Posted Condolences / Memories
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]
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 Friday, June 22, 2007 at 12:43 PM by Pauldeep Bahra, MD UMMS 2007 |
| The loss of these individuals is a deep and tragic loss for the UM community. My condolences to the families and friends.
Dr. Spoor was a kind and gentle person and an enthusiastic teacher. I looked forward to working with him every day when I was a student on his service. God Bless. |
Posted Friday, June 22, 2007 at 11:32 AM |
| I have read these condolences only now, more than two weeks since the tragedy, and see clearly how much these six individuals have meant not only to those around them, but indeed to the entire world community. I add my profound
condolences to their families and friends, for their irreplaceable loss.
Though I have never met any of the six, I feel I have gotten to know them all in a special way through these heartfelt words of those who lived, worked, played or prayed with them. What a beautiful way to honor their passing. When I read of the tragedy in the New York Times online I burst into tears and then forwarded the story to a good friend in Ann Arbor, whose wife and daughter have been long-term employees at UM Hospitals, with text added: "This is a tragedy if there ever was one." As a former UM Hospitals student and employee myself I am aware of what a close kinship there exists amongst the medical community there despite its gargantuan proportions and petty ongoing conflicts. This is a particularly poignant example of how strong that bond is, how far its rays extend out into the world, and how important the work is that takes place there. It would seem to me that the best way to honor the legacy of these fine individuals would be to fiercely grieve their loss - and then lift up our heads and listen to the echoing message their passing leaves upon the wind: "Come on, dry your tears, let's get back to work! Patients are waiting! There's no time to waste!" Indeed. Michael Nunn, UM-CAPH 1998-90, Interlochen, MI |
Posted Friday, June 22, 2007 at 10:33 AM by Harvey T. Slaughter, Ph.D., MPH |
| To the Families of the UMMC Survival Team:
The whole of the University of Michigan community worldwide is shocked and grieves the loss of your loved ones. We are all diminished when those who give life are suddenly taken away. May the LORD grant you SOLACE in your grief, and the WILL to see that your loved ones live on in the many lives that they saved. |
Posted Friday, June 22, 2007 at 10:19 AM by Mark Rigsby |
| David's legacy will be that people hear, contemplate and accept the words of his beautiful wife Candace. In her terrible grief,
Candace has pointed all of us towards the truth of David's relationship with God and the truth of his eternity.
God is not distant but can be known by us. And, He promises that the problems of this life will disappear for ever for all who want a relationship with Him. Why would this be what Candace has on her mind during such a terrible time? Because she knows God too. Our memories of David's life are filled with lots of laughs. My very favorite involved a group game I think he called thwack!?! Candace, we love you.
|
Posted Friday, June 22, 2007 at 12:37 AM by Lanjing Zhang, MD, MS |
| I am very sorry to hear this tragedy.
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of those, who lost their lives to save many others' on June 4th, 2007. LZ
|
Posted Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 10:33 PM by Derek Best |
| Please accept my condolences on behalf of our ECMO, Pediatric Emergency Transport, and organ donation colleagues. The dangers that we face when undertaking such mercy flights or road transports are often put aside for the good of the patients we care for. |
Posted Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 03:23 PM by Irene and Ralph Carter |
| For Jan and Susan Spoor, parents of Dr. Martin Spoor: We cannot find words to express how sorry we are for your profound loss. We pray for the Lord's grace to enable to you sense His comfort and that His love will sustain you and all of the family. Much love, Ralph, Irene, Steve, Chris, Patti and Chad Carter |
Posted Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 08:18 AM by Henry Johnson |
| Dear President Coleman,
Allow me to add my sincere expression of condolences regarding the deaths of six members of our university family. Each of them made the ultimate sacrifice in upholding a noble precept----that we lay down our life for the sake of others. May their families, colleagues, and all of us find solace in honoring and celebrating their lives. Sincerely,
|
Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 10:55 PM by Jerry Romanow |
| Our deepest condolences to the families of such great heroes. We owe the life of our infant son Matthew to the Survival Flight. Had it not been for their bravery and dedication, he would not be with us. Words cannot express the great loss the families, as well as the entire world has endured due to this terrible tragedy. They will all be remembered as true American Heroes. Jerry Romanow |
Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 06:01 PM by Francois Mantion, London, UK |
| I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the UM Survival Flight and Transplant teams. I did not know any of them personally but I know that they were heroes. A similar tragedy took place in the department of surgery run by my father Pr G. Mantion (CHU Besancon, France) in October 2006 when two surgeons and two pilots lost their lives on their way to get an organ. |
Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 04:13 PM |
| My condolence to all the families during their time of loss. Richard Harold Earl Chenault II will truly be missed. His love for Jesus will continue to grow in our hearts. I would like to share a poem that I wrote.
