Posted Condolences / Memories
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The opinions expressed on this page are those of the people making submissions, not the University of Michigan or its affiliates.
Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 07:37 AM by Sandy Adair, RN |
| David will always hold a special place in the hearts of many here at Wake Forest University School of Medicine/NC Baptist Hospital. His smile, positive spirit and love for his work were evident every day. He loved his patients and they so loved him. Our hearts are sad for all touched by this great tragedy. David's loving spirit and infectious smile will remain with us forever. Our Wake Forest family will continue to uplift the family and friends of those lost with our prayers and love. |
Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 05:35 AM by Rev. Rogers |
| On behalf of the staff and membership at First Presbyterian Church, we join with you in prayers that God's comfort and hope would embrace you all in this time of tremendous loss. Scripture tells us that "precious in the eyes of the Lord are the deaths of his saints", and we know that each life was indeed precious. May grace and peace surround you. |
Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 04:32 AM by Krystyn |
| I was with the heart team that flew up to Milwaukee that fateful day. The weather was exceedingly bad on our arrival, and we were the last plane they let land for a period of time. I am so glad that we were indeed able to land and attend the recovery. I felt privileged to meet both Cami and Richard (Chenault). Cami was so pleasant and had everything in control despite the fact that weather had already caused an hour delay out of Kansas City.
After we were set up, I was talking to my technician trainee, Beth, about a couple of things when Richard sidled up alongside us. He was in sterile garb with his arms folded. He leaned in with this mischievous twinkle in his eyes and asked who I was. "Krystyn. And who are you?" He began teasing me about the way I was standing. "Were you in the Army? You're stranding there so erect, your shoulders back and directly asking questions." I laughed and answered, "No, but my father was. So, who are you?" "I knew there had to be someone military in your life!" "Yes. So, again, what might your name be?" He answered with a conspiratorial lean and a new twinkle in his eye. "I'm Batman." He then made some references to the movies, convincing us that he truly was Batman. I leaned in and whispered, "Pleased to meet you at long last. I'm a fan." Beth and I asked him questions about where he worked and how long he'd been at it. He was so kind and quite funny. I also noticed his eyes. They were so light brown that they could be mistaken for hazel and they twinkled; they really did twinkle. After meeting him, I've no doubt that they reflected his personality and his soul. As we left, our surgeon remarked that the lung team was the nicest and most laid back that he had ever encountered. Brendt, the nurse with us, agreed heartily. It was an extremely good experience for all of us involved. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know that this has been told to you repeatedly by now, but I mean it. It was as though we'd lost some of our own. I've not been able to wrap my mind around it yet. We were so fortunate to meet this group of extraordinary individuals, this delightful team from the University of Michigan. |
Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 03:53 AM by Michelle Schaecher RRT |
| David was always a gentleman with a smile on his face. He will be deeply missed in POD A. You have touched our lives with kindness. I had a great pleasure working with you everyday David. David would always say to me, "Let's tuck the kiddies in bed safely for the night." I will miss "tucking the kiddies" in bed with you when you were on call David! This is a huge loss for us in POD A. My prayers are with Candice and his children. May God receive you with open arms. |
Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 02:56 AM by Andrea Zuin |
| I never met my colleagues Dr. Ashburn and Spoor, but I wish to condole with their wives and kids for this tragedy.
Andrea Zuin
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Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 02:29 AM by Dr Juan-Miguel Gil-Jaurena |
| My deepest condolences in such a sad moment.
Wholeheartedly,
Juan-Miguel Gil-Jaurena
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Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 01:36 AM by Emergency Medical Technician |
| While I had not met any of the victims of the crash, I feel as if I have a connection with them, to be in service for the well being of others. These men were selfless, unselfish, compassionate and skilled heroes, and nothing less. I extend my deepest sorrow and condolences to the families and friends who are grieving over their losses. I hope to be a physician myself some day, and these men are a true inspiration to me, and indicate a standard that all humans, physician or not, should understand. The families and friends of these men are in my thoughts every day.
