J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~J O R O C K Y M O U N T A I N H I G H O H =============================================== H N The John Denver Internet Fan Club N D D E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R E N N V N O V E M B E R 1 9 9 7 V E E R http://www.sky.net/~emily Emily Parris emily@sky.net R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TABLE OF CONTENTS Issue #43 - November 1997 Introduction by Emily M. Parris.......................1 John Denver's Family Gathers To Remember..............2 Phoenix, AZ - Marnie...............................2 Plano, TX - Rory Young.............................3 Henniker, NH - Richard Holmes......................4 Spokane, WA - Tammy Bunke..........................5 John Denver Stories: "Candles in Pacific Grove" by Nancy Togami..........5 Permanent Memorial in Pacific Grove, CA...............6 John Denver Notes/Want Ads............................7 The Poetry Corner: "Dear John" by Cheri Lefever.......................9 "Sunshine Still Shining" by Emily M. Parris.......10 * * * Love is the essence of what John sang about; the center of his theme. And like the effect of a ripple spreading out when a rock has been dropped in a pond, his death has reached out in a circle to touch every one of us. In some cases his music gave us what was lacking in our lives - a sense of caring; a sense of belonging. With the tragedy of his death we have become a family in the truest sense of the word; turning to each other in our grief. All over the country we have gathered in churches, parks and meeting rooms to celebrate his life and the love he always gave us in his songs. We are truly one -- a family with tape players, cd's and tapes -- a family with music from the one man who truly shared with us heart to heart. John was just a man, but his music was truly inspired, coming to us from the pure and enlightened depths of his soul. He sang about family. He sang about dreaming of something better; a world where we could be our 'best' selves. He sang about the beauty in the world around us. He may be gone in the flesh, but the truth of what he sang about is here. The rivers still run. The mighty oaks lift up their leaves in the breeze. In the ocean the whales and dolphins sing their song. In the mountains, the peaks reach up to the sky in majesty and now in all of these things we can see John. ...... Emily ============================================ John Denver's Family Gathers To Remember ============================================ Thanks to Rory Young who maintained the John Denver Memorial Planner Bulletin Board, people all over the country and around the world met together to remember John Denver one month after his death. In some cases, a local John Denver group was formed that may continue with other meetings and other projects. The following are a few of the cities and the number of people who attended. I know I don't have them all, and if you have the numbers and a story for the service in your city please send them in and I'll post them on the RMH www page: Great Falls, Montana 300 / Milwaukee, WI 150 / Portland, Oregon 200 / Austin, TX 100 / Plano, Tx 107 / Spokane, WA 80 / Allentown, PA 30 / Henniker, NH 50 / Cincinnati, OH 65 / Santa Rosa, CA 25 / Phoenix, AZ 100 PHOENIX, AZ: From: Marnie Our Phoenix Tribute to John Denver was perfect. Alana and Wayne had placed signs at every turn, so no one could lose their way. Nancy handed out programs at the bridge as people approached the guest table. Folks remarked on Tom's creativity with his John Denver jack-o-lantern, glowing by the trail. Debbie answered questions and chatted easily with everyone, and invited them to sign our guest book. We will follow up with postcards to all who attended. John's music was playing softly as people arrived and chose their places on the ground. Approximately 60 people joined us, scattered quietly on blankets on the grass, watching our final preparations. Diane and Don made people feel comfortable by talking with them and helping them find their places. They also gave me hugs when I needed them most. There was a small, softly-lit stage at the front of the amphitheater. A beautiful framed picture of John holding his guitar was set off to the left of the stage. It was nestled among three large vases of mixed flowers. One tall candle, in a brass candlestick, stood in front of the picture. It remained unlit. The three major TV stations were represented. Our usually clear Phoenix skies were overcast and the moon was a light, round shadow behind the clouds. The ducks on the pond quacked quietly and, just after darkness fell, the coyotes serenaded us. The tribute began with John singing "Welcome to My Morning." As the first song ended, I walked to