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 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 10:45 AM by Lindsay Schneider

I am just a temp. but I wanted to share that I attended Belleville High School, and Rick Lapensee had a son my age, his name is Brenden. Since I have graduated, I have not seen Brenden, nor have I met his dad, but I sympathize his loss and I want him to realize that our community has their arms open to him and his family.

Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 10:09 AM by Torkel Åberg

For me, who crashed in similar circumstances many years ago but did survive essentially unhurt, this tragic accident brings back memories of what could have been and the realization that we all live on borrowed time. Please accept my deepest empathy.

Within the EACTS we have created a prize in memory of our colleagues who died in accidents in persuit of our profession.

Torkel Åberg, Past President, European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.


Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 09:58 AM by Rony Thomas, LifeNet Health

Dear President Coleman:

On behalf of all of us at LifeNet Health, please accept our sincere condolences for the tragic loss of the Survival Flight Team. Transplant teams are a special breed, when called to duty, there is no thought of the risks that are involved in running against the clock to save lives.

Losing a friend, family member, or coworker so unexpectedly can be devastating but to lose such a talented group of individuals dedicated to saving lives is deeply felt by all of us involved in fulfilling the same mission. I am sure that the impact of such a tragedy is felt around the country.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do to provide support or assistance during this very difficult time. The University and the families of those lost are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Rony Thomas
President & CEO
LifeNet Health


Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 09:44 AM by Jeff Blitz CPTC, Lifeline of Ohio

I had the opportunity to work with Richard Chenault when UM came to recover lungs from one of my donors. Being a native of the Detroit area myself, we bonded over shop talk and sports talk. Though the encounter was brief, it was immediately apparent that Richard was a seasoned professional. He was a great guy with a great sense of humor.

My heart goes out to all the families of these fine men.


Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 09:35 AM by Javier Sanjinés

I am deeply moved by the tragic death of our colleagues. Please convey my condolences to the families of these courageous members of our community.

Javier Sanjinés
Associate Professor
Romance Languages and Literatures


Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 05:03 AM by Howard Harrington, ELS Specialist-U of M ECMO

I am saddened by the loss of such fine individuals. I (and the entire ECMO Team) have had the pleasure of working with Drs. Ashburn and Spoor as well as Richard Chenault II in pursuit of helping people in need. I must hope that we might carry on in the same spirit which drove each of them to the level of excellence they achieved. I am proud to have known them and hope that their families find some comfort in knowing just how exceptional they were each day. May you find Peace.

Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 12:41 AM by Tim Dever

I would like to express my sorrow over this tragic loss and to offer my condolences to everyone whose lives were touched in some way by the heroic individuals who lost their lives rushing to save that of another. I did not have the privilege of knowing any of those exceptional men, but as a friend of Bill Serra Jr., I have been given a glimpse into the life of his father and the noble way that he lived.

Bill Serra, Dennis Hoyes, David Ashburn, Richard Chenault II, Rick Lapensee, Martin Spoor; these men died trying to save a life, but the world will remember the way that they lived. They will not be forgotten.


Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 12:28 AM by Dr. Diane Wong

Martin Spoor was my senior resident during my General Surgery rotation at the University of Alberta in 1998. Although it was only a few months that I had the privilege of working with him, and it has been almost a decade since then, he still stands out in my mind as a important mentor in my life.

Marty was not only brilliant, dedicated and talented, but much more rare and special was the fact that he was such a wonderful person -- hilarious, kind, gentlemanly, and a generous teacher. These latter qualities can be rare in the pressure-cooker environment of 110 hour work weeks that start at 5:30 am, and sometimes didn't end for calendar days. I was inspired and grateful to Marty for showing me what an ideal physician, surgeon and resident could be.

I am heartbroken for all that the world has lost, but especially for his family -- my deepest condolences to all of you.

