Zane & Denise. September 18, 2009

Family photo of Cameron, Kiera, Zane, Denise,and Ky.
A little info up front. Denise was my college roommate my first year at Ricks. Denise also meet Zane at Ricks, and they started dating. Denise is from Juneau, Alaska, and Zane grew up in Rigby, Idaho. We had a lot of fun when the four of us got together, great memories...(Zane's Pinto). The next year they headed off to BYU and Chuck and I stayed at Ricks. We did drive to BYU once to visit them, and then got together in Houston years later. Every year Chuck and I always plan to visit them in Alaska, but we never seem to get past Seattle! Denise works for Alaska Airlines, so we email once in awhile, and we send each other a Christmas card each year.
********************************************************************************
After arriving at work today, I received an email from Zane...it said that Denise and their family have been having a tough time, that two and a half months ago, their 16 year old son Cameron, slipped while having lunch on top of a nearby mountain and died seconds later.

I can't describe how I felt, I sat frozen in my chair. I so wished I hadn't read that email. Immediately my heart ached for Zane, Denise, and their family. I went home and showed the email to Chuck, his reaction was the same. Later that evening Chuck wrote Zane a letter expressing our sadness to him and his family.
I went on line to find some information on the accident, and have added a photo that was posted of Cameron.



*******************************************************

Mount McGinnis, in the Mendenhall valley area of Juneau overlooking the Mendenhall Glacier.

Cameron Hal Clark
Juneau Empire
Lifelong Juneau resident Cameron Hal Clark died July 1, 2009, on Mount McGinnis in Juneau. He was 16.

Born Oct. 27, 1992, he enjoyed being outdoors and loved skiing. When the weather warmed up and he couldn't ski anymore, he could be found riding his bike, or on any nearby trampoline, hiking, camping or playing ultimate frisbee, his family said. Years ago, he participated in and won many trail and road races with the Southeast Road Runners.

He was preparing for a Chilkoot Trail hike with his scout troop and was very close to achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Along with his active lifestyle, he made time to receive a number of scholastic achievements and awards.

"He will be greatly missed by all those he loved and who loved him," his family said. "His exuberance for life and his bright smile will always be remembered."


Clark, who attended Thunder Mountain High School in Juneau, had been hiking with two friends Wednesday. The group reached the top of the Mount McGinnis and was having lunch when Clark set down his backpack and it slipped off a ledge.

Clark went after it and never returned. The other teenagers waited awhile, then called out but heard no response. After a half-hour, one of them used a cell phone to get help. Hours later search and rescue where called, his body was later found down the side of the mountain.
**********************************************************************************
A Photo of Zane & Denise at the funeral.

A Photo of Kiera and Ky with Zane.

I know that I can't even come close to feeling the lose that they do, but my heart goes out to them. I can only hope that our thoughts and prayers will help them through the times ahead.

Labor Day at Burroughs Park. September 7, 2009

For Labor Day, Austin and I went to Burroughs Park with the Ferris'. The boys immediately found some sticks as weapons and were in their own world of make believe. This Labor Day our family was spread all over the map. Over the weekend Chuck's Dad had to go to the hospital. On Saturday he was headed to the church for a ward breakfast, and apparently his heart began racing, and his pacemaker zapped him to slow it down. They figure it zapped him 3 times, he was out cold on the grass, outside the church bldg. He woke up a few minutes later dazed, and had someone call Mom. He had to spend the night in the hospital to make sure he was okay, so Chuck went up to be with them. Dad is doing fine now, a few days later he was cutting brush in the yard. Can't keep the old man down long!

Lindsie was able to go to Dallas and see the OU play BYU game, with Kammi and her parents. BYU won by 1 point, Lindsie was pretty upset, but she should be happy, right? Cory watched the game with this roommates in Utah.
Lindsie flew back into SLC today and Cory picked her up at the airport.

At Burroughs Park I got a picture of Ashley and William on their bikes. The younger kids played on the playground and on the dock by the pond.

Kelly and I set things up at the picnic table and Willie started grilling the burgers! I can't believe I forgot the ketchup...but the burgers were still pretty good.

I love the Texas canopy over the picnic table! Zachary stayed close at hand and helped Kelly get the food ready. I spent a little time fishing in the pond. I was happy to catch a couple of bass, catch and release...it was fun. Austin didn't want to fish, he was to busy looking for sticks with Michael.

The kids had a blast running around and chasing each other...Kira stayed on the boys tail the whole time. It was a fun day at the park. Maybe next year more of us can be together!

Linds & Cory drive to Utah. August 27-28, 2009

On Thursday Linds & Cory packed the little blue car (with extra blessings and prayers) and headed off to Utah for another semester at BYU. This will be their first year together at college.

Dad made sure the car was ready and packed for the big trip.

I had to take one last picture of them backing out of the driveway...I was a little afraid I may not see the car again! Not of their doing, but it is a 95 Geo/Prism!

They left the house about 6am Thursday morning, and then stopped in Albuquerque that night at 11pm to spend the night in a hotel. They saw some beautiful scenery on the way.

I took these pictures off their albums on Facebook...it looks like they were having a great time being together!

Some of the pictures they took were really cool of the clouds!

Not sure what exact route they took, but I know that they stopped to enjoy it!

Great picture of Cory!


Where are they? New Mexico and Colorado. I hope they know! They both have a better sense of direction than I do...that's a good thing!

A picture of some rolling hills and mountains along with way, with a few towns dotted in-between.

A great picture of Lindsie! On Friday they headed out again at about 7am and drove the rest of the way to Utah...I think they arrived in Utah about 5pm. They made pretty good time, with the old blue car! Shortly after, they were both settled into their apartments and a few days later they started their first day of classes. Lindsie is looking for a job, and Cory got a job before he came home, he will be serving breakfast at the MTC....he is so excited! His roommate Matt, from this summer semester is going into the MTC in October, so Cory will be able to see him. Lindsie was not able to take Rosie (due to restrictions in the contract that we did not know about) so we will be taking care of her for awhile longer. But we still have the other rabbit, so what's one more, right?