-EMT, pre-medical student |
Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 01:14 AM by Karin Asplund |
| The transplant team has saved the lives of two people very dear to me, performing a kidney transplant on our mom and a double lung transplant for a very special friend. There are no words to express my thanks for their gifts and sorrow for their loss. I had the pleasure of teaching the Spoor children ice skating and will miss my weekly hockey chat with my Canadian friend. |
Posted Friday, June 8, 2007 at 12:11 AM by JDA |
| I have only been back to the University since January so had only been acquainted with Martin and David for a short time. In that time I learned what gifted practitioners and good men they were. I looked forward to getting to know them both better. I have read every posting so far and can't help but think that if it isn't what we take with us, but what we leave behind that defines us...these two special men were all things we should aspire to be. I am proud of them, our hospital and all the good work we do here. David (neighbor) I'll think of you each time I hear the turkeys in the field out back. Martin (dear friend of my dear friend) your calm demeanor in the face of chaos (and dry,one-line zingers that came out of nowhere)will be missed. Strength to all |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 11:32 PM by cgillard |
| To all the families, my heartfelt condolences. I am indeed a mother and a loving grandmother. My heart is heavy and may the Lord be with you all. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 10:51 PM by Trisha York |
| As a cardiothoracic nurse here at the U of M for many years and the daughter of a lung transplant recipient, I have a great appreciation for what the Survival Flight team does. It takes such talent, dedication and heart to do what these people do for a living. Thank God for them and all who perform these precious duties. The hospital has suffered a tremendous loss in the passing of these extraordinary heroes. I am mostly saddened for the families they leave behind. You can't replace a husband, father, son or friend. They were blessed to share time on this earth with them. My hope and prayer is that their loved ones will be comforted and embraced by the amazing spirits of these six men. May we all continue in our efforts to provide exemplary care to the community in honor of them. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 10:43 PM by Tammy Lambert R.N. on 4 BC |
| Dr. David Ashburn was one of a kind with his beautiful country accent and stylish ways of explaining medical terms to us Nurses on 4BC. Throughout our lives we may come across some smell, or some song, that will remind us of our friend, and we can only thank God for that, that's his way of never letting us forget him, always remembering those that touched our lives. My family prays for your family. God bless you all, and may you find strength to go on. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 10:41 PM |
| I am so saddened to hear of this tragedy. I am an emploee at U of M and I have long admired what Survival Flight does. When I am at home and hear Survival Flight off in a distance I run to a window and watch them fly over, that is how fascinated I am. Those wonderful people are now in heaven and will watch Survival Flight fly below them. I will continue to be amazed by these wonderful people who take a risk everytime they work. My heart goes out to these 6 heroes, their family and friends. They will forever be flying with Blue and Maize wings.
Kim |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 10:30 PM by Debbie Odden |
| Richard was one of my microbiology students at EMU. He was pledging to be a an Alpha man.
Richard begged me to come see him step, so I did.
During the next class, he asked me why I left so early. I told him that I was the oldest person at the party and I needed my sleep.
His eyes brightened as he broke out in laughter.
On occasion, I would run into him at the barber on Liberty street in AA. He told me that he was involved in organ transplant. He made me proud to know that he became the scientist that I knew he would be.
When I heard about the flight, I prayed that he was not on it. Then I heard his name and saw his bright smile and eyes on the news. My heart was sad, but I know that the angels will embrace and love him as we did on earth. My sincere condolences to his daughter, and the rest of his immediate family. Debbie Odden |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 10:24 PM |
| "It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go"
These men obviously left wonderful legacies of love,dedication, joy and compassion. They will forever be remembered. My prayers and sympathies go out to their families. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 10:22 PM by Jodi Bauers |
| "When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
- Kahlil Gibran Know that I and many send our thoughts and prayers as this terrible accident becomes all too real. Many times I have watched the U of M helicopter take off from our hospital roof when they have come to harvest organs. I won't look at it or our own quite the same. As you remember your staff..know that many are thinking of all the families, friends and staff who have been touched by this tragedy. Jodi Bauers
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Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 10:03 PM by Alan Menkis, Medical Director, Cardiac Sciences Program, Past President, International Society For Heart and Lung Transplantation |
| Dear friends and colleagues,
Please accept my condolences on the tragedy that has struck the two pilots and two cardiac surgeons on the transplant flight. Greatly impacted by this are especially their families but also your program and university community. This has always been the recurring concern of doing these transplant flights or sending out our staff to do these life saving programs. In these very difficult times my thoughts and the entire transplant community are with you. Sincerely
A.H. Menkis, MD, FRCS(C)
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Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 09:57 PM by Jessica Ehrig |
| I have known Dennis Hoyes for a long time. He was a good friend and a good pilot. If you were sad or down in the dumps, he could make you laugh. He always went out of his way for others.