Dr. Diana Wong,
Plastic Surgeon, Canada


Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 07:55 PM by rosemary callahan

My heartfelt condolences

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 07:04 PM by Sheliah M. Johnson

Dear Dr. Mary Sue Coleman:

News of the fatal medical mission was overwhelmingly sad. However, please take hope and courage in knowing that GOD did not fail anyone in this instance! The Bible is very clear about the facts concerning our departed loved ones and friends who die in HIM:

"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (See 1 Thessalonians. 4: 15 - 18)

Death is only a "temporary" situation and separation...which will be ENDED when Jesus returns:

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." (See Revelation 21: 1-5)

Although the separation may currently "appear" unbearable, imagine how much time, energy, fun, laughter and loving conversations we will share together...shortly!

Remain FAITHFUL and STRONG,
Sheliah M. Johnson, An Ohio Stater in Christ Jesus


Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 06:23 PM by Dusty Lynn

To all the team members who are grieving the loss of your fellow colleagues: Our hearts and prayers are with you. Though we may never meet, please know you are supported and cared about. It's in these times when your world is rocked that you must know we as a community reach out to you in attempt to steady the intense pain you must be feeling. Our arms are around you -- please know we care

Dusty Lynn RN, Charlottesville VA


Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 06:11 PM by Anke WinklerPrins

Words cannot express the sadness and shock of the late night news I received from a former co-worker that the Survival Flight plane went down. It is still difficult to accept. My condolences to the families as well as the friends and co-workers on the loss of such great men, as I am sure, they were like family in the workplace to many.

I remember Richard Chenault well as a close friend and colleague who would stop by my office to chat. I was always touched by how his visits made me feel as though sitting and chatting was the most important thing he had to do that day. A gentle, a kind man, he had a smile that always made me smile. His love for his family, wife and daughter, his work and his coaching as well as his deep spirituality was inspiring and forever hopeful.

May his family know how special he was to many.


Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 06:11 PM by Casey/Huntn'Ma

Just wanted to let all of the family and friends know that they are in my prayers.....

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 04:35 PM by Regina Hugan

I just want to say what this team has done was so courageous. These people put their lives on the line to bring back hope for others whose lives are hanging on by prayer and hope. My heart goes out to all 6 of these families because I know their hearts are heavy. Through prayer and time the pain will eventually subside. I knew Richard Chenault personally and my heart goes out to his daughter who he loved so much. These men are in heaven looking down on us and each one of them have definitely earned thier wings. God Bless.

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 04:20 PM by Nancy Harlan

As a resident of Milwaukee, WI, my heart goes out to your entire campus -- students and faculty, along with the families involved -- in the loss of the pilots and transplant team that lost their lives in Lake Michigan.

Though we did not know them, this has touched the lives of all Milwaukee residents, and our prayers are with you!

Nancy Harlan


Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 03:12 PM by Cami, RN CPTC

Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of your family members, friends, and colleagues. I was very fortunate to be able to spend the last hours with this team before their untimely death. Only interacting with each of them for a few hours, it was evident that they were all wonderful, compassionate men, all with a great sense of humor! I cannot imagine the tremendous loss you are feeling, and I pray for your peace and healing.

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 02:55 PM by John Fallon

Good morning Mary Sue.

I write to offer my most genuine condolences on the loss of important members of your university community. By every account, these were heroic people doing remarkably important work. And, of course, some of the people had direct and abiding ties to Eastern Michigan University. Indeed, this entire region has lost a group of precious folks. My colleagues and I here share in your loss. We stand ready to do anything and everything that would be useful to you. And I extend my hand to you personally in both sympathy and colleagueship.

John Fallon, Eastern Michigan University


Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 01:47 PM by Lori Tummonds

I feel compelled to write and express my deep sympathy and condolences. This is a great loss for not only friends and family and the University of Michigan, but also for the transplant community in general. Please know that I am praying for all of you and that somehow you will find peace in this difficult time.

Lori Tummonds, RN
Renal Transplant Coordinator, University of Kentucky Transplant Center


Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 01:21 PM by Sam & Chris

We express our sincere condolences to all of the families of the Survival Flight crash. Our prayers and thoughts are with them at this time of their sorrow. These men died for a reason and we are proud and thankful to them for giving their lives to save others. God bless all of them!

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 12:55 PM by Lynn T. Singer

Dear Mary Sue,

Please accept my condolences for the great loss your university has experienced. We are all thinking of you here at the ADVANCE program at Case. I know your strong and compassionate leadership, evident in the photos I saw, will be a source of solace for the university community.

