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Kenneth D'Ortona Obituary
October 1, 1974-June 15, 2008
Kenneth Anthony "Tony" D'Ortona died Father's Day, 2008, near Idaho Falls, Idaho, in a single-vehicle accident in which he was the passenger. Born October 1, 1974, in Orlando, FL, Tony lived in Orlando; St. Augustine, FL; Gainesville, FL; Bend, Oregon; Moberly, Missouri; Maryville, Missouri; Savannah, Georgia; and Moran, Wyoming.
Although he graduated with a Certificate in Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts from First Coast Technical Institute (2000), St. Augustine; an AA degree from Moberly Area Community College, (2003); and a Bachelors of Science in Business Management degree from Northwest Missouri State University (2006), his true educator was Life. He loved people and did not see color, gender, nationality, or age. Spiritual, if not institutionally religious, he had no fear of strangers; he could "read" people, sensing their moods; their genuineness, and their pain. Impatient with disingenuousness and superficiality, he kept somewhat to himself, holding only a few long-time friends close.
Tony loved to travel. With his parents, Tony celebrated the Millennium in Auckland, New Zealand. Independent and courageous, in his early 20s, he ventured on his own from Florida, across the United States, a trip that sparked his love of "the West," especially Oregon, a state to where he returned-again alone-to work in culinary arts.
In his late 20s, he moved to Missouri where his mother worked in administration at Moberly Area Community College. They both participated in an art history trip to Italy and Greece. From Moberly, he transferred to Maryville where he graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 2006. He moved to Savannah where he worked as a restaurant manager.
In 2007, he re-joined his parents in Gainesville, where he developed his considerable talent in designing and crafting jewelry and knives out of steel. Self-taught and working with "bare bones" equipment, he fashioned artful treasures, his specialty being Damascus steel. His art was highly respected at the Artisans' Guild Gallery, in which he was a member.
In late April, 2008, he accepted a culinary arts position with the Grand Teton Lodge Company, and drove off for Wyoming. Preparing food was his passion. At Jackson Lake Lodge (Colter Bay Village), he gained a reputation as a teacher to those in culinary arts who were less experienced; and the humor and positive spirit that pulled together kitchen crews to "get the job" done, regardless of personal egos. A gentle spirit and old soul, he worked selflessly many extra hours to provide back up in support of his team. According to a co-worker, "Tony was old school; he had high standards." He also originated the much-prized barbequed Buffalo Brisket.
Tony was known as a person who would help someone in need. To that end, he set out with a friend of two weeks to Salt Lake City, Utah, to help move the friend's belongings to Jackson Lake Lodge, WY, where both were employed. On the return trip early Saturday morning, June 14, they were in an accident. He was helicoptered to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center where he was kept on life support until his parents, Kenneth James D'Ortona and Valerie Murdock D'Ortona, could arrive from Gainesville, Florida, the next evening.
Tony was an organ donor, so, fortunately, life has come from his death. He was cremated. The Jackson Lake Lodge staff held a memorial service for their new, but beloved friend, on Sunday, June 22, 2008. When the time is right, his family intends to re-trace his steps to Oregon and Wyoming to scatter his ashes.
In addition to his parents, Tony is survived by his grandmother Harriet N. Murdock, Centralia, MO; his uncles Gerald Randall Murdock (Palm Harbor, FL) and Cary John D'Ortona (Orlando, FL); cousins Gerald David Murdock (McDonough, GA); Cary John D'Ortona, II (and his wife Jennifer and son) (Orlando, FL), Paul Anthony D'Ortona (Orlando, FL), Ray D'Ortona (Punta Gorda, FL) and John Keef (Leesburg, FL). Also surviving him is his honorary aunt, Katrin Hotzel Straetz, Teschendorf, Germany.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to do something to honor Tony's life, sign up to be an organ and tissue donor (www.organdonor.gov and www.donatelife.net); support National Public Radio and Television (www.pbs.org/); seize the day; and live an honest, meaningful life, and help those in need. Family Condolences may be made at www.Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth D'Ortona
Sponsored by Ken D'Ortona.
Kay Butterfield
June 21, 2025
Love and prayers to the family...
Kay Butterfield
June 21, 2024
Ken and Valerie,
I send love and light to you. Tony was a blessing to you and others. Love never dies.
