Second fisherman laid to rest
Song about the West Prince tragedy sung during funeral service
Addressing a large congregation gathered at Rooney Funeral Home’s E. Gerald Rooney Memorial Chapel for the funeral of Maurice Allan (Moe) Getson Saturday afternoon, Charlotte Getson said her brother was much loved and had a heart of gold.
She said none of her siblings knew Maurice Getson, “But we all had the pleasure of knowing the legendary Moe,” a brother she described as loving and generous.
Getson was one of two fishermen who lost their lives when their fishing boat, the Kyla Anne, capsized in stormy seas at North Cape on Sept. 18. The body of the boat’s captain Glen DesRoches, was recovered at North Cape on Sept. 23. He was laid to rest in Tignish on Thursday.
The body of Getson, 54, was
found near Campbellton on Sept. 24. He was laid to rest in Greenmount Church of Christ cemetery
following a funeral service Saturday in Alberton.
During her remarks about a much-loved brother, Charlotte said her family will find warmth in their fond memories of Moe. She acknowledged the many people who have reached out to her family since the Sept. 18 fishing boat disaster, including all those who searched for the fishermen.
The officiant for the service, Rev. Gordon Weatherby, focused his remarks on verses from Psalm 107, which were read by Moe’s niece, Isabelle, and on verses from Psalm 46.
In his message, “They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships,” Weatherby acknowledged that fishermen often see the beauty of God on the water, such as in the first light of day, and also the power of God at work.
And, while those works can be overpowering, he reminded the family and the congregation of the words of Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and strength.”
Julie Arsenault, who composed and posted a song, “Cold September Day” as a tribute to the crew of the Kyla Anne while the search was still underway, sang the song during the service. The song she sang Saturday included a new verse in which she tells of the search effort and of hope.
The verse concludes with the message that the men “found their way back home.”
Weatherby acknowledged Tanner Gaudet in the congregation, the Kyla Anne crew member who made it to shore and sought help.
He extended encouragement to him and remarked on the special bond Gaudet shared with his crew members.
While acknowledging the great sorrow cast upon the Getson and DesRoches families, Weatherby said the tragedy has also deeply affecting the whole community and all who work on the water.