Comments on: Bench Dedication, Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM https://www.davidhoughtonfamily.com/2012/01/24/bench-dedication-saturday-february-11-2012-at-1100-am/ Fri, 28 Jul 2017 01:37:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Linda Anderson, Nana forever https://www.davidhoughtonfamily.com/2012/01/24/bench-dedication-saturday-february-11-2012-at-1100-am/comment-page-1/#comment-1679 Linda Anderson, Nana forever Mon, 09 Jul 2012 04:45:04 +0000 http://johnhoughton.com/?p=994#comment-1679 Thank you Barbara and the many others that have enjoyed this beautiful memorial bench these past few months. It is a wonderful tribute to our wonderful family of four that we all miss terribly each day. I feel such a comfort in my heart as I read your message, you who were not blessed in knowing them and yet have cared enough to find out about them. We are all thankful to you for your caring, your thoughts and your compassion during our loss. I hope the blog will be here for many years and that friends who were once strangers resting on the beautiful bench by the sea at Cowell's beach will continue to find peace in sharing. July 21, 2012 there is an event "Shared Adventures" that will be held on this beach, I hope you will be able to visit and share in a day that was very special and rewarding to David and DeDe and the many volunteers that in sharing their time and knowledge, offer experiences to some very special people who otherwise might never experience the joys of the sea. Sharing in Love, Linda (DeDe's Mom and she was my best friend) Thank you Barbara and the many others that have enjoyed this beautiful memorial bench these past few months. It is a wonderful tribute to our wonderful family of four that we all miss terribly each day. I feel such a comfort in my heart as I read your message, you who were not blessed in knowing them and yet have cared enough to find out about them. We are all thankful to you for your caring, your thoughts and your compassion during our loss. I hope the blog will be here for many years and that friends who were once strangers resting on the beautiful bench by the sea at Cowell’s beach will continue to find peace in sharing. July 21, 2012 there is an event “Shared Adventures” that will be held on this beach, I hope you will be able to visit and share in a day that was very special and rewarding to David and DeDe and the many volunteers that in sharing their time and knowledge, offer experiences to some very special people who otherwise might never experience the joys of the sea. Sharing in Love, Linda (DeDe’s Mom and she was my best friend)

]]> By: Barbara Aiello https://www.davidhoughtonfamily.com/2012/01/24/bench-dedication-saturday-february-11-2012-at-1100-am/comment-page-1/#comment-1676 Barbara Aiello Sun, 08 Jul 2012 07:08:23 +0000 http://johnhoughton.com/?p=994#comment-1676 I was at Santa Cruz today when I came upon this special bench. I guess it was the 1 year anniversary of the death of this beautiful family. I was so moved by it that I sat on it wondering about these special people. As soon as I got home, I looked up the tradgey and my heart really goes out to the rest of the family and the loved ones they lost. It seems to me that they were such a fun family who loved each other so much. I'm glad they are still together for always. God bless the rest of the family, and know that people are enjoying the bench as they gaze towards the ocean. I was at Santa Cruz today when I came upon this special bench. I guess it was the 1 year anniversary of the death of this beautiful family. I was so moved by it that I sat on it wondering about these special people. As soon as I got home, I looked up the tradgey and my heart really goes out to the rest of the family and the loved ones they lost. It seems to me that they were such a fun family who loved each other so much. I’m glad they are still together for always. God bless the rest of the family, and know that people are enjoying the bench as they gaze towards the ocean.

]]> By: Linda Anderson, Nana forever https://www.davidhoughtonfamily.com/2012/01/24/bench-dedication-saturday-february-11-2012-at-1100-am/comment-page-1/#comment-1582 Linda Anderson, Nana forever Mon, 21 May 2012 17:44:34 +0000 http://johnhoughton.com/?p=994#comment-1582 Shannon and the scout troop, thank you so much for remembering Ryan and you are right he certainly would have earned the Arrow of Light badge. He so loved the scouts and the challenges and experiences he shared with you all. Each of the family were hereos to me, Ryan with his sparkling green eyes , humor and thrill for each day inspired me to look at the bigger picture of how life should be. The gifts they each left for us have changed all of our lives in some way whether it be big or small. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences here on the blog, I read it daily and just love when someone has shared something special about David, DeDe, Luke and Ryan whether it be individual or of family memories. I was out at the pool cleaning it on Mother's day when a playful dragonfly flew past my face and then circled and played over the pool and coming to land briefly on a flower before returning to the pool. It reminded me of the times shared playing in the pool with them all. I look for these little reminders and believe they are not coincidences but gifts. Wishing lots of fun times shared to all that are reading this post. You too inspire me and give me the opportunity to share my love. Linda Shannon and the scout troop, thank you so much for remembering Ryan and you are right he certainly would have earned the Arrow of Light badge. He so loved the scouts and the challenges and experiences he shared with you all. Each of the family were hereos to me, Ryan with his sparkling green eyes , humor and thrill for each day inspired me to look at the bigger picture of how life should be. The gifts they each left for us have changed all of our lives in some way whether it be big or small. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences here on the blog, I read it daily and just love when someone has shared something special about David, DeDe, Luke and Ryan whether it be individual or of family memories. I was out at the pool cleaning it on Mother’s day when a playful dragonfly flew past my face and then circled and played over the pool and coming to land briefly on a flower before returning to the pool. It reminded me of the times shared playing in the pool with them all. I look for these little reminders and believe they are not coincidences but gifts. Wishing lots of fun times shared to all that are reading this post. You too inspire me and give me the opportunity to share my love. Linda