the John Candle, kneeled and lit it. Annis led the guests in singing "All This Joy." We followed with "Take Me Home, Country Roads." David welcomed the guests and spoke a little about John and the tribute to follow. After everyone sang "Rocky Mountain High," David invited anyone to speak who wished to talk about what John Denver meant to them. Bill started by sharing his memories of John and Windstar. The open mike took much longer than we had planned, but people didn't want to stop, so we just kept going until everyone who wanted to speak had a chance. There were laughs, sighs, tears, hugs, and people nodding their heads with understanding. Annie's parents had come, and Jim Martell read a letter he had sent out to friends after John's death. Everyone was moved on hearing again, firsthand, what John was really like. Kevin did a wonderful job describing plans for the tree planting ceremony and requesting donations. People donated $56! John then sang "What One Man Can Do!," and recited "The Box." We held a silent meditation, during which we sent our wishes and thanks to John, so that he would finally recognize how loved he is here in Phoenix and all over the world. David sang, "Poems, Prayers, and Promises" and led us all in the Wildlife Concert rendition of "Calypso." As John began to sing "On the Wings of a Dream," Annie's parents approached the stage and lit their candles from John's. They turned and passed the light on to those behind them, so that each person could pass their light on to someone else. Raindrops began to fall. We stood with our candles, hugged, smiled, wept, and sang. * * * We have just begun. Our immediate plans include the tree planting, soon to be followed by an R&R Retreat at Debbie's place in Sedona, a New Year's Eve gathering in North Phoenix (!), more singalongs with David, and more meals and hugs together. Peace to all, Marnie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - PLANO, TX "Rory K. Young" The Plano memorial was a success, as all of the others have been. I was touched by the 107 or so people who braved the weather to come and pay tribute to the singer who brought sunshine into our lives. I also wondered why no press people showed up... I guess, even in his death, they still shun him. Well, it is their loss, although we must help them as much as possible to see that his causes are for real. We had a wonderful evening! We started the service with pre-recorded music of John's, and then I gave an introduction, thanking everyone for coming, in spite of the wintery weather. A huge thank you was given for the city of Plano, who has been so gracious to us. I then went in to a short synopsis of how this all came together, and then started on a VERY brief paragraph of John's life. Spike Beuie (pronounced "Booie"), a fellow JD fan, gave a great speech about his relationship with John's music, over the years... and with that, the service started. We had wonderful music, provided by Nancy McDowell, who is a native American flute player, and Julie McClain, who is a singer and guitar player. Nancy filled in with some rather OUTSTANDING flute medleys and inspirational music, throughout the evening. Julie sang "Back Home Again", and one other JD Song, and also sang a song that she wrote in memory of John, the day after he passed away called "Too Soon". It was a very beautiful song, and had a really haunting effect. Jim McCrain had donated the concert pa system, and speakers, and we actually had that place as loud as a JD concert! We played some of John's live songs, and the music was so loud and crisp, you would have sworn that John was there! And, the moon was so bright, as it shone down on us. It was cold, but our hearts were warm. Then, we had a chance for people to come up, and say some words about John, while the WindSong album played softly in the background. Several came forward, and gave wonderful testimony in truth of John's life. One particular lady actually went on a date with John while in college at Texas Tech, and she gave a witty and realistic insight to how John was in his early days in college. Several others attested to how John's music shared their lives, and how he truly touched them. I gave my story of how John and I sat on the same bus seat, for nearly three hours, and how I couldn't say much to John! I've never been to a candlelight vigil, so I don't know how they go, but I think ours was absolutely wonderful! Dona Stovall, on of John's teachers in high school, gave a wonderful speech about John, and life, and lit the Unity Candle that we had picked out for the service. It was a beautifully hand carved, white candle, about 18 inched high, and had hand-woven hearts in it, as well. Connie and Dawn worked really hard on putting together a beautiful