DAD

God took the strength of
a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea.
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the
eagle’s flight.
God combined these qualities,
There was nothing more to add.
His masterpiece was now complete,
He lovingly called it,
Dad.

Dale W. Uerkwitz
July 19, 1926
July 11, 2002

It is incredibly fitting that Jon would be an organ donor. In life Jon was always concerned with how he could help those he cared most about. On the outside Jon portrayed himself as a tough athletic individual but we all knew he was just a big softie. One event epitomizes the two sides of Jon occurred on a beautiful fall day in November.

Jon, our friend Scott and I all headed for our favorite mountain bike trail in eastern Kentucky. We had started a tradition of getting together over the Thanksgiving weekend and spending a day on the trails during the previous two years. None of us were extremely experienced riders but we decided that on this day we would try a different trail that we had been told about by a friend of mine. The day was progressing perfectly we wound our way up and down the scenic hills overlooking a lake. We were all taking in the views and enjoying each others company. Jon being the adventurous type of person that he was and being in the best physical condition was setting the pace on the trail. As the morning turned to afternoon and the sun began to move into the western sky we decided that we had better begin the long trek back to the truck. The ride out had been mostly up hill so we were all looking forward to the fast paced ride ahead. Since I was bringing up the rear on the first half of the trip, when we turned to return to the truck I was in the lead. I was enjoying the speed of the ride back the wind blowing in my face and the trees on the side of the trail going by in a blur. As I rounded one of the last curves before the end of the trail there was a large hump in the trail I was going way too fast to stop and before I knew what had happened I was airborne on the bike. The next thing I know I was flat on my back with the bike on top of me. My first instinct was to yell up the trail to warn Jon and Scott of the hazard. As my brain did a system check I felt something amiss in my right shoulder. I determined that I had broken my clavicle. When Jon got to me I was going into mild shock. Jon immediately took control of the situation. He removed his long sleeve T-shirt and used it to make a sling to put my arm in and began talking to me to get me to relax. Scott took our bikes and loaded them into the truck which was in the parking lot just across the street. Jon then drove us to the hospital so I could receive treatment. Jon then called my wife and sister who were at home waiting for our return. All the way home from the hospital and ever since that day Jon always assumed the blame for the accident. “I led all day I should have been in the front,” he would say. Jon was always very protective of those he cared about even of me his older brother. He took great care of me that day, but that was no surprise Jon’s caring soft side always shone through his tough exterior.

Shannon Nicole Phares – Born May 6, 1986
Shannon was a true Angel from the day she was born. She brought our family together. We had a purpose in life, her. She always tried to please everyone. She never was in trouble. She had very strong values, even when her friends would say “live a little.”
She loved school and wanted to be a nurse or a doctor. She was and A and B student. All of her teacher’s adored her and knew she would go far. If she knew someone was sad, she would go out of her way to make them smile or laugh. Her smile, laugh and sense of humor were intoxicating. Shannon was killed in a horrible car accident August 14, 2003.

When she got her license to drive, she wanted to be a donor. I told her no, but that night I changed my mind because it wasn’t about me or how I felt. I knew she would want to help anyone, even after her life was over.

Shannon is a true Angel in every way. Death no longer scares me because I know I will be with my girl again!

Shannon’s Mom

First of all I want to say that it makes me happy and I know it would make Mike happy that he was able to help someone out down here by giving them something he no longer needed. I think this is one of the most needed and would be the most appreciated gifts you could give.

The verse (For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23) that is on Mike’s quilt piece is the one that is also on his stone and the one he would say often. My husband loved the Lord and did all he could to do right. Sometimes things take us off track and then bad things happen and they did. But even though Mike made some bad choices that eventually caused his death I know that he would want to tell people about Jesus whether he were here or in Heaven. One way I hope I could do this for him is with this quilt piece. My husband was 29 when he killed himself; he was raising 2 small boys and was a GREAT daddy. We miss him more than can ever be said or shown but I now he’s in good hands.

Chad Erik McIntire was born October 27, 1979 in Piqua, Ohio. His dream was to someday be a championship bull-rider. He loved country music and rodeo. Chad was the kind of person that loved to make others laugh, no matter how down and out you were he always made you laugh and forget your troubles. He loved animals, especially wolves he collected wolf figurines, shirts, blankets, etc. Chad has a very big family that loves and misses him dearly, and knows he is smiling down from heaven above so glad he was able to help others with his gift of life. Chad was a Christian, he was saved and baptized and was very proud of that. He now resides in heaven with his heavenly Father along with his Grandfather which he was very close to and loved dearly.

Tonya Thompson

My dad was a good man, who was respected and well liked by many. Dad has been missed, but we can now smile about some of the funny things he did. Dad loved to garden and spent many hours tending his garden. He seemed to have a green thumb. His tomatoes and green beans seemed to never stop producing good things to eat. Dad also liked to attend auctions and could find good bargains every time he went.

The reason Dad wanted his skin donated was because when he was a small boy his cousin was badly burned, she had caught her nightgown on fire while cooking.

Though it can be a hard decision to make to donate your loved ones organs and tissues, it is a very worthwhile cause that helps many and brings a source of pride to the family; in your time of loss you are helping someone else. Donating is a decision that I will never regret. The people from Community Tissue Services were very understanding and kind. So if you or any family member is thinking of donating, feel good that your decision will greatly help someone in need.

Robyn Mallory
St. Mary’s, Ohio

There is much I could write about my dear husband John K. Buehl, but most appropriate at this time would seem to be a brief explanation of his last moments with us. His life was taken in one of the most senseless acts possible, and his death has left an unimaginable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

One of his greatest pleasures was driving our new Gold Wing 1800 motorcycle. He had owned twenty-seven motorcycles in his lifetime and was cautious and experienced driver. In June 2003, while driving our Gold Wing just a few miles from our home an oncoming car crossed the center line and struck him head-on killing him instantly. The driver of that car was drunk and is currently serving a prison sentence as the result of her actions.

John’s legacy is one of fond memories and loving friends. His warmth, the strength of his famous hugs, and the sparkle in his blue eyes could melt your heart like nothing else. He was truly one of those special people you may not meet more than once in your lifetime – but one who will always be remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness, consideration, selflessness, and his ability to make you feel like the most important person in the world.

Your donor program has allowed John’s legacy to reach beyond the memories cherished by those who loved him. For that, I know he would be extremely pleased. I was blessed by being allowed to share his life….and he will truly live “Forever in My Heart.”

Carol L. Buehl

Jimmy was my only child. He was a fun loving guy. He was 33 years old when he did a very stupid thing. A wheelie on a very powerful motorcycle that pulled over backwards not a broken bone in his body, but no helmet, so head injury.

I didn’t expect to out live my son, but we don’t get what we want. I miss him. We had a very good son – mother relationship.

Lynn Schindel

My family is very glad that you asked us to share in the quilt. Terry was a very good husband and father and grandfather. He retired 6 years ago and we went to Florida for the winter months. We have always been campers so it was only natural to go to Florida and camp. I thank God he retired and we had those 6 years retired life. I also am very thankful for the 45 years we had together. He was never ill but died of a sudden heart attack. He didn’t have to suffer, which I am also thankful for but very hard on all of us.
We miss him so much and we will see him in heaven.

Dixie Moots