]]> By: Shannon McCord https://www.davidhoughtonfamily.com/2012/01/24/bench-dedication-saturday-february-11-2012-at-1100-am/comment-page-1/#comment-1572 Shannon McCord Fri, 18 May 2012 06:18:08 +0000 http://johnhoughton.com/?p=994#comment-1572 I appreciate being able to sit on the bench and look out at the sea that the Houghton family loved so much. Tonight Ryan's Cub Scout den, that DeDe and David were leaders of, had a bridging ceremony. Some of the boys earned their Arrow of Light badge which is a high honor in cub scouts. Ryan was given one posthumously as we all know he would have earned it. They are forever in our hearts and memories. I appreciate being able to sit on the bench and look out at the sea that the Houghton family loved so much. Tonight Ryan’s Cub Scout den, that DeDe and David were leaders of, had a bridging ceremony. Some of the boys earned their Arrow of Light badge which is a high honor in cub scouts. Ryan was given one posthumously as we all know he would have earned it. They are forever in our hearts and memories.

]]> By: Michele Lamelin https://www.davidhoughtonfamily.com/2012/01/24/bench-dedication-saturday-february-11-2012-at-1100-am/comment-page-1/#comment-1351 Michele Lamelin Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:09:37 +0000 http://johnhoughton.com/?p=994#comment-1351 Still can't believe I missed the dedication due to being so sick... was looking so forward to that day! But, watching the video this morning helped me feel connected... repeating the dedication words and being filled with such a strong feeling of motivation and hope. And how perfect to see the sun's rays pushing through during the ceremony! Thank you to everyone who made the bench possible, what a beautiful tribute to an ever-inspiring family. Still can’t believe I missed the dedication due to being so sick… was looking so forward to that day! But, watching the video this morning helped me feel connected… repeating the dedication words and being filled with such a strong feeling of motivation and hope. And how perfect to see the sun’s rays pushing through during the ceremony! Thank you to everyone who made the bench possible, what a beautiful tribute to an ever-inspiring family.

]]> By: Linda Anderson https://www.davidhoughtonfamily.com/2012/01/24/bench-dedication-saturday-february-11-2012-at-1100-am/comment-page-1/#comment-1327 Linda Anderson Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:08:28 +0000 http://johnhoughton.com/?p=994#comment-1327 Address for the memorial Bench dedication on Feb. 11, 2012. Hope you can open it and will enjoy sharing the day and the loving moments with us all! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSRXk38WNog Address for the memorial Bench dedication on Feb. 11, 2012. Hope you can open it and will enjoy sharing the day and the loving moments with us all!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSRXk38WNog

]]> By: Derek https://www.davidhoughtonfamily.com/2012/01/24/bench-dedication-saturday-february-11-2012-at-1100-am/comment-page-1/#comment-1322 Derek Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:44:03 +0000 http://johnhoughton.com/?p=994#comment-1322 I wish I could have been there to see you all again. I had to work. On my way to work I pass the Watsonville airport and often stop by the memorial tree to clean off the leaves and say "hi" to some dearly missed friends. I often tell them about my day.I work on the dive boats in Monterey. At Christmas I hung 4 ornaments on the tree to let them know I was thinking about them over the hollidays and took them down on new years. I often walk from the tree to the building and back counting my steps. 63 each way. I find peace knowing they are together. I can't wait to make it to Cowells and sit on the bench and reflect. I remember helping out with Shared Adventures and what a rewarding feeling to donate my time with David and DeDe on that special day ,also the wharf clean ups with Aqua Safaris. I wish I could have been there to see you all again. I had to work. On my way to work I pass the Watsonville airport and often stop by the memorial tree to clean off the leaves and say “hi” to some dearly missed friends. I often tell them about my day.I work on the dive boats in Monterey. At Christmas I hung 4 ornaments on the tree to let them know I was thinking about them over the hollidays and took them down on new years. I often walk from the tree to the building and back counting my steps. 63 each way. I find peace knowing they are together.
I can’t wait to make it to Cowells and sit on the bench and reflect. I remember helping out with Shared Adventures and what a rewarding feeling to donate my time with David and DeDe on that special day ,also the wharf clean ups with Aqua Safaris.

