Posted Condolences / Memories
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The opinions expressed on this page are those of the individuals posting submissions, not the University of Michigan or its affiliates. The University of Michigan reserves the right to edit submissions at its discretion, and to not publish submissions deemed inappropriate for posting on this board.
Posted Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 10:25 AM |
| I am a medical student here at UofM. I did not know any of the men who lost their lives nor was I even here in Ann Arbor. However, I just wanted to say that while reading through these posts and getting a glimpse into the profound impact that each individual clearly had on their community, I have been both inspired and exceedingly proud that I am entering into a profession where I will be able to work side by side with men and women like the ones commemorated here. Their compassion, selflessness, and dedication is made evident by the memories they left behind, and I only hope I can live up to the standards they've set forth. |
Posted Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 03:13 PM by Stephen W. King |
| May 22nd, 2001 was the date that my wife gave a kidney to her father. She is and will always be a hero to me. These six men were also heros who gave their lives while trying to save other lives through organ transplant. If you have not had the chance, please make time to see this amazing work of art and the gardens that surround it. You will be touched, moved, and inspired. |
Posted Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 07:19 AM by Valorie Maduri |
| In memory of the valiant team that served the U of M hospital. You are always in my thoughts and prayers along with your families. |
Posted Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 07:43 AM by Nicole Bryant |
| Richard always had a way with just making me laugh and pushing those dark clouds out of my way. 2002 My brother donated a kidney to me and Richard was there to pray for me and my family, I have recently celebrated 6 yrs with my new kidney. Richard thank you for being my friend and my guarden angel, I know that he is still with me and my family everyday. God Bless to all that had the chance to know our wonderful survival team...Nicole |
Posted Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 05:42 PM |
| SUSAN SPOOR know that I have found strength in your endurance, words, hope, stories and ability to pick up the pieces and continue to put one foot in front of the other this past year. I'm thankful we had each other to lean on. I am blessed to have found someone to share my thoughts and concerns with honestly and openly and who understands what losing the most important person in your life in only a few minutes feels like. I am thankful for the friendship we've shared and want you to know that I will ALWAYS be there for you. I ask God to take our hands and lead us through each day....some being better than others. You are a brilliant, strong, independent, person (whether you want to be or not) and an AWSOME mum. Don't ever forget that. Becky, Ele's Place |
Posted Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 08:48 PM by Laura (Kee) Clouse |
| I never thought I could be ready to post a remark or memory of this tragic day. I guess part of me never wanted to acknowledge the fact that this happened. It's been a year and I still feel as if this happened just yesterday. I thought after a year the pain would be easier to deal with, I was wrong. My eyes fill with tears still just talking about Richard. I worked in Transplant for five years and I became very close to Richard. He would stop by just out of the blue to say Hi and we worked side by side on different events together. He always amazed me because he could always remember personal things on anyone he came upon! I will never forget my "Come to Jesus talks" with him when ever I was in trouble! But most of all his smile. Richard and I had made a deal a week before the accident, he was to help my husband and I remove the lava rock out of our garden and we were going to help him finish his deck. We never finished the lava rock removal. There is still a small pile there waiting to be removed. It still sits there because that was the day we heard the tragic news. Life will go on and as hard as it is, it can not be put on hold because of a loss, I can only hope that all of our team members are looking down upon all of us giving us the strength we need to carry on. |
Posted Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 09:40 AM by Quanita Harrison |
| Everyone that lost their lives on the day of June 4th that was a very sad day for all of us. Richard was my brothers mentor when he was going to school and even after school Richard always kept in touch . Richard knew the whole family and was truly a great person. I am so sad for all of the families. One thing everyone should always keep in mind is the wonderful and great memories you have of each of the individuals and continue to smile. GODBLESS |
Posted Friday, June 6, 2008 at 11:39 PM by Captain Andy Hart |
