Katie & Joey’s Last Ride on The San Juan
[I asked Jody Drake, a long time and close friend of Katie’s, to share her experience of spreading Katie & Joey’s ashes… what follows are the words and photos from the adventure.]
“The first week in May brought warm weather accompanied by a cool breeze to the small town of Bluff Utah. Katie always called it the perfect time of year, as I drove into the Recapture Lodge my mind was filled with joyous memories of the times I had spent there with her and Joey. I had asked Katie numerous times “what do you want me to do with your ashes?” She would reply, “I don’t give a fuck, whatever you do I am sure will be interesting.” Had a fair idea of where I wanted to put them but was not real sure of the logistics. At their life’s celebration a young Jerome Artist Jessica Laurel Reeves had constructed a wire statue of Katie so it just seemed natural it should stand as a symbol of these two incredible human beings. Backpack loaded with their ashes, a little cement, bailing wire, pliers,and oh yes a bottle of Vodka for Katie and a Cervasa for Joey. Did I mention the eight foot wire statue tied on the back of the pack….well anyway it all got carted down to the San Juan. Just as the sun sank in the west with much song, dance, love and quite a few toasts we sent them down the river.
We plan on making this an annual outing to celebrate our friends that time on the San Juan joined our hearts forever. Jody Drake, Peter McLaughlin, Peg Millet, Erin Burly Jim of the Recapture Lodge, Merlin and Deni.”
[Below is a slide show of the photos Jody provided. You may place your cursor over a photo to halt the slideshow.]
Wonderful tribute to Katie and Joey! Thank you for sending them off in such style. Now they can wander around the other sphere and watch us all with our woes and worries,and they’ll laugh and laugh and laugh. And head on downstream…
A fine send off for Katie and Joey.! ❤️
Katie recorded about five of Tim Henderson’s songs . we were able to visit Jerome and stay in the cottage across the street from Katie and Joey’s. Katie stayed at our house in Austin when she was working on a project.
. Tim and Katie and Joey shared a deep friendship over many years, until Tim passed away in 2011.
Now, all three are gone., and I hope never forgotten.. All such bright spirits.
God! katie loved to laugh, and she loved to curse!! She hated human destruction of nature. Keep on giving them hell, Katie, wherever you are.
A fine send off for Katie and Joey.! ❤️
Katie recorded about five of Tim Henderson’s songs .
. Tim and Katie and Joey shared a deep friendship over many years, until Tim passed away in 2011.
Now, all three are gone., and I hope never forgotten.. All such bright spirits.
God! katie loved to laugh, and she loved to curse!! She hated human destruction of nature. Keep on giving them hell, Katie, wherever you are.
Thanks for sharing this Jody. Glad to see and know where Dad is. Dad and Katie can enjoy this beautiful spot forever.
Joey’s daughter Liz Embry
Perfect send off, their last ride downriver, in the breath, waves & music of love.
The first time we ever knew of Katie Lee was about 15 years ago. My husband and I stayed at The Parry Lodge in Kanab. In the room right next to us was a lady with a loud voice and she cussed. A LOT. I liked her immediately, being one who uses descriptive language as well! We talked to her at length and then went our separate ways. A few years later I was thinking about her and Googled her. I got in touch with her and we enjoyed an email relationship from then on. I was working and missed an event she had in Cottonwood a couple of years ago. I should have taken off work. I regret that to this day. She stayed in touch with me all that time, always answering my emails and telling me of her life. She inspired me from the get go.
I was heartbroken when I read of the news she passed away. And then Joey couldn’t live without her. What a love story. I still email Katie sometimes. It’s time again in fact.
Kick Ass Katie Lee. What a marvel. What an inspiration. I miss somebody I’ve only met once.