My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Jessica |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 09:40 PM by Deanna Keenan |
| I wish to extend my condolences to all the families of these wonderful men. I just read all of their biographies and it is evident that we lost 6 incredible individuals. What they each brought to humankind over the last 10+ years is more than most of us are able to contribute in a lifetime. To have spent so many years dedicated to their profession is something their families can be proud of. To all the friends and families of these great men, you are all lucky to have known greatness. Celebrate their lives and what they've accomplished in their short lifetimes - they were doing what they did best - helping others live longer and healthier. God Bless |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 09:12 PM by Young-sang Sohn |
| I felt I had to leave a message, even though I don't know any of them. But as a Korean cardiac surgeon, I know how they had been doing for the others. May God accept their soul and bless their loving ones! |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 08:42 PM by Beth Dillon |
| My sincere condolences go out to all of you for your loss. These people made an impact on more than just their families. It is a true ripple effect. They were heroes for doing their best to bring other people new life and it has affected many. I am so sorry that they died. You are not alone in your mourning.
Sincerely,
|
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 08:30 PM by David H. Priest, MD |
| David - While we ache at your passing we know that those with an eternal perspective, like you had, can rejoice in where you are right now. While we deal with chaos in a fallen world you sit in perfect peace and fulfillment. While we glimpse Christ and hold him in our hearts you see him face to face. What I appreciate about you most is that despite the grind of years of medical education and the constant interactions with bitter colleagues and attendings - you never changed who you were. You were the same person until you died a noble death. God Speed - see ya on the flip side. Dave |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 08:24 PM by Greg Candell |
| My first memories of David Ashburn were as his anatomy partner during our first semester of medical school. I watched his initial desire to be a pediatrician blossom, within a matter of weeks, into a steadfast calling to pursue pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. He never wavered from that calling. He delighted in the pursuit like no one else I've known. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 07:47 PM by S. Pautler, U. Western Ontario |
| It was with disbelief that I read of this tragedy. Martin Spoor's smile and dry wit will be fondly remembered. May all the families know in their hearts that their sacrifice was made doing their calling and we are all better people for having known them. RIP. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 07:26 PM by Chicagoland Community Church |
| We deeply mourn this loss with you and want the families to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 07:01 PM by Marty, from BVH, Findlay, OH |
| I am so sorry for the loss of members of your great transplant team. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 06:35 PM by rob dowling |
| Our deepest sympathy from the heart transplant team at the University of Louisville. Though we did not know our lost colleages, we have shed many tears and feel a great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. All transplants done by our team will be interrupted by a moment of silence to remember our fellow transplanters. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 06:34 PM by Robert Sorabella |
| On behalf of the Columbia University Cardiothoracic Transplant Team I would like to extend our condolences to the family members of those lost in this tragedy and to the U-M staff who worked with them everyday and will miss them greatly. You are all in our thoughts. Many of our surgeons and perfusionists, including myself, had the pleasure of meeting these dedicated gentlemen on previous organ procurements. They were were true role models for the transplant community and will be sorely missed. The next time I get on an airplane to fly to a procurement, I have no doubt that I will be nervous, but I will remind myself of the commitment, selflessness, and passion with which these men worked everyday and strive for the same. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 06:22 PM by Brew |
| I worked as a nurse in SICU while Martin was completing his fellowship in critical care medicine. Martin was one of the most personable physicians I have ever met. He was kind, laid back, and an excellent clinician. It is people like Martin that make the University of Michigan Health System one of the world's best.