You Are Our Star
|
Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 04:06 PM by Peter V. Moulder, MD |
| God bless those heroes. I have only "old" friends @ U Mich - great surgeons. Special prayers will be said |
Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 03:30 PM by Brenda Byers Smith |
| TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE. . . . . Yesterday, I was thinking about Richard Chenault's memorial service, his family and how much he is being missed around the U. . . .picked up a little green Gideons Testament that I keep in my desk, casually opened it to Psalm 139 and verse 9 and 10 caught my eye. . . . . "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me." I know Richard believed this and the verse takes on a whole new meaning for me. |
Posted Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at 06:34 PM by Mary |
| It still seems like yesterday that we heard the tragic news of the loss of this survival flight crew. What remarkable men these men were -- each dedicated to healing hurting people. My prayers are with all of the families. The Lord comforts those who mourn.
Tomorrow is the Memorial Service for Richard Chenault. My condolences go to his wife and stepson, and to his mother, father, siblings, and loved ones -- especially to his only child, Kayla. Kayla, YOU ARE HIS LEGACY. You're a giver just like him. You get your vivacious, outgoing personality from both your folks. Be strong in the Lord. Don't give the devil a foothold with regret. The Lord looks at all of our days. Your Dad loved you very much! Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Your Mom and your Dad have sowed a lot of good into you spiritually. You can honor Dad (and MOM) by continuing to pursue Jesus with a holy passion. You are being covered with prayer by a lot of people who love you. ~Mrs. J. |
Posted Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at 04:09 PM by jill marie weingarten |
| I was speaking with my husband about the Survival Flight crash. It was in February 2005 my 18 year old daughter received a bilateral lung transplant in Madison, Wisconsin. We are from Marquette, Michigan and know the strain of long drives to the hospital and the stress of an ill child. The people involved in the transplant process have my total respect. They were so supportive at such a stressful time. I told my husband that I wished that I could write a letter to the families of the men who lost their lives and thank them for supporting the mission of organ donation. I am truly sorry for their loss. My 18 year old daughter Angela was a recipient of a bilateral lung transplant. We had an additional 4 1/2 months together...for that I am eternally grateful. My daugher passed away...but again, I am so grateful for our time. I wish that I had the proper words to console all of you. You are all in my thoughts and heart. Jill |
Posted Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at 07:51 AM by Dinella Crosby, MHRP Manager |
| The members of the Minority Health Research Program (MHRP) Community Advisory Board wish to express their heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of the Survival Flight team.
As a group, we have also experienced the sudden, unexplainable and tragic loss of a beloved member of our team. We understand how difficult this time must be for everyone whose lives were touched by these extraordinary individuals. We know that through the love, comfort, strength and support of family, friends and colleagues there is healing, and while the pain and sadness will subside, you will never ever forget and will be forever touched by these beloved individuals. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. In sympathy for your loss and hope for the future,
|
Posted Monday, June 18, 2007 at 03:35 PM by Tony Mifsud |
| My heart and soul goes out to the families of the six members. I am at a loss like many others who knew Richard Chenault who I have known for years.
Upon hearing the tragic loss at the Operation Friendship Banquet to honor student/athletes and coaches in their individual sport, I totally broke down in tears. He was one of a kind of person with many attributes towards life, the act of giving which he did over and over again for the Youth of America through sports and University of Michigan's Gift of Life Program.