| On June 4, 2007, I thought that I was having a rough day. I was delayed 2 hours for our United Express flight from Milwaukee to Chicago for an air traffic delay. As we finally taxied out to the runway, my captain and I heard a Cessna Citation call for taxi instructions. The ground controllers instructed us to go second to the Citation. We pulled off to the side of the runway and watched as it taxied by. As fellow aviators, we watched with childlike curiosity as it took off and disappeared into the clouds - Wondering who was on board and where they were going. Then we took off and disappeared into the same clouds. We knew, listening to the voices, that two very experienced, competent, dedicated pilots were doing everything that they could humanly do, to have a safe outcome to the situation that they were dealing with. Upon landing in Chicago, I went to the chapel to say prayers for all aboard and asking God to take the best of care of all of them and their families. n June 4, 2008 I thought I was having a rough day - a long last day of a 4 day trip. Then I remembered the ultimate sacrifice that these 6 brave, unselfish, dedicated, professional, loving, caring, inspiring people paid, as they were all performing the most selfless act of helping another in need. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Ashburn, Chenault, Hoyes, LaPensee, Serra, and Spoor families and friends. As well as the Survival flight team. |
Posted Friday, June 6, 2008 at 12:40 AM |
| It is wonderful to know that with such dedication of our staff here at uofm we are able to carry out daily life saving methods. I would like to extend a warm and heartful condolence for all the crew that while enroute to save a life, a new life began. We will always remember such dedication and amazing people who were on med flight retrieving something that no one else could replace. To the families of the crew members, please be comforted knowing that each day your loved ones are near and love you. God Bless! |
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 10:52 PM by Rebecca Bertha' |
| My heart went out for the memory of the team on Wednesday. I worked with Richard for 12 years. He and I walked into work almost daily together. I was not available to celebrate their memory Wednesday as I was leaving to fly to North Carolina to donate a kidney to my brother. But I am in spirit donating this organ in the memory of the whole team that died. They supported this concept daily and to honor their memory I am donating in their honor. |
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 02:33 PM by Marissa Kim Wallington |
| Although I never had the opportunity to meet those wonderful and brave individuals. My heart goes out to them in happiness, for now they are at peace and are home. As for their families may God be with you all each and every step of the way and always know, your loved one is with you no matter what..... no matter where..... no matter who.....Forever. |
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 01:46 PM by Forrest P. Branch |
| Hey Richard: It's been one year. I can still see us riding down Timbers Road on the makeshift mini-bike as teenagers. I also recall the rides back and forth to work and you driving us to the restaurant after youth church meetings. I'll miss us eating together in college and meeting up periodically over the holidays as we grew older and took on more responsibility. I'll always remember you proudly holding Kayla (the toddler) up as you showed her off to me at a University of Michigan Basketball game. What can I do now? I can thank our Heavenly Father for placing you in my path as a brother and friend. I love you "Chenaultski"...I miss you so much man! Shalom...Forrest |
Posted Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 12:18 PM by Sandy Feldkamp |
| As I went to the service yesterday I still find it hard to believe that a year has passed since the plane crash. I think of Richard & Rick often wondering what they would be doing or thinking now. I miss the smiles and teasing nature of them both. They were easy going and very personable. They were both exceptional men and heaven gained alot of courage and knowledge from them both. The physicians and flight crew also took a lot of knowledge with them as well. I am sure that all of us are missing them greatly. My heart still mourns them and my continued prayers are still with the familes at this time. I will never forget them. The bell tolling was very poignant at the end of the day and a lasting tribute to them all. As I heard the bell tolling from my car it reminded me of that fateful day and why I am still here working in transplant. Continue to guides us that remain here to continue the work and keep us safe and watch over us all for one day we will be joining you in heaven. Transplant Team: David Ashburn, Richard Chenault II, Dennis Hoyes, Rick Lapensee, Bill Serra, Martin Spoor You will remain in my Heart and Memory forever. Sandra Feldkamp, RN, Living Donor Coordinator |
Posted Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 09:47 PM by Katie Benedetto |
| As I remember Richard Chenault several distinct things come to mind. He was confident. Confident in himself and confident in me as a young Christian woman. I remember he was dedicated. Dedicated to his work at U of M and to his family. He also had a unique ability to inspire and motivate people. Whether it was by blasting gospel on the radio or giving a pep talk before a race, I always expected to be encouraged and uplifted. He was an amazing coach and person, Richard we miss you! |
Posted Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 08:46 PM by Joneigh Slaughter Khaldun |