Lynn T. Singer, Deputy Provost & Vice President, for Academic Programs, Office of the President and the Provost, Case Western Reserve University


Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 12:35 PM by Daniel Smith

It is impossible to know what we have all lost when such bright and talented professionals leave us far too soon. As a member of a transplant team myself, who has flown on hundreds of flights, an accident such as this feels very close to home. I think I would like to say although this type of tragedy will always be a risk for us...it will never change who we are. I have always felt fortunate and a profound sense of pride to work with other transplant professionals over the years. I did not know any of these individuals personally, but I believe there is a common spirit that runs through many of us who work in the transplant field. I would simply wish the families and friends of each of these individuals strength as they face the days ahead.

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 11:33 AM

As a transplant recipient whose organ was recovered in another state, I cannot thank these men enough for the job they were doing. My heart goes out to their families, and I will keep them in my prayers.

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 11:18 AM by Linda Galetti

Dear Mary Sue,

Our son was at U of M for a Kidney transplant in 1998. When we saw the small clip about the loss of your Dr.'s and crew we were so upset. The great work your hospital does is the finest we have ever seen.

I know words can never really convey the pain your people must feel. But we all are feeling it too. Keep the good work up

Linda Galetti
Rich & Linda Galetti
Tule Lake Labradors


Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 10:42 AM by Nikki G. Andrews

I am a former employee of the Transplant Center. I am grateful to God that I had the opportunity to know Richard Chenault and Rick Lapensee. I feel such a tremendous loss, as my bond with the Transplant Center team did not end when I left the department.

I developed a close relationship with Richard Chenault. He was a man who loved the Lord. We'd often talk about the goodness of Jesus, and he'd give me a word of encouragement and make sure that I had the latest uplifting praise and worship CDs. Richard was very optimistic about life and always saw the glass as half full. When I'd share things with him, he'd always give me a positive perspective on the situation, and back it up with a scripture from the Bible or a personal example of what he'd experienced and how he overcame it.

I recall teasing Richard for being a metrosexual, as he was a man that was always well groomed and well dressed. He'd always blush and quickly leave the room when I'd tease him about that.

Richard loved life, his family, and his job. He was a man that loved people, and was never too busy to give an encouraging word or a smile to brighten someone's day. My heart aches that I will not see him again in this life. However, I am comforted by the fact that he is now resting in the arms of Jesus.

Rick Lapensee was such a good person. He was patient, gentle, and just an all around great guy to be around. I'd often look forward to getting an occasional visit from Rick regarding timesheets, or other questions related to HR.

I remember when I found out that Rick was also a fireman, I'd often look at his timesheet and his log of on-call hours and I'd wonder how in the world was he able to juggle both jobs. He was totally driven by his passion to be of service to mankind. I will never forget Rick's kindness to me and his warm smile. He will be sorely missed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family and friends of the other men that I did not have the pleasure of meeting.

To the Transplant Center team, my prayers are with you as you continue to go on doing the work that the men that we lost loved so much.

Blessings and Love,
Nikki G. Andrews, Human Resources Assistant Department of Physics, University of Michigan


Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 09:55 AM by Monika Gupta, MD

This tragedy is close to heart because I had the good fortune of working with most of the team especially Dr Ashburn and Richard Chenault. I had interacted with them at different times during my fellowship training. My heartfelt sympathies to the families. I share your loss.

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 08:56 AM by shalom simmons rn bsn cctn

Although I did not know the passengers on this flight personally, I want to express my condolences to their families. I cannot imagine what they must be feeling. These surgeons were on a mission in saving lives that in and of itself truly shows their humanity and love/respect for human life. The pilots who work tirelessly to get our surgeons to procure organs sometimes have to be available in the middle of the night - they are also heroes.....As a transplant clinical coordinator it hits home as we all share in the belief of helping to prolong the lives of our patients. May they find their way to their spiritual home.