He will live with us forever. Having the privilege to coach next to him when our cross country teams competed in the Catholic League was a blessing in disguise. I remember when the newly built Father AA Gabriel Richard opened with 40+ acres surrounding the campus. A vision he had to orchestrate and organize a MHSSA State Cross Country Championships on his campus. We had talked about this in the past, so he called me up and we made plans to meet at the school on a Thursday at 8 a.m. to go over school grounds to come up with a feasible cross country course. Upon arriving we met along with his daughter Kayla. The time we spent was precious going over the campus until noon, attempting to draw up a championship course to no avail due to the steep up/down hills and rough terrain at the time. Richard Chenault and Larry Steeb (Whitmore Lake Coach passing away) God Bless You in Heaven. |
Posted Monday, June 18, 2007 at 12:25 PM by Staci M. Royer, RN |
| I had the pleasure of working with David Ashburn, Martin Spoor and Richard Chenault while at UMMC, and while in the TICU. These were men that would light up the unit with their presence. David and Martin were great doctors. Richard was synonymous with Gift of Life. They will be truly missed. And I will keep their families in my prayers. |
Posted Monday, June 18, 2007 at 12:13 PM by Josh Scully |
| Tres Amigos...Richard, Larry and I shared in the underground world of coaching cross/track at small schools in Ann Arbor for the last 14 years. Now we all have moved on. Richard and Larry have joined up with the Big Guy in the Sky to coach the Dream Team of Dream Teams. I was so lucky to be a peer of Richard's! God Bless his family and his teams, both at work and coaching! |
Posted Monday, June 18, 2007 at 08:51 AM by kawena fields |
| My thoughts and prayers are with the families, staff and friends of the colleagues who gave their lives for such a wonderful cause. My heart and prayers are with you all. Kawena Renea Fields, Holston Vally Cardiac Surgery Team |
Posted Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 05:52 PM by Timothy Grabowski, PA-C, Fort Myers, FL |
| My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of the UM Survival Flight and Transplant teams. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. |
Posted Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 10:42 AM |
| Dennis Hoyes was my first store manager when I hired into the retail grocery business. He was kind and very friendly to all people. I remember him wanting to get me into the plane back then. I told him I was afraid of high places. He told me he was too, but up in the sky it was much different, and he loved it. I learned a lot from him and I've passed a lot of that on to others. He left the grocery business shortly after and started the Insurance business. The grocery business didn't last without him. We lost touch, but I never forgot him. He will be missed, but he touched so many that his memory will live on for a very long time. Merton Prescott, Jr. |
Posted Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 01:40 PM by Debbie Merion |
| My husband Bob, a transplant surgeon at U-M, and I offer our deep and heartfelt condolences to all of the families, friends and colleagues of the men who passed away on June 4.
Bob was touched deeply, he knew all the men. My deepest lost was Richard Chenault II, a family friend for 15 years. Richard was a man I liked and admired. His beaming smile under his mustache was like opening the fridge at night in an August heatwave -- refreshing, bright, soothing, welcoming, and nurturing. May the memory of these men be a blessing. Deb and Bob Merion |
Posted Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 12:01 PM by cory & cheryl richardson |
| Dear Sam Serra & your entire family, We want to express our deepest sympathy for the tragic lose of your brother Bill. Our hearts go out to you and your family and our prayers have been with all of you since we heard the terrible news. Sincerely, Cory & Cheryl Richardson |
Posted Friday, June 15, 2007 at 04:51 PM by Brian Bleau |
| May God bless these heroes and their families. Whenever I would go over to Mr. Serra's house to visit his son, he always went out of his way to make me feel at home and to make us laugh -- he was a great man, and I always looked forward to going over there and chatting with him. God bless these men, as well as their families and friends. Rest in peace. |
Posted Friday, June 15, 2007 at 02:10 PM by Betty & Joe |
| We personally did not know any of them, but they Are God's Angels Now, and Always. Love BB & JB |
Posted Friday, June 15, 2007 at 10:46 AM by DT, GPW MI |
| GOD BLESS these souls for these are the real heroes who dedicate their lives to helping others.
Sometimes in the chaos of daily life it's a tragedy of this kind that brings us back to center. Often my thoughts and actions reflect only the needs and concerns of MY family. Thank GOD for people like these six incredible men who dedicate their lives with selfless abandon to making the lives of others better. This is a tragedy of immeasurable scope. The men, their wives, children, extended family, friends and colleagues, are all devastated. My prayers go out to everyone whose lives have been affected by this accident, and especially to the family of my wife's cousin Bill Serra. Bill will be sorely missed, not only by his immediate family but also by his extended one. GOD BLESS the Serra family and all the families suffering in pain over this horrible loss. Waste not another second, live your life, and love your family, for every moment is a gift... |
Posted Friday, June 15, 2007 at 10:21 AM by Pat Poirier |
| I am deeply saddened by the loss of all six transplant/pilot team members. I am a track and cross-country coach at Divine Child H.S. Our team competes in the league with Richard Chenault at the AA Gabrielle Richard girls -- I last saw Richard six days before the crash at the Operation Friendship track competition -- we hugged each other and congratulated each other on a successful season. I was attending the Operation Friendship dinner when I heard of the crash -- what a devastating loss of such a charismatic and classy person -- he will be missed. In Richard's name I have signed on the Gift of Life Donor Registry to continue this Gift of Life. Pat Poirier (Divine Child Coach) |
Posted Friday, June 15, 2007 at 08:28 AM by RE: The Daughter of Richard Chenault |
| Kayla Chenault would like to express her deep gratitude for the overwhelming expressions of love and support she has received from the University of Michigan, her father's coworkers, friends, family and the community at large. The tragic loss of her father in the Survival Flight plane crash has left a void that will forever remain, and Kayla appreciates your compassion as she mourns this devastating loss and begins the healing process. |
Posted Friday, June 15, 2007 at 12:12 AM by gen reilly |
| I am deeply saddened by the loss of your treasured colleagues. My prayers are with you all. |
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 08:20 PM by Ginger DeLario, Carolina Donor Services |
| "We can't know why some things happen...but we can know that love and beautiful memories outlast the pain of grief. And we can know that there's a place inside the heart where love lives always...
