The story
My beloved Tricia's birthday, and the Celebration of her Life was magnificent. It was held at the West Lodge of the Caledon Ski Club, a hundred yards from the exact spot on the ski hill where we met 30 years ago. There were flowers everywhere, a first-class caterer did a marvelous job of feeding everyone, there was a slideshow projected on a big screen of over a hundred pictures of Tricia, and we played over 100 of Tricia's favorite songs, and we surrounded the room with her paintings and other art, such as our wedding vows, and other expressions of her brilliance and our devotion.
We started with a native healing ceremony conducted by a native shaman, Gord Theo, in which he smoked The Pipe of Peace, before passing it to me to smoke on behalf of everyone, both present and absent. Then Larry Kurtz, a renowned blues singer and harmonica player, played some wonderful songs and talked about his relationship with Tricia. Then I spoke for a while and told stories that most people hadn't heard before, describing the intimate closeness that Tricia and I enjoyed, and our amazing love affair. Then I invited everyone to play musical chairs: I asked everyone to choose a partner, then I told a story around a particular song, and why it was so important to us, and then I played a segment of that song while everybody danced. Then I asked everyone to change partners, told another story about another song, then played it while they danced, before they changed partners again. We did this 7 times. This was followed by a number of people speaking about their experiences of Tricia. Meanwhile, Mark Grice, Tricia's art teacher, was painting a canvas depicting the areas in which Tricia and I hiked, and then he auctioned it for a charity called the Bruce Trail Conservancy, which manages the trails that Tricia and I hiked almost every day. Then Moe Dixon, my soul-brother and the number one après ski entertainer in America, got everybody hopping and crying, by playing a half dozen of Tricia's favorite "Moe tunes", and this was followed by Doug Sole who is a world-famous drummer and drum circle leader - he brought 30 drums and engaged the entire group in a Nigerian traditional peace song, followed by a drum circle. Those who did not have a drum all received another form of percussion instrument to play. It was a marvelous crescendo for the afternoon. I wrapped things up with a champagne toast and we finished about 3 1/2 hours after we started.
I had asked everyone to bring their dancing shoes, and they soon understood why. This was not an "Amazing Grace" kind of experience, because Trish would not have wanted that. So it was a party, everyone left with a smile on their face, and experienced the kind of lightness and a sprinkling of the pixie dust that Tricia shared with everyone with whom she connected.
Memory wall
67 tributes have been left in memory of Tricia Secretan.
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Tricia, a loving, generous, gentle, kind, beautiful soul radiated and inspired BEING of loving service, spiritual intelligence and Oneness! Even though Trish has passed over reclaiming nondual "Higher Ground", her essence will continue to illuminate this earthly realm! Lance, I know you will heal with grace as you adjust to life without your beloved's luminous bodily presence. Know that you are being embraced with loving, healing energy. Namaste! Love, Anna Israel
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Tricia- so graceful, full of laughter always, and able and willing to see the brightness and light within all of us. I miss you. I am sure you are out there watching over us all, with your beautiful touch and encouragement. I feel graced to have had you in my life. Marcia Martin
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Tricia....you are Grace embodied and personified. Graceful spirit you are free! Love Thank you Lance for introducing me to Tricia. Paddy
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Tricia's warm smile, all embracing wonderful hugs, and radiant spirit with live with us all forever. My fondest memories of her are how she playfully enjoyed life. I am honored to have been blessed by her friendship. My deepest sympathies and loving energy are sent to Lance and the entire Secretan family.