Kay Butterfield
Winter Park, Florida
Paul and Kay
June 21, 2022
Sending love.
Paul and Kay Butterfield
June 21, 2020
God bless you. God bless your family.
Paul and Kay Butterfield
June 21, 2019
Peace of God. With love to you.
Paul and Kay Butterfield
October 2, 2009
Our thoughts are with you. God bless you.
October 1, 2009
Dear Tony,
Happy birthday. Wish you were here. Love ya, miss ya.
Big Cary
Peter Vallandigham
April 19, 2009
Ken,
I heard about your son from Roland the other day. I am so sorry for your loss. Struggling to think what to say is difficult for everyone.
I want to say that I have wonderful memories of the few occasions you and your son shared with me and Lamarr at the Gainesville Target Range and the Williston Range. I remember this looks at you and the way he seemed to admire you without wanting to say as much. I had the impression he wanted to be like you, better than you in some respect, and different from you, as well. Those are the normal expectations of all children. They think their parents want them to be something else, when we actually want the same from them.
He had all the makings of a fine young man making his own way through life. Those are great memories of your son.
Sincerely, Peter
Lacey Campbell
September 11, 2008
He will always be here in sprit.
Wagner Artavia
September 6, 2008
Several weeks ago; I received a sad e-mail. A good friend has lost her son.
I met Tony back in 2000; he was a good man, easy to establish a conversation, and a great chef.
I remember the first time a meet Tony; he prepared a nice meal. He prepared lamb; and because he knew I was from Latin America, he cooked a delicious plate of rice and beans with cheese and mango. He was very creative in his cooking.
I saw Tony just a couple of times after that meal; and I didn’t get to know in detail his life; but I will always remember him smiling and being excited for his future projects.
My prayers to Dr. Dortona and his family for the lost of Tony.
We will never be able to replace the people we love; and we don’t have to. We move on in our lives with the memory of what we had; and the hope that God will bring us back together someday.
Your friend,
Wagner Artavia
Handcrafted by Tony using Damascus steel
July 11, 2008
Jackie Hager LSW
July 8, 2008
Ken and Valerie,
My deepest sympathy to the both of you. Thank you for sharing and allowing us to be a part. Although I did not know your son, his obituary spoke volumes about how special he was. I appreciate knowing about him and I thank you. God speed to the both of you in this journey.
Beau & Mary Curry
July 7, 2008
We are truly heartbroken and deeply saddened with news of the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Kenneth, and your mom. Valerie, God has given you many mountains and you graciously accepted each challenge. You were totally devoted to Tony and he returned that love and sacrifice. We remember a very kind, polite young man who was always working for his mother. He was a very talented, compassionate man who put everything into his endeavors. One only has to look at his accomplishments to know how very hard he worked.
Please know we love you and don't hesitate if there is anything we can do. We shall always love and remember you as the best neighbor and friend we've ever had.
With deepest sympathy,
Beau & Mary Curry
Maleia Barry
Jeanne Diaz
July 7, 2008
I am very grateful to be able to share a thought about this special young man, Tony. I met him only briefly on three occasions, yet he impressed me with his sincerity, kindness and gentlemanly spirit. He told me a little about his life, and I noted that he was genuinely interested in others and was a very spiritually minded man, as was noted in his obituary. I do not know his family, but I wish to offer my deepest condolences to them. After reading the beautiful obituary of his life, the Baha'is of Gainesville remembered Tony and offered up prayers for the continued progress of his soul in the next world.
Joyce Riley
July 7, 2008
Dr. D'Ortona,
I am very saddened to hear the news of Tony's passing. I cannot imagine coping with the loss of a child. I truly enjoyed getting to know Tony when he was at MACC. The organs he donated were a gift that will help many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joyce
Cary D'Ortona
July 6, 2008
Ken and Val,
Tony was my nephew but he was also like another son.
Tony was 8 months younger than my 3rd son Paul. They bonded from day one, more brothers than cousins. At a family get together they always got together.
The Saturday before Tony left for Wyoming I came to visit and wish him good luck on his new adventure and job. His Dad, Tony and I helped his Mother set up her art show.
Upon returning to the house Tony and I discussed his future. He assured me he was going to the best of all worlds for him, he would be a chef, and he would be in Tetons. He was excited at the prospects and happy to be going out West again.