and that nothing beautiful in this world is ever really lost."
May the families and friends of all the heroes lost in this tragedy find peace in beautiful memories and in knowing that your loved ones have touched the lives of so many people. Even of people like me, who never had the honor of knowing them. My heart goes out to all of you... |
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 04:48 PM |
| Dear UM Health System,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find some comfort and peace by remembering your exceptional team were performing the single most selfless act, securing the gift of life that others so desperately need. May God Bless You. Jenell Paul, RN Assistant Unit Director, Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit, UCLA Medical Center |
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 04:46 PM by Luz Adriana Caudillo |
| The community is with your families.
Although nothing fills the vacuum left by those who are gone, a life was saved. Someone managed to finish the task that your loved ones started. A person will live eternally thankful to all involved and to the families of those who participated to save him/her. I see that at least some of the deceased were believers, and with deep respect I would like to say that God rewards. I will pray for you. |
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 03:00 PM by Linda, Carolina Donor Services |
| My thoughts and prayers are with the familes and friends of these wonderful people. |
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 01:36 PM by Gary Ciochetto |
| Regarding Bill Serra - my best friend for the past four years.
As Jehovah's Witnesses, Bill, Debbie and I not only shared together our appreciation for our Creator, Jehovah God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, but his organization that we've been part of, and participants in, unreservedly, for a long time. That meant reading the Bible daily, attending 5 meetings a week at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Washington, Michigan, and engaging on a regular basis in a public ministry. No doubt many of you met Bill in that public ministry when he knocked on your door with 'the good news of the Kingdom' that Jesus Christ asked followers to preach publicly. One of his favorite parts of that ministry was conducting Bible studies. Most recently he had been conducting one each Saturday morning. Will I miss Bill? Most assuredly. Not just for deep Scriptural discussion and his companionship in the Ministry, but for his wonderful sense of humor, his loving concern for others, the great games of Euchre. He was always there when I, and others, needed help, and being legally blind, that is more often than I care to think about. Yes, I'm going to miss him, but we had a hope in common that is not just comforting, but a reality. Jesus Christ promised a resurrection to a Paradise on earth. The place where Adam lost the right to everlasting life in perfect health and happiness. Jesus bought back what Adam lost with his own perfect life given as a ransom in exchange for all lost life. So, yes, I will see Bill again when the resurrection occurs. When is that? The Bible does not say but tells us to keep in expectation. Meanwhile, I know Bill is 'conscious of nothing at all'. He is not in pain somewhere. He is not somewhere worrying about us. When the resurrection occurs it will be like awakening from a deep refreshing sleep. He will be in perfect health again and as the Scriptures say: Rejoicing in the vigor of youth. I'll miss him, but we'll survive the grief. We all will. To assure that, I, we, will see Bill in that resurrection we need to read, meditate, and practice the things learned through personal Bible study. That's what Bill would have told you at your doorstep. A Concerned Christian,
|
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 12:28 PM by Rev. Clarence Thomas |
| To the families of those brave heroes who lost their lives while trying to save a life. Our prayers be with you in this time of loss. |
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 10:50 AM |
| At Astellas, we are privileged to be daily witnesses of the quiet selflessness portrayed by professionals in the field of transplantation. We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families, colleagues, and patients of the talented professionals lost in the recent plane crash and celebrate the extraordinary lives they led. We are grateful for the many lives they helped save while serving the transplant community.
The Immunology Team
|
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 10:01 AM by Karin |
| I was in a terrible motorcycle accident in April 2004. I was taken by Survival Flight to U of M where they saved my life. I'm so proud of my "Survival Flight" wings.
