique memorial practices.
Celebrating Life Through Unique Memorials
Amidst Ryan’s story, the podcast highlights more joyful and unconventional ways people memorialize loved ones, including the story of Edna Smith, who scattered her husband Ron's ashes at a racetrack. Her joyful ceremony combined racing and fun, showing a stark contrast to traditional mourning practices. This evolving view toward celebrating life rather than adhering to solemn funerary customs illustrates a desire for personalization in end-of-life rituals. By embracing such memories with laughter and joy, the legacies of loved ones can be cherished in a way that reflects their passions and the happiness they brought others.
We are living in the era of Peak Cremation, and fans have turned to our true American cathedral as a final resting place: the sports arena. PTFO death correspondent David Fleming reports on a cottage industry for die-hards in the afterlife — from team-branded urns and exploding golf balls to franchises that want the on-field ceremonies gone (and forgotten). And then, of course, we help a woman named Edna spread her husband's ashes... while riding a convertible, on a racetrack, flooring it into eternity.