In the great of time, woven with both the fabric of joy and the threads of sorrow, we gather to honor the life of a man whose journey has now come to its earthly conclusion. Strider, Son of Arathorn, born upon the twenty-ninth day of June in the year 1954, has departed from our midst and taken his seat amongst the stars on the seventeenth day of December in the year 2003. A humble man indeed, Strider’s story is one of courage, wisdom, and unyielding loyalty.

In the quiet, shadowed corners of our world, he was known not for birthright or titles, but for the undeniable strength of his character. While he tread the path of war, engaging in battles both fierce and relentless, Strider remained a modest soul, ever mindful of the roots from which he sprung. A tracker and a hunter of remarkable skill, he traversed the wilds and woods with a keen eye and a steadfast heart, though formal education did not chart his course.

He played a pivotal role in the War of the Ring, a conflict of destinies that spanned the very breadth of Middle-earth. It was said that his valor on the battlefield would lead him, against all odds, to ascend to the throne, claiming his rightful kingdom. Yet, in all these grand endeavors, it was his kindness that shone the brightest, illuminating the paths of many who were fortunate to cross his way.

Strider was blessed with a wisdom that transcended the mere passing of years. He was a confidant to friends, a protector of all that was good, and a beacon of hope in dark times. His unshakeable humility defined him, as he bore the weight of leadership with grace and poise, never forgetting the common folk from whence he came. Such a quality is rare among kings, but entirely fitting for this noble heart.

Amongst those who now mourn his absence are many dear companions who walked by his side in both peace and peril. Frodo Baggins, brave as the dawn; Samwise Gamgee, steadfast in his loyalty; Faramir, ever noble; Legolas, whose grace is matched only by his courage; and the wise Gandalf the White, who stood shoulder to shoulder with him. And let us not overlook the beloved Arwen, his cherished wife, who shall carry the light of their shared moments forward into the days yet unwritten.

Strider is not wholly alone in this journey to the beyond. He is joined by the memory of dear Boromir, a brother-in-arms lost too soon, and by Arathorn, his father whose legacy he embodied in every valiant step he took upon this earth. Together they share a bond that spans even the deepest chasms of death, forever united in spirit.

As we gather in remembrance of Strider, let his deeds be our inspiration. Let us carry forth the lessons he imparted: to serve others with kindness, to embrace humility in our triumphs, and to stand firm in the face of adversity. For though he may have departed from the land of the living, his spirit shall forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him, a testament to the noble essence of his life. Farewell, dear Strider, Son of Arathorn; may your journey lead you to rest amidst the hallowed halls of the undying lands.