Brew |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 06:01 PM by Donald W. |
| Being a recipient and volunteer for the NY Organ Donor Network, the transplant teams throughout the world have become part of our "transplant family". A loss of life within the team becomes personal and saddens us dearly. Our sympathy and condolences to the staff and family of those lost.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 05:59 PM by H & S |
| Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep. I am in a thousand winds that blow, I am the softly falling snow. I am the gentle showers of rain, I am the fields of ripening grain. I am in the morning hush, "I am in the graceful rush Of beautiful birds in circling flight, I am the starshine of the night. I am in the flowers that bloom, I am in a quiet room. I am in the birds that sing, I am in each lovely thing. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I do not die." :Mary Frye With Sincere Sympathy |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 05:58 PM by Sujata Purohit, M.D. |
| My daughter attends school with the Spoor girls, and she asked me in a very heartfelt way, "Mommy, what will they do now that they can't look into their daddy's eyes and ask him how his day was?" How would anyone be able to explain to these children who have lost their fathers how many people their fathers' lives touched...what incredible human beings they were. In a world that seems comfortable with violently ripping away human life, these men sought to quietly and peacefully make their contribution to mankind. Through their selflessness and highly skilled backgrounds, they brought hope and their expertise to each and every one of their patients. I could only hug my daughter and tell her that God had a higher plan for all these daddies, and that they are in a safer and better place now... |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 05:11 PM by Janet Chlebo |
| My sincerest of condolences go out to the whole team and their families and loved ones. Special, sincere and heartfelt thoughts are with Candice and her 3 children. Your love, faith and memories will guide you.
Love, Janet |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 04:48 PM |
| Earth has not sorrow.........that Heaven can't heal. God bless them all!!! |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 04:37 PM by Jeramie Coffelt |
| This loss is hard to understand. Such a great team doing such important work. May God keep the families and friends of those directly impacted by this horrific event.
I too met David through Realtree.com forums. He was a man of Character and generosity. Even as a distant friend he will be gravely missed. My deepest condolences go out to his family and to the others who were so tragically taken. May Christ comfort you all. Matthew 5:4, Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. I look forward to meeting you in glory one day buddy. Jeramie Coffelt |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 04:36 PM by Donna Johnson |
| God's grace is sufficient. David Ashburn was my cousin. After reading the messages posted on behalf of those that we lost on Monday, I am reminded that God designed David from birth to touch so many lives. The caring, compassionate doctor that many described was the man that his family knew and loved. He loved God, life, his family and all people. David made a great impression on all those who met him. David's family is leaning on the Lord for strength and we are claiming Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path."
We are praying for the other families involved in this tragedy who have lost those that they love. Our prayers and thoughts are also with the patient and their family still awaiting the transplant. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 04:25 PM by Mark Brown |
| I was saddened to hear of David's (Exturkinator) sudden death. I only knew him from the www.Realtree forums, where we exchanged comments on a few occasions. But like me, David was a Christian and we shared that common denominator. I know that we never met face to face on earth but look forward to doing so in Heaven. See you when I get there David,
Mark |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 04:10 PM by Gaea Shaw |
| I am deeply saddened by the loss of 6 heroes in our community. My heart and prayers go out to the family, friends and co-workers of these wonderful men, and I am forever grateful for what they did for so very many people. Your loss is my loss. It doesn't matter that I'm in Colorado, I feel the grief as if I were right there with you.
Gaea Shaw, heart transplant recipient in Lafayette, Colorado. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 04:03 PM |
| From a former co-worker and friend. My salute to the crew and families, May the peace of the Lord be with you all. For the memory of the survival flight crew, these lyrics from "Lonestar" are brought to mind....
