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 Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:11 PM by D. Macleod |
| I was saddened to hear of the sudden loss of the six members of your transplant team. Your loss is felt by the whole transplant community. My deepest condolences to the famlies and to the University of Michigan community. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:10 PM by Alice & Tim |
| There are moments that many nurses in the Thoracic ICU and other units shared with Dr. Ashburn, Dr. Spoor, and Richard Chenault that will be remembered for a long time to come. Their faces and smiles are etched in our memories. For those who had the pleasure of knowing them, their love and appreciation for life and their kindness to others was inspirational.
We send our sincere condolences to the family and friends for all those who perished. They meant so much to all of us and they will be missed. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:08 PM by Sharon Kreuz Sherry |
| I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your transplant team. My father, Leonard "Butch" Kreuz received a life saving lung transplant on October 28, 1998 at U of M . Our family had another 5 great years with our father, thanks to the transplant team and nursing staff. My condolences to all the families and friends of the transplant team. My prayers are with you.
God Bless, Sharon Kreuz Sherry |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:05 PM by Donna Pakledinaz |
| My condolences to the U of M families for their loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. As a Gift of Life donation coordinator I worked with Richard for many years. He was a true friend. He always had a kind word and smile for everyone. He could bring calm to a nervous OR staff just by being Richard. He will be truly missed. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:03 PM by Bill Vanderwill |
| As a former health care social worker, I honor these remarkable men. Their compassion and uncommon kindness will always be a source of inspiration for all of us here at the U of M.
Bill Vanderwill, School of Social Work |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:01 PM by Goodwin Family |
| May the families of these men be touched by love and generosity as much as our family has been touched by the transplant team at the U of M. Comfort and blessings to all touched by this accident. May flights of angels sing these men to their rest. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:01 PM by Kathleen Gallichio, RN, MSN, CCRN |
| My sincere empathy, thoughts, and prayers are with the Univ. of Michigan Transplant Team's families and colleagues.
K. Gallichio, RN, MSN, CCRN, Clinical Nurse Specialist, ICU & CV Surgery, St. Peter's Hosp., Albany, NY |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:00 PM by Rita Vasquez |
| May all your families find comfort in the memories their loved ones left behind.
May you find solace in knowing that their contributions in this life will never be forgotten. God Be with you and all of your loved ones. Be Safe in his name. Amen |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:59 PM |
| Jason Bell says...Martin and I were best friends when we were kids. As geeky schoolmates, we won the Calgary Science Fair, which in turn contributed to a long competitive streak between us, with Martin generally winning.
He was an intelligent, kind man with a caring soul. We were ten or eleven when he told me with absolute certainty in his voice that he wanted to become a surgeon and smoke a pipe like his father. At an age where I was learning to muster the courage to ask a girl to an elementary school dance, Martin was talking about what he hoped to do to help others and change the world for the better. Martin was a motivation for many around us. We always tried to beat Martin's school grades, and when we usually didn't, he would show us where we went wrong and explain (often better than the teacher) the correct approach or the best answer (did I mention this was in elementary school?) We went our separate ways in university, and I sincerely regret that we haven't seen one another since his wedding. Hearing the awful news today was a shock and brought me to tears for the first time in awhile. It also brought back many great memories of what a great friend Martin was. He will be forever missed. My wife's and my best wishes to his loving wife and children, his brother Thijs, his parents, and his close friends and the people he has touched, of which I am sure there are many. God bless you, Martin. Thank you for being you. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:57 PM |
| One cannot express the grief one feels at this time. One can only express thanks to the departed for saving so many lives. Please accept my deepest sympathy to the families involved.
I think a true gesture in their memory would be for all who love Michigan is to BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR. It is simple to do, fill out a form and you will join those who died in this crash as VICTORS AND THE BEST. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:56 PM by Becky Rohre |
| Four years ago on Feb. 16, 2003 my beloved husband passed away after suffering several brain hemmorages beginning in Dec. 2002 that he fought against for almost 3 months with the help of the UM neurological surgical teams.
