Thursday, January 1, 2009
Tribute to Spruce Creekers Gone West
It is said that when a Spruce Creeker passes on, going to heaven is a lateral move. Feel free to post your notes about loved Creekers that have gone west.
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© 2007, KarlHaus LLC
© 2007, KarlHaus LLC
My heart was filled with both joy and sadness as I watched Keith Phillips fly my dad's favorite airplane, the Great Lakes, during the "Missing Man" formation on May 29th over Spruce Creek. Well over 200 people, mostly Spruce Creek residents, gathered in honor of my dad's passing to celebrate his life. 30 "Gaggle" aircraft flew in formation overhead and it was a very moving experience.
My dad, John Champlain, was a 25 year Spruce Creek resident. There was no other place for him on earth...although, truthfully, his favorite place was in the sky, that's why living in Spruce Creek was such a gift for him.
To me, he was "Dad" and I knew him as such. After countless conversations with you, his friends, I got to know who my dad was as a person: giving, loving, generous, playful and compassionate. Spruce Creek and your friendships brought out the very best in him.
I want to thank all his friends and loved ones for making such a difference in his life. In particular, Doris Kennedy, for loving my dad the past 9 years; Keith Phillips, John Shaw, Sal DeVincenzo, Bob Terry, Rick Soltes and the members of EAA Chapter 288, for being my dad's closest friends. I appreciate everyone who contributed that made the May 29th celebration of his life such a success.
I was very sad leaving Spruce Creek last week, but know there will always be a home for me there, as long as you all are in my life. Again, a heartfelt "thank you" from myself and my family for all that you have done.
Feel free to view the photos of Dad and share your memories on the website I created in his honor: www.johnchamplain.com.
Sandra Champlain
Byfield, Massachusetts