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Tricia had a way of making you feel as if you could fly. In many ways she glided through her life (I see her carving down fresh powder here), seemingly effortlessly… with purpose and style! These images reminded me of a poem I captured years ago that was written by Ranier Rilke in his volume, "Book of Hours" - I live my life in growing orbits, Which move out over the things of the world. I may not achieve the last, But that shall be my attempt. I am circling around God, And around the ancient tower, And I have been circling for a thousand years. And I still don't know if I am a falcon, A storm, or a great song. Godspeed my dear friend. Your soul-brother, Michael
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Dearest Trish, It was an honour knowing you and being a part of the joy you brought into my Dad's life. Watching you both grow over the years and the heights you achieved, especially in Caledon and Copper Mountain, was truly inspirational and extraordinary. Now you can play among the stars like you always dreamed. God bless and rest in peace. I shared these words with you before by Paulo Coehlo, but they bear repeating: We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don’t disappear from our lives. We are merely in different rooms. For example, I can’t see who is in the next carriage, but it contains people traveling in the same time as me, as you, as everyone. The fact that we can’t speak to them or know what’s going on in that other carriage is completely irrelevant. They are there. So what we call ‘life’ is a train with many carriages. Sometimes we’re in the one, sometimes we’re in another, and sometimes we cross between them, when we dream or allow ourselves to be swept away by the extraordinary. We'll miss you, Nat & Nat xo
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I have never met Tricia but I can feel here light - her never ending, infinite light. I had the please to meet you Lance and to get in touch with all the love and light in everything you do. Each soul is a bright light, but when two souls meet in love the light will become a glistening firework glittering brightly. Thank you for all the light and love you both brought into my life. Sending love and light from Germany
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Dear Tricia, I think of you every single time I play this song. I remember, at Hollyhock, when you dancing to it in the middle of the room before anyone joined in - such spirit and aliveness and so comfortable expressing yourself through dance and music. I remember being in awe. I still am. With love and admiration always.
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Oh, how she is loved!
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We are so saddened that Tricia was unable to visit with us for longer than we hoped for. We will take comfort in all the fond thoughts and memories that will keep her essence and spirit here forever. Thank you, Trish, for touching us, and so many, with your open warmth and generous friendship.
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Tricia, since the first second I met you, I felt in love with you, with your grace, and we laughed and we cryed, and we danced, and we huged.... It was pure benediction to have you in my life... I will love you and keep warm in my heart for ever... Now Angels are dancing, laughing and celebrating your coming... God Bless you, Pravas
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Tricia, how blessed I feel to have spent time in the presence of one who so personified Love and Authenticity. I enjoyed our conversations about your gardens and I wish for your Beauty Berry Bushes to be filled with gorgeous purple berries this Fall. As for me, the large Beauty Berry Bush at my home with forever be linked with your memory. Your warmth and your accepting presence created a sanctuary for all. I feel privileged to have known you and to have witnessed your connection with Lance ~ a truly inspiring love story. Much love, Megan
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I will always be impressed by how easily Tricia made everyone else feel better around her. Her eyes and smile conveyed a sincere and warm heart. Heartfelt hugs to you, Lance.
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True love and tenderness. You served as a model for all of us.
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I never met Trisha but have met you before, Lance. From your writing about her it sounds like you were blesses with a rare and beautiful marriage. Blessings to you during this difficult time. Most Lovingly, Robin Sierra
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My precious little sister, we shared 60 years... We laughed and we cried, we played and we fought (as only siblings can) we sang, we danced, we came together and drifted apart as we went our own ways. But always, always we were there for eachother. A visit, a phone call, an email. We shared our lives as different as they were; our passion for music and our passion for the beauty of nature was a wonderful bond. I am so grateful for the memory of our canoe trip in Algonquin, just the two of us! And the pleasure of sending you newly discovered music from iTunes... This morning, our favorite artist released and new album. And I send you this song, my gift to you... You will live in my heart, forever, beautiful sister. I love you, Michael "You Got Me Singing" You got me singing Even tho’ the news is bad You got me singing The only song I ever had You got me singing Ever since the river died You got me thinking Of the places we could hide You got me singing Even though the world is gone You got me thinking I’d like to carry on You got me singing Even tho’ it all looks grim You got me singing The Hallelujah hymn.
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I only had the privilege of meeting Tricia one time at hers and Lance's home in Copper Mountain. Her grace, humor and genuine interest to connect was right there from the beginning. Any suffering she was experiencing only showed up as care for others. The devotion and love she and Lance shared touched anyone around them. Thank you Tricia for your brief touch of grace.
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A Poem By Hafiz A Suspended Blue Ocean The sky Is a suspended blue ocean. The stars are the fish That swim. The planets are the white whales I sometimes hitch a ride on, And the sun and all light Have forever fused themselves Into my heart and upon My skin. There is only one rule On this Wild Playground, For every sign Hafiz has ever seen Reads the same. They all say, "Have fun, my dear; my dear, have fun, In the Beloved's Divine Game, O, in the Beloved's Wonderful Game." Play Eternally in Infinite Joy Trish
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Tricia, we got this sad news this morning here in Germany and tears run down our faces. We talked about the first time we met...at Lake Simcoe in your beautiful Ontario. We had so much fun together at this time...and we remembered it, like it was yesterday. May lots and lots of angels be with you on your way home...and we pray for you! Lance, as far away as we are at this moment...but we are very close to you in these hours... Barbara and Michael, Wuppertal, Germany...