Before he got sick, we both had decided to register as organ/tissue donors in the event of our deaths. The Transplant Team that offered me advice at the time of Steve's final breath, support and condolences during the organ procurement procedures, included both Richards who were tragically taken from all of us in the plane crash. Without their support during a very emotional time for me, my decision to donate my husband's organs may have changed...since it was a hard decision but the right one. I will be forever grateful to both Richards whose kindness, expertise and professionalism, made the last gift my husband gave a truly honorable one! |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:49 PM by Brad Wineland Fire Fighter EMT, Jackson Mi |
| My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the heroes who were lost and to the family of the donor. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:48 PM by Rachel Worthington |
| I received a double lung transplant in November 2004 at the University of Michigan. I know the amount of energy and compassion that each transplant team member devotes to each and every patient. My sincere condolences go out to each family of those six hereos who were lost. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:38 PM by Jeannine |
| Even though my family and friends have never needed the services of this special group of people, it just broke our hearts when we heard of this tragedy. Our condolences go to all of the families of the lost flight as well as the U of M family. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:37 PM by Beth Rearick |
| This is such a tragic event and I can't believe this happened. I am terribly sorry for the loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and I'm sorry for the familes that lost someone this horrific day. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:37 PM by Rapid Response Team/NCBH/Wake Forest |
| Everyone of us on the RRT here at WF had the greatest pleasure to have worked with David Ashburn in the Surgical ICU. We will never forget the cowboy boots with scrubs or the Southern accent! Our sincere prayers are with David's family, all of the transplant specialists' families, pilots' families, the U-M family, and the transplant patient and family. No greater Love hath no man than to lay his life down for another. Heaven is a little sweeter. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:35 PM by Sheila St. Clair, RN., BSN., CCTC. |
| A tremendous loss that has rippling effects throughout the Transplant Society. The irony of being "givers of life"; to have their own taken from them. There is a heavy cloud of sadness that hangs above each of our heads. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:34 PM by Luis Rivera |
| Although I'm not very familiar with the program, every time I see one of the helicopters flight in and out, I feel a sense of pride, a sense of hope, that people take their chances to help, to serve others as many prophets of our time have done. These fellow colleagues are prophets of truth and love. May they rest in peace with their savior. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:29 PM by TIONN MAY |
| I was there when the plane crashed. I just want to say to the families that lost loved ones that all of you are in our prayers. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:27 PM by A. Terando |
| I am so deeply saddened to hear of the crash. Some of my fondest memories of surgical training are from my experiences with the UM transplant team on organ procurement missions. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to meet and work with this incredible group of individuals. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:25 PM by Christine Dawson |
| My thoughts and prayers are with all of the families involved, including the family of the donor. This is an unimaginable loss. As a pilot's wife, I feel some fear every time he leaves for work. From one flight family to another, may God bless you and comfort you in your terrible sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing they died Heroes. They gave all in a valient effort to save the life of another in need.
Sincerely and with heavy heart, Christine A. Dawson, RN, EMT-P |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:24 PM by Sheik Ahmed |
| I first met Martin in September 2006, when I had just come over from the United Kingdom as a Visiting Faculty. I was fortunate to have shadowed him on TICU for a week as part of my induction. Within minutes of having met him, I realized that I had found myself a good friend and colleague.He was always so helpful and the kind of guy who always had a moment to spare no matter how busy he was.
