LAS-

We had a very successful Second Light ceremony for the Eric Harkins family and a remembrance of recently passed LAS members. When I wake up more, I will send out more pictures. Here is what I wrote for Eric. It was read at a ceremony in the multi-purpose building preceded by a slide show of Eric’s life beautifully done by Don Spain. We then had a moment of silence for our deceased LAS members. And, unbelievably, Jupiter popped out of the clouds and stayed visible long enough for everyone to see its splendor through his 15″ Discovery dob. Thus, Second Light for the scope he loved and the people he loved.. Thanks. Eric!

Ken Alderson

LAS President

It has been one year since Eric passed, so we gather here tonight

To remember a gift he gave us all as we see the Second Light.

They say you can see the soul of a man by looking in his eyes

Eric had an old soul, one that was warm and wise

As though his ancestors dwelt within to give advice so sage

That his soul could go on gracing us as it lives from age to age.

But his quiet smile was his gift to all and if you passed his way

He would give it to you freely to brighten up your day.

Beguiling, quietly giving his smile to everyone he met

So they, in turn, could pass it on to humankind and yet

He would want us all to smile as we gather here tonight

To look at the stars that he so loved as we view the Second Light.

So, drink them in, feast on the heavens, the final gift he gives

Remember this man with the quiet smile for when you do, he lives!

1935 – 2008

Richard Leo Schultz, 73, of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.

Richard was the devoted husband of the late Jeannine Schultz (Legue). Richard was a devoted father and father-law to Richard (Inger), Glenn (Missy) and David Schultz.

Richard will be dearly missed by his three beautiful grandchildren, Blake, Leif and Ing Marie Schultz. Richard leaves three sisters, who have been so generous with their time and love, Rhea Mauer (Ed), Ruth Ann Artz (James) and Jane Conhartowski (Arthur). In remembering our dad, we recall his service to his country; Richard received the Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam. Richard and Jeannine were loving parents, who in their early years traveled the country with their three boys, while Richard was a Lt.Commander in the Navy. Richard devoted himself to his wife and was her constant and loving caregiver during her life with Multiple Sclerosis. During Richard’s time in Louisville, KY, Richard enjoyed astronomy and traveling on his Motorcycle. Richard left the world with his sons holding his hands and his family sharing stories and remembrances. It was intimate and peaceful.

Funeral Services for Richard will be held Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, at 1 p.m. at All Saints Cemetery and Mausoleum Chapel (3300 Springbrook Road, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158).Entombment will follow with Full Military Honors. Memorials would be appreciated to the American Cancer Society.

Dick was instrumental in getting sidewalk astronomy off the ground in the Louisville area when he was with the Louisville Amateur Astronomers prior to its merger with the LAS. He was a great guy all around and will be missed by his friends.

To my dismay, I have learned of the death of our oldest club member, John Martin. I spoke to his son, Mike, today and he said his dad passed away June 11 at age 89.

John was an great artist. He joined us at Shoney’s one night and drew an excellent picture as he sat there. We have a piece of art that John painted and gave to us. I am going to get it framed and a plaque will be put on it dedicating it to his memory. It will hang at the UAC.

We all enjoyed his sense of humor. In one exchange, we were talking about Sir Isaac Newton. John told us that he knew him. Funny!

We will miss our friend. I have invited his son to our next meeting so that we can teach him how to use his dad’s scope.

Here is the obituary:

(Continue Reading …)

My wife, Jeannie, passed away this morning after a long struggle with cancer. She was a fighter. When the lung cancer was first diagnosed, they said she only had eighteen months. She ended up doubling that and kept a good attitude the whole time. Thanks to all who kept her in your thoughts.

Ted

The heavens have a new star.

Plucked from the earth to become a diamond in the firmament, Pat shines down on all who believe that earthly existence is but a fleeting moment. She awaits us in the Pleiades as the eighth sister of the known seven.

You may not see heavens newest with your eyes but if you use the Soul’s averted vision you can see her there, next to an empty space in the sky where her precious Don will shine when he has run his earthly course.

Her ruined body has been left behind but her spirit is able to roam free as she looks in on those she loved, the friends and family who knew her smile and gentle ways.

She will always come back to her place in the heavens where, unwavering, she shines on us and for us as she awaits the arrival of the star next to her.

The heavens have a new star. May we all be so blessed.

Written by Ken Alderson
In loving memory of Pat Spain, a friend I never met.