Due to his adventurous nature I worried about him, along with you and Val. He was a true pioneer; he had no fear in taking off into the unknown. The West was his love. When we went to his graduation in Kansas I understood why. His home, a doublewide trailer, was on the top of a hill. The farm next door had a dozen horses that would frolic and play in the pasture, as the wind would blow through the trees, everything was free and easy. It was the top of world. This was Tony land. He was at home.
Tony died in his world doing what he loved. In his 33 years he lived more life than most of us do in a lifetime. I will dearly miss him for the rest of mine.
Uncle Cary
Handcrafted chef's knives by Tony
July 4, 2008
Handcrafted knife with Tony's branding
July 4, 2008
Robert Williams
July 3, 2008
Valerie,
When I learned of Tony's death I felt an immediate empty spot. He was so alive. I only knew him briefly, while he lived in Moberly, but we had many quality conversations. He was a student I never had in class who taught me things. My sympathy goes out to you along with my prayers.
Cynthia Wofford
July 3, 2008
Valerie and Ken,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I wish that I could have known Tony and that I could have met you both under happier circumstances. If it helps, Tony is touching the lives of many people he never met; the the organs and tissues he donated are helping many, many people. The recipients and their families can't speak to you right now, so I will say what they cannot, "Thank you so very much for this gift of life and God Bless you. Even as we are healing, we mourn your loss and think of you often."
Valerie Darst
July 3, 2008
Valerie: I was so saddened to hear of Tony's passing. I can not imagine how you must feel losing your beloved Tony. He took such good care of you when you were here in Moberly. Please know that my prayers are with you and I think of you often. The Other Valerie
Michael Richards
July 2, 2008
Tony was a Man whom we all Loved and who touched us all. Tony was that Explosion to Life at which He tried to grab at each turn in the road.
We were the Lucky ones who got to be close when He past by and Feel the Love, He gave with a That Big Smile or a Warm Hug!
The loss of Tony hits My Heart & our Family Hard. He will ALWAYS be Loved by Our Family and remembered as part of us.
He was a Very Special Young Man with a Talent and Dreams.
I will Cherish the gifts he Awarded me Forever . It’s Strange I was just bragging of his work earlier this week
to a new friend Showing what Talent He has, Then Telling of the Wonderful Cheese cake He once made me for my Christmas Present.
Please know; God must have needed an artisan to make the new age Halos...
While He could cooked up a Heavenly Cheese Cake Treat for All who waits...
So I Know God Picked the VERY BEST!
I send All my Prayers, Blessings and Memories, so you may rest at sometime with a Smile of Tony.
With Sincere regrets
Friendship & Love
(Uncle Mikie)
Yellowstone- "Tony" in the snow.
July 2, 2008
Dad, I'll see you later.
July 2, 2008
Off to Wyoming with fishing lure in hand.
July 2, 2008
Jane Kay Orton
July 2, 2008
I am so truly saddened by Tony's death. He worked for me as a work study student at Moberly Area Community College. His job was not easy, but he never complained. He was always on time and never missed work. As a computer lab assistant, he willingly helped students who had problems with software, and he was gracious in helping with advice and suggestions for academic assignments. Tony's approach to his work was like his approach to life willing, capable and good-natured without a word of complaint.
We came to be friends, and as one who has known so many young people, I valued and enjoyed Tony's comfortable way with all people and his acceptance of me as a friend.
After leaving Moberly, he kept me informed of his progress in school and life.
We shared a love of the Great American West and a special one of Yellowstone.
To his parents, I send my heartfelt condolences and the assurance that my prayers include them along with my friend, Tony.
Thea Schoenberg
July 2, 2008
Dear Valerie,
In the times that we worked closely together at Santa Fe Community College, we grew to have a unique relationship. From getting to know you, I learned how much your family means to you. I wish to share my deepest sentiment with you on the unfortunate passing of your son. Please know that in addition to all of these wonderful people who have signed this guest book in support of you and your family, that I am among them.
Dana Messer
July 1, 2008
Valerie,
My deepest condolences for the loss of your son. Although I knew Tony for only a brief moment in time, I knew him best through you, and through you he will live on.