I admired Martin's patience and good nature and his confidence in dealing with complex problems in a calm and appropriate way. On several occasions I took over TICU from him and vice versa in his late night handovers, after he had tucked the kids in bed. It was always a pleasure talking to Martin. He was the kind of person all of us would hope to be, patient, compassionate and caring and good at what he did. Martin signed out TICU to me the week before this tragic incident and we both looked forward to working together on the new CVC. They will always be remembered with pride, love and affection. Our prayers will always be with all the crew, the patient, staff and their families. May God give us the strength to pull through this tragedy and do what our dear friends would have wished us to do, care for our patients. I will always remember Martin very fondly as a wonderful colleague but above all as a very good human being. He will be missed. At this time when all of us are in shock, our prayers are with the family of everyone involved on this tragic incident, to give them strength to pull through these difficult times. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:23 PM |
| We send our deepest sympathies for the loss of your team. The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:20 PM by Jessica Oosterhuis |
| I had the privilege of being Martin's roommate for four years and Susan's for one while they attended med school in Calgary. Martin was one of the most interesting people I have ever met. He had a passion for learning and using this knowledge to help others and better society. He had the incredible confidence needed to be a surgeon yet a humble compassion that led him to treat people with respect and dignity. Whenever we reconected with his family over the years, it was easy to see his love and passion for Susan and their children. Martin will be missed, the world has lost a very good man. Susan, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family and to the members of the Spoor family as well.
Love Jessica, Curtis and family |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:15 PM by Kelli |
| There are no words to describe how truly sorry I am for the families, friends and collegues of these brilliant men. I did not have the honor of meeting or working with any of them and only saw them pass by in the hall but I do know what a tremendous impact they had on so many people's lives. These heroes will never be forgotten. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Kristie Mitchell |
| Richard Chenault was my high school track coach at Gabriel Richard in 1991. I remember that he was such a nice guy - very warm and caring. Even when he made us do drills that we didn't want to do, no one could find anything negative to say about him. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families of the crash victims. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:59 AM by Amanda, Ron Brisebois |
Susan, When I heard the news about Martin, I was devastated. It has been so few years that our children played together endlessly, and it seemed that life went on forever. My prayers will be with you over and over, forever. I wish I could contact you directly, life seems to fly by. We pray for you and your beautiful 3 children. Martin was a wonderful father, husband and a person who lived life to the fullest. What happens in life cannot be explained by me, or anyone. He saved many, was touched by many, and will never be forgotten. Lots of love always, Amanda, Ron, Jonathan, Joshua and Noah Brisebois Edmonton, Alberta CANADA |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:58 AM |
| At the university, we spend so much time with each other that we become family. These individuals were like family to me, and it makes me incredibly sad that they are not here. They loved their families and said it every day. They provided me with friendship; mentorship and taught me how to become a better physician and person. It is an unthinkable loss for their families; all of us are here to share their grief and help them through. I hope that their souls are resting and that all of us left here find peace. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:54 AM by Chris D. |
| I am so touched by the selfless actions (both in their professional and personal lives) of those lost on Monday. The outpouring of support here is, I am sure, only a small reflection of the impact made by these brave individuals.
Although I did not know any of the victims personally, I was so moved to honor them that I have finally joined the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. My only hope is that I can somehow pass on the gift of life as a small token of the appreciation I have for the actions of these men. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:51 AM |
| Condolences to our fine colleagues in Ann Arbor. -The Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:51 AM by Chad Abbott |
| I had the privilege of working with both Richard and Rick, and shared an office with Richard for approximately 2 years. Both of these men were exemplary citizens who truly loved their jobs and life. I doubt that either one of them know how much they meant to everyone they came in contact with, or how much good they actually did in this world. Both families should take pride in knowing that Richard and Rick were respected by all who knew them - they both made the best of every situation and I don't recall any conversation with either of them not ending on a positive note. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:47 AM by Barb Hammond |
| Richard Chenault touched my life through my (grown) daughters' involvement in track. It didn't matter to him that they were from another team (Tecumseh), he was all about promoting the athlete and self improvement. They knew they could, and did, approach him with any question and he would have time to answer them. Recently, Richard and I met in the hall and he inquired about my girls and did they still run. I was so touched that he remembered them and could take time to show the interest years after they have graduated. It is now our turn to remember him and mirror his 'way' to keep his legacy alive. Richard - you will be missed. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:45 AM |
| My deepest condolences to the families who have lost a loved one. As the mother of young children, I am particularly heartbroken thinking of the children who have lost their fathers in this tragic accident. The entire UM family shares your grief and sorrow.