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Beautiful Tricia - Inside and Outside, Your beautiful outside to be merged with the Earth in special, significant places for you and Dad and your beautiful inside has merged with the Light to shine for evermore. You brought such joy, love and light to so many just by being you and I am so grateful I was one of them. Thank you. I love you. Shine on my lovely soul-sister. Always, Sandi
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Seven years ago, as I was waiting for the shuttle to Breckenridge, a beautiful woman sat in the vacant seat next to me. In spite of the fact that I had "stolen" the front seat which she wanted (I had reserved it), she sat on the bench seat & we talked all the way to Frisco. We exchanged emails & phone numbers. Thus began a very special friendship. I skied Resolution Bowl shortly after that with Lance & Tricia. Watching how gracefully both of them skied a double black mogul run was only equalled by the compliments I received from them. It was one of my most magical ski days ever. I was skiing with Lance & Tricia when she found out the first cancer was gone from her body. That was a miracle. Tricia will always be in my heart. I will think of her on sunny days when the powder is light & fluffy. I will think of her when the moguls are perfectly formed & forgiving. Mostly, I will think of Tricia whenever I think of love. All of us who knew Lance & Tricia were witness to an amazing love story. Thank you for your friendship, but most of all, thank you for sharing your love. Patricia Walker
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Heaven is shining even more beautifully with such a brilliant light among the Angels. Sending you much love and light at this time Lance. xo Erika Caspersen
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Love, grace, joy, gentleness, strength, and courage - Tricia embodied all these wonderful qualities and more. Being in her company meant feeling inspired and uplifted. The world is a better place because Tricia lived in it, and I feel blessed to have known her. “Those who have heaven within them come into heaven.” ~Emanuel Swedenborg
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The light of this special and unique love between you brought light and love to the hearts of everybody who had the chance to meet you together. I am so grateful for the warmth my daugther and I were allowed to share when we visited you and Lance, dear Tricia, in 2012.
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Thank-you Moccasin Walker: Your calm sweetness to unconditionally support all those around you, remains in my mind. You truly knew how to focus and listen to whoever was speaking to you. I have a smile as I write this, so I know your Grace is but a thought away. Namaste, Lotus Lin
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If only more people were like Tricia. She had a natural ability to make everyone around her feel so wonderful and special, but in fact she was always the most wonderful and special of all of us. She had a heart big enough for everyone she met and more. She will always inspire me to be the best version of me I can be; If I can give to my loved ones half of what Tricia gave, I will be very happy. Love and hugs always Tasha, Sam & Harry xxx
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Unconditional love. The heart and soul of a community. That is how I remember you, Tricia. Thank you for allowing your light to shine so brightly, in such a way that you radiated an abundance of unconditional love, and inspired us to want to do the same.
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Tricia had a way of making you feel as if you could fly. In many ways she glided through her life (I see her carving down fresh powder here), seemingly effortlessly… with purpose and style! These images reminded me of a poem I captured years ago that was written by Ranier Rilke in his volume, "Book of Hours" - I live my life in growing orbits, Which move out over the things of the world. I may not achieve the last, But that shall be my attempt. I am circling around God, And around the ancient tower, And I have been circling for a thousand years. And I still don't know if I am a falcon, A storm, or a great song. Godspeed my dear friend. Your soul-brother, Michael
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I am grateful for Lance's challenge on the slope that inspired me to reinvent myself, but it was Tricia's compassion, gentleness, elegance, and sparkle that gave me the confidence and heart connection to face that challenge. This will always remain alive in my heart.
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I met Trish in 2002, and only knew her for 12 short years, which was not enough time for me to learn all she had to teach me. Here are some of my fondest memories of my time with Trish. She was always encouraging and supportive of me and the work that I was doing with the Secretan Center. Trish believed in my abilities and worth more than I ever did. She taught me a lot about the business but she also taught me about life, being a wife, a mother, and how to be a more patient and loving individual. I cherish the queen of distraction moments where we would stop what we were doing in the office to rescue a turtle out of the pool, to watch a family of geese walking across the lawn, to make ice coffees for an afternoon pick-me-up, watching a video on how to fold a t-shirt in 5 seconds, playing dress up with her jewellery and showing us her evening gowns from the Mary Kay days just to name a few. I loved our field trips where we would get out of the office and get to have fun and play. I loved attending the Higher Ground Leadership® gathering at the Kempenfelt Centre on Georgian Bay, meeting Marianne Williamson and hearing her speak, going to see Sting and Annie Lennox or even just riding to the airport at breakneck speed in the back of a taxi. Each moment with her was special. Thank you Trish for spoiling me and my family with a trip to Disney, and bringing back special trading pins from your trip so that I could relive the magic. I know you will be watching over me and I love you for that.