| It doesn't seem like it's been a year- I miss Richard Chenault each and every day. When I think about all of the people in my life who have every really cared and made a difference, he is one of the top. He motivated me to be a better athlete, to have faith in myself as a perfusionist, to have the confidence to move away to go to medical school, and above all to be a better person. When I take my now 2-year old son to the track I think of how Richard's first thoughts were that he looked like "a little long jumper" and know that he is smiling down on us. When I have a hard day during my residency I know that Richard believed that I could do it. I just want the family to know that Richard was truly a great, great man whose impact was felt in so many people's lives; knowing that I had the honor to be trained by Richard Chenault, and that he believed in me, makes me a better mother, doctor, and friend. His spirit will truly live on forever. |
Posted Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 05:22 PM by Heather Packard |
| As this year anniversary passes, I sit here staring at Richard's photo along with the rest of their photos. Richard's smile - uh, I miss it so much. I miss our conversations with Richard. How spiritual he was. How any problem you had, he would somehow come up with an answer or a way to make it through. I miss Rick picking on me and what a smile he had too. We saw his son today - with a son of his own. A miracle I am sure Rick watched be born into this world. A death always seems to bring a new life shortly after. What a blessing.These are just some of the thoughts I have running through my mind...I realized today - this is really happening. They aren't just on a vacation and they aren't going to walk around that corner at any time. It sneaks up on you - the memories - and all of the sudden it's been a year and it's really real. Amazing how it hits you. Listening to the bell's toll today - really put it all into perspective and brought all of the feelings of sadness right back. But to know that our passion for transplant is more now than it ever has been - gets me through. We are carrying out their passion for helping others to live. That's what they all would have wanted. My love and prayers to us all that are hurting today and everyday. |
Posted Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 01:18 PM by Jennifer Smith |
| Richard Chenault was my former High School CC and track coach. He saw me through some of the hardest times of my life but told me to use them as motivation to be better than before. I still do that and every time I run or grab an old Gabriel Richard item I think of him. He was an amazing man and I miss him every day. |
Posted Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 01:09 PM by April Chenault-Sandquist |
| I would like to thank everyone for being such a great support in the year's aftermath. I am coping with the loss of Richard, my brother, and in that I am coping with the loss that my parents are enduring daily. This year has been one of hardship and pain, but also filled with joy and peace. I know that my brother was a great man (along with the other men)and one that had a spirit of love and respect for his fellow man. I know that Spider (his nickname) is in a much better place and that his life was not a wasted life but rather a life filled with so much triumphs and accomplishments. I know that God had His plan for him and put him on that course to live out his destiny--to save another life with the love of Christ and selflessness. These a few characters that make a man--a man and one that is loved by many, but mostly by God.
Please continue to pray for my family to find comfort and peace as yet another year passes. Please keep my parents in prayer as well because before Spider was a father, husband, and brother, he was a son. Born to two people that will miss him and love him more than any two people on earth could. Thank you as well U of M for not allowing the memory of Richard to die in the plane crash that took his life. Please always remember him, my brother, Richard Chenault II. |
Posted Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 12:52 PM by C Koitch |
| I did not personally know any of the "six heroes" but to so tragically lose their lives doing good for others makes it almost incomprehensible to understand. I've lost enough people to know how very precious life is. My heart goes out to all the families, especially the young House Officer who was so close to finally beginning his "career" and for the fact I've worked closely with House Officers. I pray for peace and a happier time for all the families. God speed! |
Posted Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Johan and Susan Spoor (parents) |
| We thank each of you again for your thoughts, prayers and cards last year for our son, our daughter in law , our three grandchildren and us. We are thinking of all the extended university family as you remember Martin and his team today. Johan and Susan Spoor |
Posted Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 01:00 AM by Caryn Hinkson |
| As today marks the 1 year anniversary of the crash, I don't feel any less sadness at the loss of my former coach, Richard Chenault. However, I can smile fondly at my memories of him with less tears than I used to. Richard was an inspirational man, and seeing the comments from everyone else's life that he touched, I know his life was not wasted. RIP Richard. We love you and miss you. |
Posted Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 01:29 PM by Monique Coyne Johnson |