My thoughts and prayers are also with all the other members of the transplant and survival flight teams who will continue to bravely board those flights and go on their missions of hope and healing in the weeks and months to come. They are all truly heroes. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:44 AM by Spectrum Health Nurse |
| My deepest sympathy goes out to the families of the victims and to the staff at U of M. My heart is breaking with yours. You are in my prayers. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:41 AM by Sharon Eikenberry Fairlamb |
| I am a former 14 year employee of U of M and still think of the hospital as "my place" and dear to my heart. I am so very saddened by the loss of these wonderful people and my heart goes out to their families and friends and also to the patient who was left on the operating table and went without a transplant. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:41 AM by Amanda Mohr-Scroggins |
| First off my condolences to all the families. I worked with the team from 2001 to 2003. Richard was a very nice guy. He loved his family and he loved what he did. He enjoyed saving lives. My heart goes out to all who are hurting. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:31 AM by Marie Sweeney |
| I am not directly connected to the U of M transplant center, but I am a lung recipient of over 5 years from Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit. I just want to express my sympathy, support and prayer to all who are affected by this tragedy. My one hope is that out of this & the media around it, many people will be touched by the value of transplant & sign to give their organs. My advice to the waiting recipient is not to lose hope, but in time, another Gift of Life will come their way soon! Marie Sweeney |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:30 AM by Dr.S.Handagala |
| My deepest sympathies to the family members.We lost great heros engaged in the noble profession. Wish them perhaps come in their rebirth to complete their missions, maybe generations later.
Dr.handagala, Sri Lanka |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:28 AM by Jan Kindy R.N. |
| My deepest sympathy and prayers to the families and friends of all six men who were taken so suddenly and tragically. I knew Martin and Richard Chenault while working as a nurse in Cardiac Surgery. They were truly wonderful, caring,and compassionate men. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire cardiac/transplant family. I lost my brother in a sudden accident when I was a young girl and always wondered why would God take such a young man. He had many of the qualities as these 6 men. I told myself that God takes those most deserving to sit with him and carry out his plan for us. I hope this may help during such a painful time. Let's remember their kindness, smiles, compassion, and their love for their fellow mankind. May we honor them so their children know that their fathers were men to look up to and aspire to their greatness. We may miss them and not see them, but they are with us always. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:26 AM by karen palomo |
| My heart felt condolences go to the staff of your hospital and the families of the crash victims. Thank you to those who passed for their efforts to save others.
Karen |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:22 AM by Grace |
| My deepest condolences to the families of all these heroes! While at this time I'm sure nothing much will ease your loss, none the less, these tributes that people are writing are coming from all over the country!
Your loved ones have touched a magnitude of hearts & lives, that others could never imagine. These people were obviously exemplary individuals who give new life to the role of being a true hero. Their commitment was so much bigger than just themselves. Often U of M seems so LARGE, that we forget what an impact each individual CAN make. I pray their message of dedication on a personal & professional level, continues to resonate throughout our University & live in everyone's hearts forever. God Bless all of these families & we are so sorry for your loss. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:18 AM by Marcy Waldinger |
| I did not have the privilege of knowing any of the heroes lost in this terrible tragedy. Yet I feel the loss deeply, as do others who are part of the UMHS family. We in the Cancer Center, and everywhere in our health system, are privileged to work in an environment where we are constantly reminded of the preciousness of life. These brave individuals faced this reality perhaps most acutely every day. We are grateful for their work and for their colleagues in the cardiovascular center, survival flight, ICU and everywhere across the UMHS who will carry on with the same dedication and commitment that these men exemplified. May the comfort of family and friends and faith sustain the families in their bereavement. Be assured that we will never forget this ultimate sacrifice in the interest of giving new life to our sickest patients. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:17 AM by Anthony Charles |
| Myself and Martinus were surgical critical care fellows together.My heart goes out to his wife and children. May his soul and all the departed rest in Perfect peace. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:17 AM by Michele Pilato M.D. |
| The Heart Transplant Unit of the Mediterranean Institution for Transplant and High Specialty Therapy (ISMETT) in Palermo, Sicily offers its heartfelt condolences to the families of the University of Michigan Transplant team lost in the airplane crash of June 4th. We pray for them. They are to be considered heroes who lost their lives trying to help and save other people's life.
