In Remembrance of Geddy Lee

 

Geddy Lee’s spirit departed his feline form during the evening of December 27th, 2018. He peacefully passed away at home with his caregivers by his side. Geddy was an accomplished teacher, therapist, nurse, counselor, and dear friend who gave unconditional love to his human family members, Thomas, and Lena Werne. They are forever grateful that Geddy chose to spend his life with them.  

 

 

Throughout his 13 years on Earth, Geddy provided his family with immense companionship, comfort, and endless laughs. As a cat, he enjoyed snuggles, warm and soft blankets, listening to heavy metal music, observing roaring fires in the fireplace, watching played video games, basking in the sunshine, and eating his favorite food: an occasional shrimp. Attempting to start a rumble through the windows with raccoons and cats wandering outside on his territory was a favorite pastime. Geddy was also a lady’s man as he savored being in the company of women. He will forever be remembered as a handsome and charismatic one-of-a-kind cat.

 

He was adopted by Lena on August 27, 2005, in Muncie, Indiana while Tom was finishing his studies during a summer semester at Dartmouth. Shopping for Giggles at Petsmart, Lena and Geddy locked eyes for the first time. Standing with his paw waving through the bars of the adoption crate for Lena to recognize him, Geddy at that time, was in an awkward kitten stage of development with no given name. Solely written on his adoption information card was: “Found by dumpster looking for food.” There was also a red sticker adhered to his adoption card. Lena was informed by the store clerk that the no-name cat had been available for adoption all week, and therefore the red sticker indicated he was to be euthanized by the county in just one day. Lena realized the magical purring cat she now cradled in her arms needed to come home.

 

The 4-month-old cat was given the name Geddy Lee as an homage to the bass playing rock star. A few weeks following his adoption, Thomas made a surprise visit to Lena during a drive home from Connecticut. At that time, Geddy met the man who would become his best friend. Although apprehensive of males, Geddy immediately took to Tom’s disarming presence.

 

Originally from Delaware County, Indiana (the county where the cartoon strip “Garfield” is created), Geddy resided near Ball State University’s campus with Lena and his feline sister Giggles for 2 years. His early memories of living in the historic home on Alameda in Muncie were fond. In the summer of 2007, he moved to Pasadena, California after Tom and Lena married, and for the duration of his life became a Southern California cat, enjoying the Mediterranian climate and 284 days of annual sunshine.

During the summer of 2010, his feline brother Jasper was adopted into his family. The following year, Geddy’s canine brother Leopold Butters also became part of the family. He is the first member of his immediate family to pass away. Geddy’s departed absence deeply affects his family for he will forever be immensely missed and loved. We never wanted to say goodbye. A remembrance website dedicated to his memory may be found at www.geddyleecat.com All donations dedicated to his memory may be made to Petsmart Charities.