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 08:06 AM by Gary Foxen

To the families of the transplant team that perished on June 4, 2007:

I am a lung transplant recipient that was given new life through the hard work of a transplant team such as the one in which your loved ones were involved and know what a terrible loss our life-sustaining community has suffered with their passing. Still, through my involvement with my local OPO (OneLegacy), I have seen countless others whose lives have been spared or enhanced through the efforts of wonderful public servants such as yours and know what a difference they make in the lives of patients everywhere.

I so deeply share in the loss of your special loved ones and hope you will always remember how much of a difference they have made in the lives of others. That after all is the true measure of the significance of our lives, in my opinion.

I pray that God is with you in your time of emotional need.

Gary Foxen


Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 07:57 AM by Wendy Grant

My thoughts and prayers are with all the families of the heroes. And also with the wonderful transplant team at the University of Michigan who are continuing to enable people to experience the miracle of transplant every day.

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 06:39 AM by Michele Russell

My heart goes out to all involoved in this horrible tragedy. I send my deepest condolences to all families. May god be with you today and always.

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 12:11 AM by Local Fire Department

This is in memory of Rick Lapensee. Not only did he save a lot of lives at U of M he also did in Ypsilanti. May god bless all of your families.

A Fireman's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God,
Whenever flames may rage;
Give me strength to save some life,
Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person
From the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
And to give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor
And protect his property.
And if, according to my fate,
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting
My children and my wife.
- Author Unknown


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 11:52 PM

My prayers go out to those survived by those who perished, the transplant community and those waiting for transplants. What a great loss. When you look at the big picture, there are very few who dedicate themselves to this profession. Each are heroes in my book as they worked hard to save others, often when others have given up. Swift wind at your and your loved one's backs! May it carry you through your loss and each time it touches you, know your loved one is part of it.

Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 11:00 PM by Dara Weber

It's taken me a while to finally send this in. I wanted to days ago, but every time I tried to write the words, my fingers would not move. I guess I just didn't want it to become real. But it is real and I want to let everyone know how wonderful and amazing Rick and Richard were.

I became a Transplant Donation Specialist a year ago. Richard became my manager and I began my training. Richard was amazing at what he did. There were times when I thought how does he do it all! Much of time when he was teaching me or if we set time aside to go over things it would take us two hours just to get to where we were going. He knew everyone we would pass in the hall and he always had to say hi to them all.

As the year passed Richard soon became more than just a manager, he was often a counselor when I needed advice. There were times he knew what I needed to hear. He also was my leader. He had consistent faith in me and I always knew he would be there if I needed him, for anything. Richard also loved to hear about the farm I have. He told me that he grew up in the country and that it was nice to hear there still were family farms around here. He loved to buy chicken eggs from me too. I never had a weekend go by that Richard wasn't paging on Sunday night for two dozen eggs. He always said he loved his wife to bake cakes and as long as I kept the eggs coming she would bake the cakes. I am truly going to miss his smile at work and his wisdom when I need it and even his Sunday night pages for eggs.

Rick was like a brother to me. He was so much fun to work with. He loved to joke and make us laugh. He was a wonderful Friend and co-worker. He too was a great teacher and I learned so much from him. He always liked to come up with nicknames for everyone. Mine was crash because I had hit four deer this past year with my car. Our co-worker Christine is Burn because her lawn was set on fire this past spring. So we became known as Crash and Burn. He always had to come to our desks when he was in the office to see how we were doing. Like a big brother he was always looking out for us both.

Sometimes the loss of my dear friends is more than I can bear. I am often lost in thought thinking how can I go on, but I know in my heart they would want us to go on. I wake everyday holding them in my heart and use all that they taught me both in the office and in life.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families. They also go out to of my fellow co-workers. May the Lord be with us.

Dara


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 07:37 PM by Ms. Tasha Hawkins

I am sending the family my deepest condolences, I am so sorry for your loss.

I grew up with Richard/family and consider myself though long distance his sister (Mitzi's) Best friend for life.

I remember Richard in high school and it doesn't shock me in the least of his dedication, commitment and focus to his career and family. He was always well-spoken, kind and had one of the funniest senses of humor I have ever known. He believed in doing his best and working hard and as I read through the many memories he has done just that and more.... Richard has truly lived his life to the fullest......was truly loved by many and Will be Missed.