Michele Pilato M.D., Chief Cardio-Toracic Unit ISMETT Palermo |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:15 AM by Kimberly Honan |
| My heart aches along with many as I try to make sense of this tragedy. My fondest memories of Richard go back to childhood -- Richard lived across the street from my grandparents and he and Mitzi would often come over to play with us. Richard once crashed our Honda Trail 70 into a ditch in the field! Every time Richard saw me here at the hospital, he would tell me how influential my grandfather was in his life and how he so loved riding the tractor with him as they plowed the fields. Richard was such a compassionate, friendly, warm and loving person and will be dearly missed! To know him was to love him! My deepest sympathy and heartfelt sadness goes out to the Chenault family and ALL the families involved -- May God Bless You! Kimberly |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:13 AM by Paul Charette - Lansing |
| Like the loss of servicemen, police officers or firefighters, this tragedy near the Milwaukee shore strikes us hard. And unlike the three kings who were successful in delivering their gifts to the Christ Child, these six kings who were traveling from afar bearing the gift of new life were not able to complete their journey. However, they took flight from Gen. Billy Mitchell Field looking up into the eastern sky with the same hope, the same joy, and same anticipation of delivering their gift.
There are six new, bright shining stars in our sky honoring the memory of these fine men. My prayers are for all of us, for the entire U of M Transplant Team, and especially the families who lost their loved ones and the patient who remains in critical care. May peace surround us, love guide us, and hope live in our hearts. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:09 AM by Sara Hollewa |
| For my brother Bill and to his wonderful family -- my sister in-law Debbie, my nieces Jennifer and Chrissy, and my nephew Billy
My brother was one of the most kindest, sweetest men I've ever known. He was a great person, an outstanding pilot who loved what he was doing. I will miss him dearly and he truly was an inspiration to all of us and a role model to follow. He was an excellent husband, father, brother, uncle, and son to all of us. He would have done anything for anyone. You will be truly missed. Love Sara, Joe, Joey, Lauren, and Katie Hollewa |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:08 AM by Debbie Pettitt |
| As the Occupational Therapy Supervisor at University Hospital, I did not personally know any of our lost team members. However, many of my Occupational Therapists did, and I am sharing their grief, as well as experiencing an overwhelming sense of loss for them, their families, their patients and their colleagues. I have not heard any 'formal' mention of the donor's family, and do not want them overlooked or forgotten in this tragedy. They suffered a tremendous loss of their loved one, made the difficult decision to donate organs to help save others lives, then lost that small piece of comfort and hope when the flight went down. This tragedy has so many dimensions it is hard to comprehend. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:00 AM by Peg |
| I have worked at the University in transplant research for almost 5 years. In those 5 years, I have seen the committment to quality my colleages at the transplant center bring to patient care and research. I am honored to be a part of this team. While I didn't know any of the individuals who passed away personally, I have heard many stories from colleagues about them. My heart goes out to these heroes' families. My thoughts are also with my co-workers at the transplant center who knew and cared for their lost colleagues. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:57 AM by Jered Fuller |
| My stay here at the University of Michigan Health System has been remarkable, as a team, a family, and friends pull together to mourn the loss of six great people. I have seen the sadness in each and every one of the colleagues on this campus, and I just wanted to tell you all that things will get better. Time heals wounds; the U of M heals bodies. |
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