Comments on: Bench Dedication, Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM

By: Shannon McCord

Shannon McCord — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:18:08 +0000

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

Michele Lamelin — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:09:37 +0000

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

Linda Anderson — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:08:28 +0000

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

Derek — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:44:03 +0000

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

linda anderson — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:30:46 +0000

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

Michele Lamelin — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:56:12 +0000

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

Sarah (Getty) Mozelle — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:48:28 +0000

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.

By: Nan Thurgate

Nan Thurgate — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:55:04 +0000

I also have memories of the Houghtons at this beach volunteering at Shared Adventures. When the boys were little, DeDe would ask me to watch them. Usually we’d play in the water. But one year when Luke was around 5 there was a man on the beach teaching people how to make sand castles and sand sculptures. Luke was very interested in this and spent hours working on his castle. Everyone including the teacher was very impressed with his work and his level of concentration. That’s how Luke approached most things in his life.

By: Raina Snyder

Raina Snyder — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:35 +0000

I look forward to spending time on the bench and remembering them
an unforgettable family, may the love they shared and spread keep sparkling and bring peace and comfort.

By: Bob Widmann

Bob Widmann — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:35:50 +0000

There is hardly a day that goes by that I don’t think of that family and how they all were such an important part of my life. I feel truly blessed to have been so close to all of them in so many ways. I know that I’ll be spending time on that bench remembering our times together…..and continuing to miss each of them.