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Flight of the starlings at Otmoor
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We laughed, we laughed, we laughed, oh how we laughed. Occasionally we laughed so hard we peed our pants. Tricia my friend, my sister, my mentor; you taught me how to laugh. It is an honor and privilege to have had you in my life. Namaste John Pollock
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Tricia, you'll always be with us at Copper!!
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Four years have passed, four years I have carried you in my heart. The denial and anguish have passed, the hurt, the fear, the anger, the outrage have gone. Now a joyous warmth fills the void with cherished memories of a lifetime shared. Now every day we laugh and we cry, share our pains and triumphs beneath the evening stars. Ours is a timeless conversation without end, for which I'm so very grateful. I love you so much, little sister. Michael An ancient Hawaiian Prayer Ho'oponopono. I LOVE YOU I AM SORRY FORGIVE ME THANK YOU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqiCa3wpHC8
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Thanks to Sally and Mary Kay, I had the opportunity of befriending Tricia 33 years ago, and she was a role model and inspiration to hundreds of women even then. Tricia was the most accomplished person I know. She approached everything she did with enthusiasm, curiosity, joy and determination. Her curiosity took her down roads that I'm sure even surprised her at times but she always put her whole heart into whatever she did. Tricia unfailingly 'walked the talk' and her ability to manifest the good things in her life was awesome! :-) She lived her life on the high road, with generosity, grace and abundant joy. My friend you are amazing and will be sorely missed - you will be forever in our hearts. I smile when I think of you, Namaste Ginny Martin
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In pigtails and ponytails, we met the first day of high school. Tricia's maiden name was Sheppard and mine Seager and lucky for me that day we were seated alphabetically. For the next 47 years, I was fortunate enough to have Tricia as my wonderful and loving friend. Even though many of those years we were separated by many miles, our bond of friendship never suffered the distance. Tricia was one of the smartest, most capable persons I have known, with an endless abundance of energy and curiosity ...and also one of the most beautiful too ...both in and out ... yet always humble about it. Over all those decades, we played and had fun, we loved our chocolate ... some times too much, we laughed and we cried but mostly we laughed. Her devotion and loyalty to me as a friend and soul sister will be, just like Tricia, irreplaceable. With love and affection, I will miss you forever, Tricia. Sal
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Tricia, I am remembering you as a beautiful woman and soul with your open and enveloping aura that literally drew life to it. I am remembering too when we last saw each other. We were leaving Cortez Island, BC saying goodbye with " All I ask of you is to remember me as loving you". Tricia, I am singing that again now.
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I never had the honor of meeting Tricia and for that, I am truly sad. They are a true love story. I loved watching Lance's face light up whenever he spoke of Tricia. May the memories of her bring peace and comfort on this journey we all walk.
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It was with deep sadness that I read Lance's recent email and I have taken time to be with that before I wrote of Tricia's presence in my life. Then I was inspired by a quote from Marianne Williams - Return to Love. "Physical incarnation is a classroom experience and souls come to the class to learn what they need to learn. It is much like tuning to a channel on television. Let’s say we’re all tuned to Channel 4. When someone dies, they are no longer on Channel 4 but that does not mean they’re not broadcasting. They’re now on Channel 7 or 8. Cable systems exist whether or not we have the cable equipment to receive them. It is only the arrogance of the ego that would have us believe that what we can’t physically perceive must not exist. Life is much more than the life of the body. It is an infinite expanse of energy, a continuum of love in countless dimensions, a psychological and spiritual experience independent of physical form. We have been alive forever. We will be alive forever more." Many thanks for your incredible contribution to my life Tricia. From the days of Mary Kay to my days as a young mom before rejoining the world of work, your presence in my life has reminded me to HEAR your recognition of who I am then be able to accept that and own it. I owe you my gratitude for inspiring me to accept the coach within and run with my ability. I am truly grateful for your presence in my life and know that you are "alive forever more" even though your physical presence has left us. Love forever Sue
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'Every once in a while a remarkable spirit touches, blesses and changes our lives.' I'm grateful to have and still feel Tricia's BRIGHT spirit. Thankyou, Luv Glyn and Molly ;)
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I feel very fortunate to have known Tricia while she graced this earth. I know she fought a courageous battle in order that she might bring joy and love for a little while longer to others. I’m confident that she’s been called away to serve an even higher calling and will do us all proud. When I think about Tricia, I’m reminded of the CASTLE Principles as taught by Lance - Courage, Authenticity, Service, Truth, Love, & Effectiveness. Tricia embodies these principles and she surely played a role in inspiring Lance to evangelize them. Trish; Thanks for inspiring me, my family, and many of my friends! Lance; Sherril and I send you big hugs from Texas. Take care!