| As you approach the 1 year anniversary of the accident, please know that you rloved ones continue to be in the hearts & prayers of many around the nation. I am, now, more aware of how these sites can benefit & assist the survivors. I have gained much insight since my brother, Mark Coyne & his crewmates, Steve Lipperer & Dr. Darren Bean lost their lives on 5/10 in the UW MedFlight crash near LaCrosse, WI. My thoughts ,comdolences & especially prayers are with all of you as you come to the first anniversary. GODSPEED. |
Posted Monday, June 2, 2008 at 10:19 AM by Patricia Anderson |
| Richard we continue to miss you. I still expect to see you as I turn the corner in the main hospital. We miss your smile and personality. This community has suffered a great lost. All will be remembered for the great work that each of you gave to the hospital and the community. May each of you continue to rest in peace. |
Posted Friday, November 16, 2007 at 12:41 PM by John Bargani |
| I just watched an airing of "Med Air" and was thinking during the show - what an incredible job these transplant specialists accomplish, and how rewarding a job that must be. I knew nothing of this accident until the very end of the program when the frame dedicated the show to the memory of Richard Chenault II. I entered his name into google, and then read about this tragedy. I did not know Richard Chenault, but after watching the program about the amazing work done by the U.M. organ transplant team, it brought tears to my eyes as I re-watched the interviews with Richard, now knowing he is no longer with us. There is a special place in heaven for Richard and his colleagues in this tragedy. They gave their lives trying to help others live. My heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones, and please know that Richard's story had such a positive impact on anyone who viewed this program. God bless his soul. |
Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 10:11 AM |
| Although months have passed, know that your loved ones and you our in our thoughts and prayers. While I have moved on to private practice, I encounter other care providers who have been touched by your loss. Most of all, I have heard about changes in programs to minimize risk to staff, residents, and faculty involved in these heroic endeavors. We keep you all in our thoughts, and remember happy moments from our times with these folks while we worked together. God bless. |
Posted Saturday, August 4, 2007 at 11:27 AM by Andreas Sakopoulos, MD |
| It was only a few short years ago that I was going on donor runs during my training at Loma Linda University and then at the Hosptital for Sick Children in Toronto. I remember the enthusiasm at helping to turn a tragedy in one place into a success in another. But everytime I got on those choppers I thought of the ones I care most about: my children and wife.
In ancient Greece the greatest warriors died on the battlefield. In ancient Sparta the greatest did not return home except on their shield. Most of us will die an uneventful death, but the six heroes that died a few weeks ago lost their lives while doing they believed in...what a formidable honor. I hope that the families of our six colleagues understand our great admiration and respect for what they were doing and how they lost lives priceless lives. Our prayers are with you. |
Posted Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 03:28 PM by Gail Yanca |
| Though I did not know the team members lost in this trajedy, I was a part of the MarLin Air team for many years and know how close the Survival Flight family is. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the families of the members lost and also to the entire Survival Flight staff. |
Posted Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 01:18 AM by April Chenault-Sandquist |
| Thank you so very much for all the kind words that all of you shared about my brother Richard Chenault II and the crew of The U of M Survival Flight. Richard, all of my life was a true inspiration to me as he was for many others that crossed his path. He will always be loved and missed by not only myself, but my children and my sisters, parents, and other family members.
I really would like to extend a special thanks to the U of M for broadcasting their memorial service over the internet. This broadcast helped family around the world be there, when distance seperated us. I would also like to take this moment to thank my mother, Berna Chenault. She was the woman that gave all her children the gift of life, love and education. My father, Richard Chenault I, for being our father and loving us. These two people made six children (five girls, and one boy) into the great people we are today. They gave us encouragement, love, dreams, hopes, and strength. Building us for our future and being there along the way, good or bad. I would like to thank my sister Monica, Gisselle, Mitzi, and Juanita, because without them in my lives, I would not be the nurse that I am today. And I would like to thank Richard, for being a brother, father figure, track coach, leader, friend and helping me realize that life is very precious and giving of ones self is the greatest gift that God has given to mankind. I will always remember you Richard and love you too. Love your little sister,
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Posted Friday, July 27, 2007 at 04:07 AM |
| Susan, we all miss your wonderful husband and the children's loving father. I can only trust that there is hockey in heaven. May everyday be skating day! |
Posted Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 01:24 AM |
| Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Words cannot express our sincere sympathy.
