Saturday, August 15, 2009

For those of you who knew

A is now back in the country from Panama. She had a blast and talked non-stop for about 4 hours about her trip. She said she would do it again, but for a shorter time next time. Two weeks is too long.

One minor hitch occurred last night, when she was to return. Her flight into Miami was over an hour late, causing her to miss her flight to Raleigh. She got a night in Miami at the airport Hyatt, dinner and breakfast, all courtesy of American Airlines. Her and about 150 of her closest friends on that flight missed their connections. It was a systemic thing because there were many flights delayed for one reason or another and many got stranded by missing their connections. With those being the last flights of the day, you might think AA would have held the flights, saving a bunch in hotels and meals.

Glad she is home, safe and sound with another world experience under her belt.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Rest in Peace, Mr. Johnson

From my Junior High School and High School days, this man played a role in my life. He was the father of a friend of mine, husband to a wonderful lady and a quiet leader. But he was a soft spoken, gravely voiced man that said the simple truths in life.

Their house was always open to us kids and decorated for the various holidays, inside and out. Easter eggs hanging in the trees, Christmas decorations, pumpkins all over the place, flags on memorial day, 4th of July, and Veterans Day. Always appropriately over the top, but great to see.

But I never knew:

Wayne Howard Johnson

Wayne H. Johnson, Sr., of Sylvania Township, passed away Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 at Ebeid Hospice Residence, just eight days before his 84th birthday. He was looking forward to being reunited with his beloved wife of 42 years, Louise who preceded him in death in 1996.

A WWII U.S. Marine Corp. Veteran, Wayne fought with the 5th Marines Division 28th Infantry Regiment and was awarded the Purple Heart for being shot through the head during The Battle of Iwo Jima. He was the sole survivor of his foxhole and his platoon was responsible for erecting the United States flag on Mount Suribachi . He was a member of the DAV and served as head Quartermaster for the former VFW Post No. 3013 in Holland . Until retiring in 1987, Wayne worked for the former Unicast Company as a molder. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed small game hunting.

Wayne ’s true loyalty remained with his late wife, Louise. Each Monday he decorated her grave with flowers.

He is survived by his son: Wayne (Angie) Johnson, Jr.; grandchildren: Michael and Katelynn Johnson; ...

Wayne’s family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at both the Toledo Hospital (9th floor) and Ebeid Hospice residence for their excellent care and compassion. Also, thanks to all of the friends and family who showed support during Wayne ’s last days.

It will be a happy reunion between you and Mrs J. Mr J, you will be missed.

Sunday, August 02, 2009

This week, Milwaukee

I am traveling this week to Milwaukee, WI for my job. Actually, in more correct terms, I am really going to Kenosha, but most people do not know where Kenosha is located.

Why am I going to Kenosha? My company sold some equipment to Ocean Spray, the cranberry people. The equipment is not working properly, my counterpart that covers the upper Midwest is going in other directions for about 30 more days and this cannot wait. So I will go see if I can help them get things going in the right direction.