I'm already there
Don't make a sound
We may be a thousand miles apart
I'm already there
|
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 03:44 PM by Bill Thompson |
| Over the past 8 years I have had the honor and pleasure of working with all of the members of the lost transplant team. I am shocked and sad that I will no longer be able to talk with any of them again. This team always showed respect to everyone they interacted with. They were professionals who understood that they were making a difference in a patient's life and also helping another family deal with their very tragic loss. They were each and every one, kind, humble giving human beings. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 03:36 PM |
| I have known Dennis Hoyes since 2001. That is the year I came to work for him at one of his agencies. Although I had no knowledge of the insurance industry at the time, he had faith in me, guiding me to become an agent. Although we did not see eye to eye all the time, I always admired his vast knowledge of insurance. He was an extremely smart man and it showed by the success he has had in life -
My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends involved in this tragedy. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 03:24 PM by Pinar Senyilmaz |
| As a previous U of M hospital student and employee I would like to send my condolences to all University community and families of all people who lost their lives in the tragic crash. My prayers are with them... Pinar |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 03:15 PM by Chris Pileski |
| My friend David. Words cannot express my sadness. I never met you except through the internet on Realtree. Thank you so much for all you did for me before and after my surgery, I'll never forget you.
Chris |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 03:00 PM by Nancy Bitterman |
| All of us here at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Cardiothoracic Transplant Department send our thoughts and prayers to the entire University of Michigan Health Care System family and the families of the 6 team members who were lost on June 4, 2007. Your loss is our loss. Their dedication will remain an inspiration to our entire team. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 02:42 PM by Scott Valmassei |
| We understand the dedication of those who treat patients with the need for or have received a transplant. ViraCor extends our heartfelt sympathies to the families of all those involved in this accident, including the donating individual and recipient. The great work that has been accomplished by the people on that survival flight is a lasting legacy that they will be remembered in the future. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 02:41 PM by Donna Pellrene |
| I'm retired now, but for 8 years I was the secretary at HOPE, the organ donor program at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Every time our coordinators and surgeons left the building to go on a distant recovery, there was gratitude to an unknown distant family and an awareness that when they again touched down in Edmonton, they would be bringing with them the gift of life for someone. Traveling with skilled pilots became so "normal" that we just assumed that the travel part of every trip would be uneventful and successful. A tragedy like this reminds us that there is some risk to every flight a transplant team makes and every member takes those risks because of what they believe in. To the families and co-workers of the pilots and transplant team, my sorrowful condolences. And to those who will carry on this work - be safe. Donna Pellrene
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Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 02:30 PM by Luke Greenia |
| My first encounter with David (Exturkinator as we knew him on the Realtree Forums) was raising money for a young fellow that was having heart surgery, and David happened to be bidding on some Maple Syrup I had setup for auction. I won't say how much he spent but let's just say he was more than generous,, but that, we learned, was just his nature...
David will be greatly missed on the Realtree Forums, where he made numerous friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends of Dr. David Ashburn. May you all find peace in this difficult time. Luke and Tammy Greenia...from the "Realtree Forums Family" |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 02:29 PM by lisa hood for precious hood |
| I would like to say sorry to the Ashburn family. He was an outstanding Dr. here at Mott. I really am so sorry because he was a great man and was great at what he has done for all these children here at Mott, most of all my own daughter, Precious, and his memory will live on in my home.
I will make sure that my daughter will know what a hero is and that is Dr. David Ashburn. I would like to thank his family for having such a wonderful husband, father, son, and as well as a Dr. He did a wonderful job on my child here at Mott. Thanks for the honor of having him care for my child. God Bless him and his whole family most of all his wife and children. You are all in my thoughts. He will be very missed. |
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 02:24 PM |
| They were lifted up on eagles wings and bourne away by the Breath of God, now made to shine like the sun as He now holds them in the palm of His Hand.
In my prayers,
|
Posted Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 02:21 PM by Jennifer V Aiken |
| I believe in what this team stood for and took part of and wanted to do themselves - but because of how they died their own dreams will not be fulfilled - so we must do it for them. Just like money won't do you any good when you are gone - neither will your organs - leave them behind and help someone else live. May God bless the family and friends that are left suffering from the sudden loss of their loved ones who died doing a good thing!!!! |
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