It is in our darkest hour that God's light shines it's brightest, so long as we can keep our eye's open and our hearts free.
Janet Fallon
July 1, 2008
Ken:
Even though I did not know Tony well, Tony had been in my thoughts lately. Some of my favorite pictures from Jen & Cary's wedding were taken by Tony, and as I plan my own wedding, I have looked at those photographs. Tony was able to capture moments that others were not, and I think that evidences his artistic, observant, and thoughtful perspective. One of his pictures sits on my desk, and when I look at it, I not only remember the moment that he captured, but I also think of him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With love,
Janet Fallon
Mitch Stripling
July 1, 2008
Ken and Valerie,
Even when we were very young together, I knew Tony was special and remember his spirit after all these years. My deepest condolences on his loss and my heart goes out to you.
-Mitch
Kristine Zauke
July 1, 2008
Valerie:
I cannot begin to imagine what you are feeling in the loss of your son, but please accept my sincere condolences. I met Tony only a few times, but even those who barely knew him could sense his creativity and caring. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Kristine Zauke
MACC
Rihab Sawah
July 1, 2008
Dear Valerie,
I am sorry for your tremendous loss. I cannot even begin to imagine what you and Ken must be feeling. Tony truly was a beautiful soul that reached out and made a difference in the world. His tender touch will be greatly missed. Know that even his physical existence is no longer, his soul and his energy will always be with you in other forms that will help comfort your heart.
My parents send their sympathies, love and prayers.
I send you love and light..
With all my love,
Peter Hassett
July 1, 2008
Ken – so very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. It deeply saddened me and I am at a loss for words. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Donna Mueller
July 1, 2008
I am deeply sorry to hear of your son passing. Nothing can take away the memories, they are yours to keep forever. But, God can ease the pain. My prayers are with you.
Mary Lou Eitzman
June 30, 2008
Your son's obituary was a moving tribute to a warm, unique spirit.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Linda Nitz Farris
June 30, 2008
Dear Ken & Valerie,
I was deeply saddened to read about the loss of your son. It's not supposed to happen that way is it.....the parent out-living the child? My prayers go out to both of you. Hopefully all the beautiful memories of Tony will bring smiles along with the tears.
Helen Rucarean
June 30, 2008
Dearest Valerie and Ken,
There are no words that can express totally what some one can say about losing a child. Hopefully, the memories of Tony will give you both solace and peace. I will always be grateful that he joined us at the Westside Fine Art Fair @ Tioga. God Bless you all. Love Helen
Dad Mom Tony
June 30, 2008
Erica M. Jacobs
June 30, 2008
Valerie & Ken:
As your co-worker at SFCC in the English Department, Val, words cannot explain the emotions that I felt when I read about the passing of your son, Tony. You and I have shared so many conversations about our children, life and future dreams. I know that Tony was as wonderful as you are and will never be forgotten. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Trudy Byerly
June 30, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss and can't imagine what you are going through. We hope time will soften the pain and increase the joyous remembrances.
Trudy and Wayne
Leslie Lambert
June 29, 2008
Valerie,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts, Leslie
Kati Nielson
June 29, 2008
Ken and Valerie,
I feel very fortunate to have met you both. It sounds like Tony was an amazing person. What I would have given to have had the chance to meet him. You guys were blessed to have such a wonderful son. We will always be thinking of you. May god bless you and your family.
Love The Nielsons
Neil and Sue Johnson
June 29, 2008
What a wonderful and moving tribute to a beautiful person. How lucky he and you both were to have had such a warm circle of family love and understanding for one another. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers.
Lila Jacobson
June 29, 2008
Dear Valerie,
My thoughts and sympathies are with you and Ken. Your love and memories will give you the comfort and the ability to survive.
Alana Kolifrath
June 29, 2008
Valerie,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you're going through. Tony sounds like a wonderful person and reading his story, it's clear that he touched many lives. I will keep you and your husband in my thoughts.
"Uncle" Randy Murdock
June 28, 2008
Valerie and Ken,
I was stunned and heartsick when today I heard of Tony's tragic accident. I know you both were proud of his development and accomplishments, especially in recent years. He was bless to have such understanding and supportive parents and I'm sure he benefited greatly from your ongoing encouragement.