It is very sad for everyone who has or has had anything to do with the U of M for any reason. We all feel the loss. Our hearts go out to the families. God Bless you all. |
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 08:40 AM by Robert A. Miller |
| I certainly want to convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of 6 brave and caring individuals who gave their lives in the spirit of helping others, in a number of ways. Additionally, as the Vice President of the Friends of the Ypsilanti Police Department, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for honor and dedication as displayed by Rick Lapensee, Ypsilanti Firefighter. His contributions will not be forgotten. Robert A. Miller |
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 07:17 AM by Linda Potter |
| Dear Michigan OPO Friends, I am joining the thousands who are remembering you today. I, too, feel a sense of loss with you. I will be sending positive energy your way for the days to come. I am very sorry for your losses. Linda Potter, RN CPTC, Gift of Life, Philadelphia. |
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 07:12 AM by Dick and Lynne Ash |
| Our prayers are extended to the Dennis Hoyes family!
Dennis was one of the greatest men I ever met! His dedication to his family and others was unequaled! May God rest his soul! |
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 04:33 AM by dr.m.c.rajakumar |
| Heartiest condolences to the families which lost their dear ones in the most sacred service to the society.
May their souls rest in peace and there be immense support for the bereaved from all quarters. Prayers. Dr. M.C. Rajakumar, cardiothoracic surgeon |
Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 10:31 PM by Janet Marler |
| My husband, Bob, died last fall after a second surgery to install an LVAD (heart pump). He was not eligible for a heart transplant, but I know how much the tireless efforts of the doctors, nurses, and staff at the U of Penn meant to our family and hope it consoles the members of your transplant team family that the people who died in the June 4th crash died in a heroic effort to save another person's life. The pain of a loved one dying is searing, and I know--too well--that all you want is the person you love back. But I think there is comfort in knowing that those you loved lived lives that benefitted others. Most sincerely, Janet Marler |
Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 08:38 PM by Deborah K. Cunningham, MD |
| My heart is heavy upon learning of the premature loss of my medical school classmate, Dr. David Ashburn. After reading through posted condolences about David, his career played out just as any of his classmates would have expected; the one exception being that it was far too short. He had an energy, drive, and intelligence that is unforgettable. He had that unique blend of toughness, tenderness, childishness, and confidence possessed by the most world renowned pediatric heart surgeons. For his family and for the profession of surgery, I am moved to tears by the loss of this gifted surgeon and healer. |
Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 08:08 PM by C.A. |
| It has now been over a week since we have lost a friend, co-worker, and a family member. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. It gets easier each day Richard, to say your name or see a picture of you without a tear running down my cheek. Richard Chenault was a man that gave each and every one of us a wonderful memory to hold in our hearts forever. He may not be here in person but he will always be here in spirit. He will be there with us on the track, in the hospital halls, and in our place of worship as a whisper in our ear to continue on and not have a heavy heart because he is not here, but be happy for him because he is now resting in the hands of God. He was taken from us doing what he loved to do and that was to make a better life for someone else. Rest in peace and keep smiling down upon us all. We love you. |
Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 06:35 PM by Kim Bauser RRT |
| Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am by the loss of these wonderful, caring men. My thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends.
"I miss you Martin!" My colleague and dear friend. But, I know eventually I'll see you again in Heaven. We'll have a cup of coffee and great conversation. And, the thought of that, my friend, makes me smile :) |
Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 03:29 PM by Claudia Weitekamp, M.D. |
| Dear President Coleman,
Please accept and relate my sincere condolences to the University of Michigan community on the tragic loss of six members of your Survival Flight transplant team. We are thinking of you during this extremely sad and difficult time. Sincerely,
|
Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 03:16 PM by Stephanie Opeth |
| I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Ashburn while I was recovering from a double-lung transplant at U of M. He was a fellow for my surgeon, Dr. Pickens. I remember Dr. Ashburn coming in every day to check on my progress, always with a warm smile and sense of humor. He was very dedicated to his patients, profession, and co-workers which made him stand out. I can't thank him enough for helping me get a second chance on life. He, along with the entire flight team, will be deeply missed. They will never be forgotten and always remembered as heroes. Heaven has gained angels. |
Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 02:12 PM by Bob Stevens |
| My heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to the family of Dr. David Ashburn. I attended High School with David. David was one of the best friends anyone could hope to have. He was smart, compassionate, funny and devout. Since learning of his death, I have spent time recounting and laughing about times we had together in Brentwood, Europe and on spring break. Even in death, he makes you smile. He was simply a special man.
My prayers are with his wife, three beautiful children and his parents, who raised such a wonderful person. God bless. |
Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 02:11 PM by Angela Quillen |
| This was such a tragedy. The friends and families of these true heroes are in my thoughts and in my prayers. They lost their lives trying to save that of another. May God bless each and every one! |
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]