Chandy Bissonette RN BSN CFRN
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Posted Friday, July 20, 2007 at 02:16 PM by Tammy J. Strachan |
| God bless to Survival flight team and all the lives they touched. |
Posted Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at 09:46 PM by sheila henderson |
| I'm truly sorry for your loss. I just lost my daughter amy regis due to a house fire. She passed away at the trauma burn unit at U of M. If the people you lost were anything like the rest of your staff, our world and your hospital has lost a lot.
You are in my prayers |
Posted Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at 03:07 PM by Susannah Cameron-Crichton |
| As a fellow Michigan-based Canadian and long-time family friend from Martin Spoor's hometown of Calgary, Alberta, I am glad I am going to be able to honour his dedication and talent, along with those of his survival flight team colleagues. I've been flying the Canadian flag since I got back to Michigan from overseas, where I heard of the appalling June 4 tragedy. Perhaps we'll find some kind of meaning and solace in sharing grief and, yes - anger, with others in the Michigan community who are mourning the loss of loved ones and respected colleagues.
Martin Spoor and I have known each other for about thirty years, as he and my daughters both attended the Canadian school where I worked in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. As he grew up, I knew him initially as a shy boy in school uniform short pants, then as a teenaged church altar assistant, an orchestral participant in the renowned Calgary Stampede Parade, as a much-liked camp counsellor at YMCA's Camp Chief Hector, then as a medical student at the University of Calgary, where I worked. I gladly attended the medical school graduations of both Martin and his wife Susan, but saw little of him thereafter as he moved on with his extensive medical training and I went to live in South Africa. Then coincidentally, I found myself living in the USA for the first time, here in Michigan, and discovered that Martin and Susan were also here - living in Ann Arbor. Because there weren't many openings in Canada in his particular cardiac specialty, he had taken a Fellowship at the Univ of Michigan and was ably meeting the challenge of raising his very young family in a new environment, adapting to a different health care delivery system and soaking up every professional advance available through the U of M's renowned medical education and delivery system. I was astonished to learn that he was also a dedicated member of the flight survival organ program and how many hours he devoted to every aspect of becoming a better "healer" in the broadest possible sense. His wife, who is a qualified gerontologist herself, was a rock, raising their three young children, establishing a personal network for the new Canadian arrivals and enabling Martin to advance his calling (his healing work was not merely a job) and to pursue any opportunity to make any contribution he could to the outstanding work of his team and fellow professionals, while exposing himself to the many resources at the U of M. He willingly paid the price of exhaustion and extremely long and unpredictable hours by spending every spare moment available with his young family. I was lucky to catch glimpses of him between shifts when we visited them at home in Ann Arbor. U of M has clearly lost a pivotal and talented physician, one whose focus in life was to mend lives, restore health and make the world a better place. Martin's family has lost an enormously beloved and treasured son, husband, brother, father and friend and the world itself has lost one of its brightest and best, one of "the Great and the Good". The world is a far, far poorer place without Martin Spoor and his team-mates, and we cannot honour or thank them adequately for the beneficial impact they have had on each one of us, in so many special ways. As a lasting tribute to you, Martin, the most modest and unassuming of men, we'll honour you by following your fine example - by doing whatever good we can, wherever we find ourselves, just like you've done throughout your all-too short but cherished time with us. Our old school motto at Strathcona Tweedsmuir - "Nil Nisi Optimum" (If not the best, then nothing) surely exemplifies your contribution more than anything. |
Posted Monday, July 16, 2007 at 02:09 AM by Stephanie M. Johnson |
| So glad I had the pleasure, of knowing Richard Chenault II. But I'm selfish enough to say wish you were still here. Jesus loves you so do I.
Stephanie J. |
Posted Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 07:57 PM |
| I too, am amazed and so grateful for all of the support that has been given to the families of the victims in the crash.
Like my sister, I miss my dad everyday. I was/am so very proud of my dad. I want to thank everyone who took the time to write comments about our dad and to those who directed their comments to the whole team. I just want you to know how much it means to our family when we read them. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. Kim (Hoyes) Riedel
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Posted Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 04:19 PM |
| I have known Richard and his sister Mitzi since I started working at UM 14+ yrs ago. He was always an example of concern, caring, humor and information. He was a wonderful person whose light and life will be missed here, but continue shining in eternity. |
Posted Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 06:22 PM by Cathy Strachan |
| This is dedicated to the six members of the transplant team, but most especially to Richard. The author is unknown.
Bits and Pieces.
