Above – David Elias remembers the Houghton family who died in a plan crash on July 7.
It was comforting to have everybody gather to remember my brother and his family. The pain is deep and it will take a while for all of us, but getting together like this is an important step in the healing process. For those that were close, we need to do more of this. I want to experience them, hear their stories, and see their pictures.
Right now, I’m overwhelmed to the point that I’ve taken a involuntary break from processing. So much went into preparation and organization (with the help of friends and strangers) and I lost so much sleep that I’ve shut down for a bit on the emotional spigot. So many people came up to me with tearful condolences yesterday, and I would have loved to share in their emotion, but I was just exhausted.
Above – Therese Johannesson, Luke and Ryan’s music teacher, leads the audience, with kids onstage, through a song of healing.
One of the things I loved to see were the kids and how they expressed their sympathy through an instructor led song and dance during the service. Lots of kids were there and I know it’s a bold thing to come to a funeral service. There were a lot of kids who didn’t make it because it’s too overwhelming. One mother in particular told me her son felt sick to his stomach had to stay home. I can understand that. It may be hardest for the kids because they don’t have a developed sense for the span of life. I remember thinking when I was a kid that if I lost anyone in my family, it would seem like the absolute end of the world. Same for close friends.
I think the family would have been proud of the service yesterday. According to David’s former UCSC (University of California, Santa Cruz) fire department boss, “One of our frequent tasks at the department was to conduct fire safety building inspections. At the end of the day, I would feel good that we had completed 2 floor of a major science building. Dave would feel good that he got 38 hugs from people during that inspection!”
Left – Picture of David Houghton at the UCSC fire department. David Houghton, center and Paul Babb right.
The engine to the left is yellow, but UCSC Fire now has a red engine and the department provided this fully staffed engine with crew of six in full dress for the memorial. When I saw them after the service, I cried as did my sister. David loved the fire department and he loved his work there – he loved helping people.
Note: Does anyone have any photos from Day at the Beach and a few notes? I would like to write a post about it.
Update: I now have enough photos. Thanks all!
John: I thought the memorial service was excellent. All I’ve been thing about since is what great people Dave and De De were and what an excellent job your parents did in raising their children. I have taken the wrist band that was handed out and attached it to my BCD. Whenever I dive in the future be it pleasure or with the sheriff’s office recovery team here in Santa Clara County, I’ll have that band underwater with me to remind me of their smiling faces.
Thanks for putting together such a lovely and moving memorial service. It was good to see you and your family. Peace, Shanna
Thank you John for this website. Everyday I visit it to look at new pictures, read new stories about them and all the comments. It has really been helping me get threw this hard time. They were such an amazing family and have touched so many lives. My heart goes out to you and to everyone that has been affected by this terrible loss.
Dear John you have done so much to reach out and help to comfort each of us through this blog. I get up every morning and read all the stories and the comments and I visit it again every night before going to bed. You have through this means opened a door further to allow us all to keep David, DeDe, Luke and Ryan with us through the shared posts.
I also want to thank everyone for their sharing and to also say that from the memory books and the signatures I see that many of you were at the memorial celebration of their lives and that I did not get to spend time with you. There were so many and what a joy, and I want each of you to know how much I love and appreciate you coming to share on that special day. The days will be getting longer as time goes on and each of you get back to living your lives, but I just want you to know that I will look forward to sharing moments with you on these long days and ask that if you have a few minutes you continue to reach out to us, You may never know how valuable you are and your caring and sharing are a gift you’ve given. I truly think of you all as “Guardian Angels” among us! Heaven sent! Love and thanks to all! Linda
I’m so sorry for the loss of the Houghton family. Dave was on my dad’s shift at the fire department so I’ve known him my whole life. There was a picture, taken at the same time as the one you have on here at the fire department but everyone wasn’t looking quite so serious, that we had on our fridge most of my life. I think that picture is embedded in my head. I also remember going by Dave’s house with my dad as a little kid and seeing his scuba shop he had in the little shed at the end of the driveway. I knew how much he loved scuba diving since I was a kid. The thought of it scared me a bit but then I saw in recent years since my dad, Paul, and his wife had become certified that they had totally fallen in love with it. My dad took me to a splash party like a year and a half ago to test it out and Dave showed me how much fun it can be. I was a little nervous even though we were just in a pool but Dave helped me and showed me that it’s not scary at all. I fell in love with it and recently my boyfriend and I became certified. I now totally know why diving was their passion and will think about them every time I dive. Thanks for all the updates. They will forever be in my heart as I know they will be in so many other’s