Tony always was very goodnatured and friendly to me and my son David. He always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye as if chuckling at a private joke. He certainly was open to more adventure than most and so experienced more than most of us.
One of my visions of Tony showed his beautiful spririt. He was being chased, when very young and small, around the front yard of Uncle Cary's house. Most of his persuing cousins were bigger and very seriously trying to "Get Him" as payback for some joyful mischief. All the while he scampered and zig-zaged around and between them, grinning and laughing at how easily he eluded them. The scene looked like a spirited terrier scampering thru a herd of slow moving cattle. The grins and laughs projected the pure joy of the moment and told it all. Please let me know if I can help in any way. Your "big Brother" Randy
PS; Ken -thanks for being the ongoing force that helped stablize the family throughout the many years and challenges.
Linda Krause
June 28, 2008
Love and light to Valerie and Ken.
Derald & Sheron McManus
June 28, 2008
Ken & Valerie,
Sheron and I express our deepest sympathy to both of you. It is never easy to lose a love one especialy a child. Even one who was mature and out on his own. I always enjoyed it when Ken kept me up to date on Tony's latest adventures and trips. Tony lead a full life and seem to enjoy his adventures. We feel for you and once again express our sympathy.
Sharron D'Ortona-Murphy
June 28, 2008
As the mom of two of Tonys' cousins, I can only imagine the pain Ken and Val are having to endure. There will always be an emptiness in my life and a hole in my heart without Tony in the world.
He was such a wonderful, loving young man and all of us who had Tony in our lives are much better people for it.
Tony, I love you and will miss you terribly.
Aunt Sharron
Rob Keef
June 28, 2008
Ken And Valerie,
I love him dearly and, I hope you are both O.K. It's hard to think of Tony without thinking of his good natured spirit. He will always be freest person I've ever known. Someone fearless yet tied to family. I'm proud call him my cousin, today and always.
love Rob.
Aliye
June 27, 2008
Dearest Valerie and Ken~
May your hearts and minds be healed by the knowledge that you gave Tony the life and space he needed to be himself. He was a true creative!
Love and peace~
Karrie Lyons-Munkittrick
June 27, 2008
Ken and Valerie, I am so very sorry to here about the loss of your son. My thoughts are with you and your family.
satchel raye
June 27, 2008
Tony was such a nice guy. i am so sad and sorry to hear the sad news. my prayers are with the family.
Desiree Pacuk
June 27, 2008
Valerie and Ken,
I am so sorry to hear about Tony. Your obituary was a wonderful tribute to a wonderfully lived, but all too short life. His final act of donating his organs shows what an unselfish person he was.
Desiree Pacuk
Glenn Brown
June 27, 2008
Ken and Valerie: We are never supposed to have to bury our children. I remember when Tony was born when you were working here in Orlando. Lois and I send you our deepest sympathies.
Cindy White
June 27, 2008
Ken and Valerie,
It is hard for me to express the deep sympathy I have for the two of you. Ken, it seems only a short while ago you and I exchanged stories about the adventures of our sons. How they loved life and struggled to settle on just one course of study or one career. Your writeup about Tony was beautiful and I know you will do a beautiful job of chronicling his life in that DVD. My prayers are with you, Valerie and the rest of your family as you begin to move forward after this devastating loss. You have many friends please do not hesitate to call on us if you need us. Cindy
Lyn Goodwin
June 27, 2008
Dear Valerie, I am deeply sorry for your loss of Tony. May you keep his spirit and the love that you share alive with your thoughts, prayers and intentions to remember the beautiful son that is always with you in your heart. The story of his life was written with such caring and love...that it seems like I am meeting a wise and gentle soul. Peace and blessings to you and your family. I am keeping you, Tony and your family in my prayers - Lyn Goodwin
Mary Lou Preston
June 27, 2008
Dear Valerie and Ken,
My heart breaks with yours in your loss.
I still see Tony in my mind as a boy on his skateboard or riding his trickster bike. But I know of all his fine accomplishments as an adult as you shared these with me with such great love and pride.
I know it comforts you that in his passing he gives life to others. You will both be in my thoughts and prayers that your hearts be comforted.
Shaahin Pouraghajani
June 27, 2008
Dear Valerie,
I cannot state how sad I felt when I heard the news of dear Tony. I hope you and Ken are strong in these moments of sorrow.