People. People important to you, people unimportant to you cross your life, touch it with love and carelessness and move on. There are people who leave you and you breathe a sigh of relief and wonder why you ever came into contact with them. There are people who leave you and you breathe a sigh of remorse and wonder why they had to go away and leave such a gaping hole. Children leave parents; friends leave friends. Acquaintances go; people grow apart. People change homes. Enemies hate and move on. Friends love and move on. You think of the many who have moved your hazy memory. You look on those present and wonder. I believe in God's master plan in lives. He moves people in and out of each other's lives, and each leaves his mark on the other. You find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who ever touch your life, and you are more because of it, and you would be less if they had not touched you. Pray God that you accept the bits and pieces in humility and wonder, and never question, and never regret. Bits and Pieces.
Cathy Strachan, UM employee and Gabriel Richard Girl's track team parent. |
Posted Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 10:27 AM by Tammy (Hoyes) Ritter |
| I am so touched by the many people that have been so supportive and helpful to all the families. You will never know how much your prayers and support have helped.
I miss my dad dearly. There isn't a day that doesn't go by that I don't think of him and wish he were still here. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. God Bless
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Posted Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 01:03 PM by Steve & Andy Schiff |
| To the Family of Richard Chenault,
During our own time of tragedy, when our 26 year old son died at UM Hospital 2 years ago, we had the privilege and good fortune of working with Richard to arrange for Yossi to donate his organs. We both remember how sensitive and compassionate Richard was in discussing the details of the donation while we were consumed by grief and shock. When we read the newspaper article and saw the picture of Richard we both flashed back to having met him on the worst day in our lives and wanted you to know that Richard helped us navigate the emotional and medical minefields associated with Yossi's organ donations. You should feel extremely proud of your husband and father and the important work he did, and most importantly, of the caring and compassionate man he was. He made an excruciating situation for us a little more bearable. His "bedside manner" was remarkable and we remember him to this day even as the shock of our son's death may blur other details. We send our deepest condolences and wish you strength and support from family and friends as you work through the difficult days ahead. We also send our condolences and support to the other victims of the crash. You are all heroes. Sincerely,
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Posted Monday, June 25, 2007 at 11:53 AM by Wilma Purcell |
| As I do the mental work in coming to terms with the sad and tragic event that ended 6 precious lives, I am reminded of recurring thoughts and impressions I had of my friend- Richard, as he went about his work in such a caring and conscientous manner. I often thought, he is an angel. The six men who are gone from this earth are angels! They have touched so many people in countless unique ways, and I sincerely believe they continue to do so. My hope is that families, co-workers and other friends will take solace in the honor inherent in having loved, worked with, known and/or encountered such angelic beings.
With sincere sympathy-and hope that we will each continue to honor all of them by honoring their life's work.
Wilma S. Purcell, Ann Arbor Police Sergeant-Retired |
Posted Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 09:46 PM by Sandra Culter |
| I am a former EMT with AMR Ambulance/Taylor Ambulance and a long time friend of pilot Dean Pode and just read about the tragic crash and deaths of six heroes. All aboard were indeed heroes. Just because people choose careers that can put them in harm's way does not make them any less so. My condolences to all the families concerned and to their friends and coworkers. I hope the familes will take comfort in knowing that their loved ones died while trying to save the lives of others.
In Peace,
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Posted Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 09:32 PM by Rob Obrecht |
| Debbie and family,
My name is Rob. Your husband was my chief pilot at systec. He was like a father to me in aviation and I have no words to describe my emotions when I was told what happened. I met you with my very musical wife, Teresa, a few years back and in fact did some work on your other home near van dyke. I do have a quick story that I think sums Bill up that you might want to hear...One time we were on a trip down to Alabama in the middle of the night and as luck would have it, a hurricane had just hit land there and as we flew along in a poorly maintained MU2, Bill looked over at me with this grin and said,"it doesn't get any better than this!" I will never forget what he did for me or the nurturing kindness he showed every day no matter how frustrated he [got]. Bill was a true diamond in the rough and he will forever have my respect as well as a piece of my heart. If I could do anything for you or yours I would be honored.... Rob Obrecht |
Posted Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 08:50 PM |
| My mother received a single lung transplant at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center on January 10, 2007 due to end stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. She is alive today because of the passion, vision and dedication of the flight team that flew to recover her lung and bring it to Pittsburgh.