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 06:06 PM by Jon Kobashigawa MD

Dear UM Heart Transplant Team,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Your team exemplified the spirit of transplantation and the risks we all take to secure a gift of life for one of our patients. In sympathy, Jon Kobashigawa MD on behalf of the UCLA Heart Transplant Program


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 05:43 PM by Lin Scouten RN, CCTC

To the family, friends, faculty and staff at UM Transplant program:

I want to share my deepest condolences and sadness with you all regarding the loss of your colleagues. It is especially tragic given that they were in the process of trying to save a life through the gift of organ donation. We all know of the great personal sacrifice that goes into organ donation, and now, I'm sure it has come too close to home. My personal thoughts and prayers go with you, the families, patients, and coworkers who knew these men. Everyone at our transplant center shares in the loss of these members of your team. We hope that their memories will be kept alive in your hearts.

Lin Scouten, RN CCTC


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 05:28 PM by Mary Charlotte Gamel

I am sending my condolences to the families of the team members involved in the plane crash which took the lives of your members of the Transplant Team at the University of Michigan (U-M) and two pilots from Marlin Air, who operate the Survival Flight missions for U-M. I am an RN and the mother of an Organ Donor Transplant Coordinator here in Phoenix, Arizona; she also goes on such similiar flights. I wish to somehow let these families know that I am aware of the potential for danger for these team members, because intense compassion is why these people do what they do. They literally sacrifice for others - they sacrifice their time, their families, their energies and sometimes even their lives. This event has not gone unnoticed by others far from you.

I want to somehow give you a new moment of reflection - love like this which each one of this team has given - has reached into the heart of myself (who doesn't even know you). And love like this is eternal and is a gift. Thank you so much for your sacrifices.

Sincerely,
Charlotte Gamel


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 05:17 PM by Susan Nelson

My name is Susan Nelson I am a Liver transplant Patient 1988..then again in Dec. 2006 a Kidney transplant. I would like to send my condolences to the families of the Survival Flight crash. The people who passed away that day were heroes. If it were not for people like them who take a chance every time they go up into the air...people like me would not be here. Sometimes the doctors get all the glory for saving a person's life. But it is truly a team who saves your life. I was given the gift of life twice. To All the Family Members, you will be in my prayers

Peace, Susan Nelson


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 05:11 PM by Christopher Loiselle

I was sorry to hear about the Survival Flight jet going down in Lake Michigan. As a Paramedic in northern Michigan, I have been honored on occasion to help transport the organ teams from the airport to the hospital and back. These people are truly amazing lifesavers and will be greatly missed. May God be with their families at this very difficult time. There is surely a place in Heaven for all of these heroes.

Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 03:47 PM by John and Kathleen O'Brien - D'Andrea

As a full time Survival Flight Nurse from 1992-1998, I flew in the Citation Jet many times, as well as on the Survival Flight Helicopter. In 2006 things circled back around, as life does, to teach us lessons. My husband, John was a lung transplant patient. Dr Ashburn was one of the surgery fellows who saw him. People I had flown and worked with were now instrumental in saving my husband's life.

As saddened as we are, the best way to honor these consummate professionals is to continue to do what we do best. My husband takes care of himself to honor the sacrifice made by an unknown 19 year old, and I take care of patients. To do anything less dishonors them and what they lived and died for. I am proud to have had the opportunity to have such incredible people in our lives. Kate O'Brien RN


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 03:35 PM by Margaret Frank-Bader

On behalf of the Transplant Team at NYU Medical Center I offer you my deepest condolences on the loss of your transplant team members. The loss of such dedicated professionals who work to save the lives of others is a true loss to humanity. Although we do not personally know each of the team members who were lost, we grieve with you and want you to know you are in our thoughts and our prayers. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and families of these heroes.

Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 03:28 PM by Deb Baio, PA-C

I was lucky to have crossed paths with David Ashburn at Wake Forest when I was in General Surgery & Trauma PA in the ICUs. We shared jokes, teasing, and the friendly insults of "mouthy southern kids" whenever possible -- all of it in good fun. Ever the southern gentlemen though, he was always amazed at how rude some men could be towards women, and was always willing to "step in and take care of" any guy who was out of line with a foul comment. He was wickedly smart and always there with an answer when I needed help with a critically ill patient. Ever protective of "my" residents and PROUD of where I trained, Dave is one in which I'm proud. Ironically, he is among the residents that I have bragged about in the past few months -- telling my new team "One day, back at Wake...."

Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 02:54 PM

With the loss of such great men in the Survival Flight crash it leaves an empty space in the heart of many people (family, friends and employees of U of M)... I know from this day forward when I hear the saying "the Michigan Difference" I will think of these heroes... because they are just that...the Michigan Difference.

Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 01:49 PM by Phil & Sherry

Our deepest & most heartfelt condolences to the families, friends & co-workers of the Survival Flight Team that so unselfishly gave of themselves so that another may receive the gift of life.

Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 01:47 PM by william f. northrup III

My deepest sorrow at this tragic loss of these extraordinarily talented people from the University of Michigan. My father, now deceased, was a graduate of your fine University. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 01:35 PM by Patti Paulin

I met Richard Chenault while working in the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit. I worked with him doing Organ Donations in the Neuro-ICU,and worked very closely with him. He was a kind, caring, compassionate individual, who always had a smile on his face. He always knew what to say to the grieving families while trying to make a decision on whether families were interested in transplanting organs. I remember many times working late on Sunday evening and staying over on my shift to make sure I could help Richard take the Patient to the Operating Room for organ donation. Richard was always grateful and appreciative of all the assistance he received. Richard will be missed immensely and I feel honored that he was my friend and colleague.

Patti Paulin RN, Liver Management


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 01:08 PM by james staley

During the 17 years that I worked at the university of Michigan Health system I knew Richard and he was a wonderful and kind person.... Richard was one of a kind, a real kind person and always with a smile. I will sure miss him and all of his concern for others.

James E. Staley


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 12:53 PM by Tanya Felder

Though I had not had the distinct pleasure of meeting Richard personally, I felt that I knew him all too well from many conversations with his sister Juanita (my friend). Never was there a prouder moment when she spoke of him. His passions, his wit, his drive and determination for life and his smile and sense of humor were all of the many things she prided herself in with being his sister.

To the family, please understand that it sounds like Richard lived his life to the fullest. Find peace in knowing that God has allowed him to touch so many hearts and so many lives that his life has not gone in vain. Having your own personal angel/guardian is not only a privilege, but an Honor. To God Be the Glory. Tanya Felder


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 11:57 AM by Ray Naegle

Like many others, I have followed the sad reports of the recent tragic flight. I'm sure the whole Michigan campus is shocked and deeply affected by the loss of this valuable life-saving team. It's hard to understand how bad things happen to good people who are performing good deeds.

Perhaps more people will be motivated to join organ donor programs so future teams will not need to travel as much or as far to save lives.

My condolences to the U of M community and those who lost family and friends.


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 11:40 AM by Sherry Hall

I have the honor & privilege of knowing Dennis Hoyes for several years through his love of aviation. Dennis had a way of bringing out the best in a person, believing in & encouraging them to achieve their highest potential. Dennis was doing what he always did & loved - giving of himself to help someone else without any expectations or reservation. Thank you Dennis.

To Vanyce & your family, I offer my deepest heartfelt sympathy for your loss & pray for God to carry & comfort you through these difficult times.

Sherry


Posted Monday, June 11, 2007 at 10:18 AM by Mark Lester, MD, FACS

The physicians, nurses, and administration of St. Mary's of Michigan in Saginaw express our condolences at this sorrowful time. We were all shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of the transplant team members from the University of Michigan, as they were performing their lifesaving work.

We can all recognize anew the awesome importance of their work of caring for the sick. Your team epitomizes the character, skills, and humanity of this calling.

We share your sorrow. Please accept our respect and admiration for them and their work, and our condolences to you in this time of suffering.

Mark Lester, MD, FACS, Chief Medical Officer, St. Mary's of Michigan, Saginaw, Michigan


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