]]> By: linda anderson https://www.davidhoughtonfamily.com/2012/01/24/bench-dedication-saturday-february-11-2012-at-1100-am/comment-page-1/#comment-1321 linda anderson Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:30:46 +0000 http://johnhoughton.com/?p=994#comment-1321 Saturday February 11, 2012 was a very special day in the lives of us that knew and loved David, DeDe, Luke and Ryan. With the boyscouts, private donationsand the wonderful support of the city a beautiful memory bench was dedicated. Everyone that atended (over 100 people at a guess) were pleased with the bench and the location there at Cowell's Beach where the family spent so many hours enjoying and sharing the ocean life. It started out a cool day with a slight light rain (we need it so no negitivity, and I stated that with their love of water this was light a sharing!) The sun came out as the warm words of thankfulness and memories flowed from Kelly's (scout leader) lips as he dedicated the bench and the location. I am hoping John will post the link to the site where Ron Goodman posted a video of the ceremony. It is wonderful to see people using the bench to sit and ponder or just rest as they visit this lovely place. I know that I will visit this bench when ever I am here and I am sure many of you will also. I am so proud of them all, they brought such joy and happiness to our lives and I believe they would approve of this gift and accept the love that it represents. Thank you to all that attended and to those that were unable to be there due to illness or prior obligations, I hope you will get that special feeling as you watch the video and that you will plan to go to Cowell's beach and sit for a moment or two just remembering and then smile, for I believe they are watching from where they are. As Mom and Nana and also a friend I ask that God Bless and Love to all. Linda Saturday February 11, 2012 was a very special day in the lives of us that knew and loved David, DeDe, Luke and Ryan. With the boyscouts, private donationsand the wonderful support of the city a beautiful memory bench was dedicated. Everyone that atended (over 100 people at a guess) were pleased with the bench and the location there at Cowell’s Beach where the family spent so many hours enjoying and sharing the ocean life. It started out a cool day with a slight light rain (we need it so no negitivity, and I stated that with their love of water this was light a sharing!) The sun came out as the warm words of thankfulness and memories flowed from Kelly’s (scout leader) lips as he dedicated the bench and the location. I am hoping John will post the link to the site where Ron Goodman posted a video of the ceremony. It is wonderful to see people using the bench to sit and ponder or just rest as they visit this lovely place. I know that I will visit this bench when ever I am here and I am sure many of you will also. I am so proud of them all, they brought such joy and happiness to our lives and I believe they would approve of this gift and accept the love that it represents. Thank you to all that attended and to those that were unable to be there due to illness or prior obligations, I hope you will get that special feeling as you watch the video and that you will plan to go to Cowell’s beach and sit for a moment or two just remembering and then smile, for I believe they are watching from where they are. As Mom and Nana and also a friend I ask that God Bless and Love to all. Linda

]]> By: Michele Lamelin https://www.davidhoughtonfamily.com/2012/01/24/bench-dedication-saturday-february-11-2012-at-1100-am/comment-page-1/#comment-1318 Michele Lamelin Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:56:12 +0000 http://johnhoughton.com/?p=994#comment-1318 Laid up with the flu, I'm so disappointed to be missing the dedication today :( Shayne and I visited the bench last weekend... what a perfect spot for it! I love reading the stories everyone posts. We were just getting to know Luke and were devastated by losing him and his family. They will live on in our hearts for always. Laid up with the flu, I’m so disappointed to be missing the dedication today :( Shayne and I visited the bench last weekend… what a perfect spot for it! I love reading the stories everyone posts. We were just getting to know Luke and were devastated by losing him and his family. They will live on in our hearts for always.

]]> By: Sarah (Getty) Mozelle https://www.davidhoughtonfamily.com/2012/01/24/bench-dedication-saturday-february-11-2012-at-1100-am/comment-page-1/#comment-1316 Sarah (Getty) Mozelle Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:48:28 +0000 http://johnhoughton.com/?p=994#comment-1316 I'm sorry I won't be able to be there on Saturday to honor the memory of this beautiful family and support those whose hearts are still aching. Next time I'm in town, I'll visit the bench and reflect on the life of service and joy that was led by David and his family. His spirit is still vibrant in my heart, inspiring me to be my best. Hugs to all of you, especially Cathryn, Marion, Ed, John and Linda, Keith, Gabby & their boys. I’m sorry I won’t be able to be there on Saturday to honor the memory of this beautiful family and support those whose hearts are still aching. Next time I’m in town, I’ll visit the bench and reflect on the life of service and joy that was led by David and his family. His spirit is still vibrant in my heart, inspiring me to be my best.
Hugs to all of you, especially Cathryn, Marion, Ed, John and Linda, Keith, Gabby & their boys.

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