We send our deepest condolences to the families of the flight team and the entire University of Michigan transplant community. You will remain in our memory forever. |
Posted Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 06:55 PM by Brad Thomson |
| As a native to Ann Arbor and a proud graduate from the University of Michigan...there is nothing that i am more proud of in my city than our hospital system and the people that dedicate their lives to save others...although this tragic loss shocked Ann Arbor, the spirit of those who passed will shine eternally over our beloved city. |
Posted Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 08:56 AM by Kayla Chenault, daughter of Richard Chenault II |
| Who you are
You are, first of all, my father; the first man I'll love and each day I thank God for you. You are my first best friend. You took me to track meets and football games; you came to my spring musical and read my stories. You loved me in a way I could not love myself and you saw the potential for me to do great things although I was so young. You are my Peter Pan. You never grew old. You always laughed, always played, always joked, and always talked. There was never a dull moment when you were around. You are my Superman. I remember when I was only five, and strong wind started and picked me up. I was off of the ground and you were holding onto me tight and you never let me go. Thank you for never letting go. You are my teacher. You taught how to love God, how to love people who hurt you, how to love your family, how to love yourself. You taught me how to run, not away from your problems, but like a bull facing them head-on. You taught me that even the greatest men make mistakes, and the importance of loving and honoring your parents no matter what. You are my inspiration. You died saving someone else. You loved me when I didn't feel like I loved you. You showed me that believing in yourself is half the battle and that adversity is just a four letter word, because you had the King on your side and at the end of the day He was the One that got you through and that is what I learned from you. I will tell my children of you and who you were and how much I loved and how much I miss you and how much I wish you were here right now and how you were proud of me and how I'm proud of you and how you taught this little eaglet to soar. I love you Dad! |
Posted Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 11:12 PM by Sheila Watson ( Smith ) |
| To the family of Martin Spoor
My heartfelt condolences Susan to you and your children over the sudden death of your husband. My Mom, Frances Smith, received a letter from Ken Russell yesterday (June 22nd )teeling her about your loss. I had no idea it was your husband when I heard about the accident on the news. I am so sorry!! Knowing your parents I know you'll get tremendous support form them. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Your friend and former babysitter, |
Posted Friday, June 22, 2007 at 10:51 PM by David Persaud, MD, MPH |
| I have never met any of these individuals, but I am deeply saddened to read about the loss of these talented and giving individuals. I hope their families take some comfort in the knowledge that they died in the service of others.
David Persaud, MD, MPH, Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
Posted Friday, June 22, 2007 at 06:38 PM by Bill George |
| June 3, 2007 was a proud day for me. My son Michael George and his boss Bill Serra flew up from Willow Run Airport to Houghton Lake to attend our annual Flyin Pancake Breakfast and to show and demo how a sick pearson is transported to UofM via jet transport. We had a nice crowd and Bill Serra spoke and gave a great demo on the operation of Survival Flight. Then it was my son's turn to speak. I became emotional and teary eyed, and very proud that he repsented U-M and LOVED HIS JOB. I had met Bill Serra at Willow run and admired his professional love for aviation. He truly will be missed. We send our condolences to his family. My wife could not make the services for Bill because my brother-in-law passed Thursday of that week. Your work transporting people in the last twenty years speakes for itself. Keep up the excellent job. In our Prayers Always, Bill and Barbara George. |
Posted Friday, June 22, 2007 at 02:04 PM by Kathleen D. Dumas |
| My deepest sympathy to the Richard Chenault family. Many times while doing lung transplants Richard would arrive to the OR with the organs. Although, you could see that he was exhausted he was always pleasant. He had a wonderful smile. I attended two of his presentations on organ transplantations. Included in his seminar was the story of "Bambi." Richard impressed me as a very spiritual, intelligent, generous and kind man who thoroughly loved life. The fact that he was involved in the process of giving life to others speaks to his own passion for it. |
Posted Friday, June 22, 2007 at 01:12 PM by Doris M. McLittle-Marino |
| My thoughts and prayers are with the entire University of Michigan and the families of the six members of the survival flight team that lost their lives. In sharing our grief we can gain strength to continue the work that is needed to save lives. Remain strong! |
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