You are in my thoughts.
Paul and Kay Butterfield
June 27, 2008
Dearest Ken and Valerie,
Words cannot express our sorrow at the news of Tony's passing. What a beautiful, and inspired memorial obituary which was written and
published in Tony's memory.
Know you are in our thoughts and prayers now and always.
We last saw you May 11, 1973. You shared a very loving, special day with us and we have never forgotten you.
Know that love never dies. Ever.
Your courage and unfailing devotion to your Son's memory is incredibly inspirational.
We love you,
Paul and Kay
Michele Karahalios
June 27, 2008
Valerie:
I am so deeply sorry to hear of your son's death. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.
Very sincerely,
Patti Peres
June 27, 2008
Ken and Valerie,
Words cannot express how sad I am to hear the news about Tony. I enjoyed asking you how number one son was doing and what new ventures were going on in his life. What a remarkable life he has had! It is wonderful that he will continue to help and to give life to others.
Thinking of you,
Patti
Cary D'Ortona II
June 27, 2008
I envied his free spirit, loved his stories, marveled at his talent, enjoyed his well prepared hamburgers, and was always moved by his compassion for people. When I tell others of him, I always refer to him as my cool adventurous cousin. I love him and will forever miss him.
Cecil & Lucille Estes
June 27, 2008
We are saddened by your loss.
Mike Brown
June 27, 2008
Ken, Diane and I send our warmest thoughts to you and yours in this time of sorrow. Be strong......
Brian & Kathy Clarke
June 27, 2008
Dear Friends,
While neither my wife nor I knew your child, we were both incredibly moved by your wonderful memorial within the Orlando Sentinel today (6/27/08). Thank you for sharing the story of your beloved son, Tony, with those of us who would otherwise have remained strangers; we'd like to imagine ourselves to now be among his/your circle of friends. This, in keeping with the life this young man lived and embraced.
With love,
Linda Weseman
June 27, 2008
Ken:
I am so sorry about Tony. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Lewis
June 27, 2008
Valerie, my heart is with you and your family. I am so sad to learn of the death of your son. He sounds like he lived an amazing life in his short years. What an independent spirit -- just like his mother! I hope to see you at another beach retreat when the time is right for you. Surrounding you with light and love...
Linda Blondheim
June 27, 2008
I knew Tony for a short time. I was his art teacher. He was an excellent painter, learning very quickly. His mother is my dear friend. We had happy hours painting together in my studio.
Tony was a wonderful son to his parents and a talented person. I will miss him.
Ken D'Ortona
June 27, 2008
Tony, my son, your passing has left a gapping hole in my life. The raw emotions are difficult to control, knowing I will never be able to give you a big hug and discuss your life adventures. The last 9 months we spent together will bring back many pleasant memories of the projects we worked on around the house. Burned in my brain is watching you craft your beautiful knives from raw steel and blocks of wood. The incredible investment of time you spent developing each piece was inspiring. They were truly works of art.
I recall the day you left Gainesville for Wyoming. I had stuffed some cash in my pocket to give to you for the trip. We hugged and I wished you a safe journey and a successful adventure to your new job in the Grand Tetons. I asked you to check out the area because your mother and I had plane reservations for July 14 to visit you and wanted to go to nearby Yellowstone for the first time. I longingly and apprehensively watched you back out of the driveway. Ten to fifteen minutes passed before I realized I had forgotten to give you the money. For some reason, I panicked thinking you had gone too far and might not be willing to return. I had to see you one more time. I called on your cell phone, and, thankfully, you answered and returned home. I got one more last hug.
Although it was a heart wrenching time for us, your mother and I did make a brief trip to Yellowstone, and carved your name in the snow. I know you would have liked that.
Your life is chronicled in many slides and videos. I plan to make a DVD of your life and share it with the family in the months to come. We will laugh and cry and cherish the time you were with us. I will make a final trip to spread your ashes to the areas out West you lived in and loved.
I find comfort in knowing that you, as an organ donor, have provided life to others in need.
Thank you for 33 wonderful years. Although I deeply miss your physical presence, I talk to you every day. People tell me that time is a great healer for the emotions I am experiencing. I need more time; much more time. We will be together again soon.
With Love,
Dad
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