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Quiet, graceful leader our Tricia. My early memories of Tricia were as my sister Sally's friend. They were both older, so Tricia was already on a pedestal. Tricia seemed so mature and ahead of the game when upon graduation from uni, one of the major banks (Royal) hired her to join a fast-tracking management program. She arrived at our family home in a gorgeous indigo blue suede suit - but alas - she was a leader - the first to wear something that was then new and "hot" - ULTRA SUEDE! Tricia excelled at various careers, but she was a life-long learner and a searcher, always moving forward to find her niche. She had various health concerns over the years, but she managed to outfox them all - something many of us believed would happen with this more serious illness. But again, being the quiet, understated, confident, graceful and grateful woman (just a few of the adjectives to describe Tricia), she bravely and graciously took flight earlier than most. I believe that again, she is paving or "leading" the way, for us. So many songs in the past few days bring tears and joy to my soul as I think of how much I will miss Tricia. A few that come to mind-Eric Clapton's- Tears in Heaven, The Dhuks' Annabel, Chris Botti's cover of Time to say Goodbye, the BeeGees' Smile and George Harrison's - Here Comes the Sun. Dear friend, soul-sister and mentor, I already miss you so much. You will always remain in my sphere as one of the brightest colours in my life's tapestry. Love, Nancy (Seager) Wood, on Vancouver Island (a place where part of your soul will remain). Thank you for the gift of your friendship. xo
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Tricia, I will always remember the compassion, gentleness, and ever-present curiosity about the world that I experienced when I was in your presence. As the song says, "Heroes don't look like they used to. They look like you do." Nothing more. Peace.
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It was in 1990 when Trish became my mentor and Director in Mary Kay totally changing my life as she did for so many women. Trish had a spark that shone through in her interview with me. I could tell right away she had something special. She was beautiful, sharp, smart and had wit. Trish was grounded, genuine and sincere. She was physically fit and was so health-conscious. I wanted to speak like her, dress like her and be just like her. I once heard a quote by Author, Ambrose Redman, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the realization that something else is more important.” This came to mind as I was thinking about Trish. Thank you so much for all that you contributed to the many countless lives you touched in your Mary Kay lifetime and especially mine. What a beautiful woman of integrity and style. You will live in my heart forever. Jane Kosti
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Tricia, my soul-sister, as too so many, we went through life together, from age 9 to now - the highs and the lows. You provided guidance with love and compassion when the path was rocky. The very playful side of you provided all who knew you with laughter, light and the joy of being in your aura. I remember shopping (one of your loves:)) for your first date with Lance. You looked fabulous, and obviously captured your cherished man's heart. One of your enduring contributions has been in teaching and nurturing - even when you were not "officially" doing this. It is a gift the world will miss, but your gentle teachings will live on. Your wonderful Lance will continue your combined life work of making this world a kinder place. My life has been so enriched by your life. I simply take you with me every day in everything I do, and always will. Love you, Barb Waddell
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I had the pleasure of meeting Tricia a couple years ago while attending training with Lance. Canada was far away for me. She graciously opened her home to us with open arms making a life changing experience. I will always be grateful for that and will never forget her kindness.
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and something else ....Tricia was a lover of all nature and especially dogs - I have always known her with a dog - sweet Sheba, her doberman, when we first met with and finally, beautiful Spirit, her vizsla, and all those dogs in between. Tricia pictured here with Spirit and our dog, Molly, on the shore of Lake Huron. Not sure who is loving the moment more!
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