place setting for the memorial, that included the same portrait (in color) of John that was at the Aurora Service, and a beautiful mirror that was placed under the candle, to reflect the light. There were also flowers, and porcelain doves place around the candle and settings... it was all so beautiful, and was indeed in great taste. Later, we presented Dona with the candle, and she said that she'd place it at the center of her "JD" shrine. During the candlelight ceremony, we played "On The Wings Of A Dream". It was an awesome evening, and I will never forget it, or the wonderful people who made it so. John, I hope you know we love you, and thank you! Rory K. Young - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - HENNIKER, NH: Richard Holmes Many thanks to David for the wonderful evening he setup for us JD fans at Daniel's restaurant in Henniker, NH. This was surely a labor of love as we could tell from his heartfelt performance. Apparently something he's wanted to do for some time. A devoted fan of the man John Denver and his music since an early age he even had some of John's mannerisms. We had a great crowd there, singing songs and telling stories. At one point a woman from the audience jumped up and helped David with the harmony on "Wild Montana Skies." It was just great. It ended all too soon as midnight was approaching. David ended the night with "This Old Guitar." Beautiful. I can't speak for the others there, but my wife and I had a great time. Let's do it again!!!!! Peace From The Woods of Wilton - Richard & Gerrie - Wilton, NH - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - SPOKANE, WA Tammy Bunke I thought I'd send in a report of our "For You" Celebration in Spokane, WA, that we had this Saturday. It was absolutely WONDERFUL!!! There were about 80 people, up on Mt. Spokane at the ski lodge. The weather was perfect, sunshine and chilled, fresh mountain air, quiet with only John's voice flowing over the trees and mountains. There were wonderful stories, some were funny and some were heartfelt. Our candlelight service felt good. The second to the last song was Country Roads and we all sang in perfect harmony. We had two gentlemen who for about 1 1/2 hours sang Johns songs, one lady sang Higher Ground (with a very out of tune piano). It was great. There was a lot of food and people brought items to share. One lady brought a cardboard poster from one of John's concerts back in 1974, another brought some pictures of her family with John from the 1996 concert in Arizona. Books, pictures and stories were shared as well as a lot of hugs and tears. I was very grateful to be able to pull this together with such short time but it worked out. We had tv news, a newspaper reporter who did a very nice article in the Sunday paper for us. I hoped that everyone took away from this what they needed and there is talk of doing something yearly. Love Tammy Bunke, Spokane, WA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email for the story of the Kansas City, MO Memorial which was held in Wyandotte County Park. If you are a new member and missed the October Memorial Bulletin, you can also email me for a copy. Back issues of all newsletters are available on the RMH www page at: http://www.sky.net/~emily/nws/back.html ========================================= J O H N D E N V E R S T O R I E S ========================================= "Candles in Pacific Grove" From: Nancy Togami I met Eve Saizon and her husband at the Pacific Grove Memorial last Sunday, as well as a friendly and sweet lady by the name of Maria Silva, who was responsible for all of those candles mentioned in Mary Shiflett's report on the memorial. ..... ..... Apparently Maria arrived Saturday morning and continued to return throughout the day, relighting candles already left there. She also had laminated several copies of two songs, "On the Wings of a Dream", and "Around and Around", back to back, and had left them at the driftwood memorial, as well. When I arrived that afternoon, I saw person after person picking up the lyrics to read, many taking pictures or leaving flowers. I brought two bouquets of white spider mums, one to place by his picture and one to throw into the gentle surf. I wore a tag indicating that I was a RMH member in case there were others there, and again, I wanted to include, in spirit, all of the RMH members in the pilgrimage. I walked along the Point Pinos Beach path until the sun set completely, and then returned to the Hays Point site. I was unsuccessfully trying to relight the candles when Maria pulled up with a box full of candles of different shapes and sizes. Together we spent an hour lighting and relighting the flames. Afterward we agreed to meet the next day at the memorial service. On Sunday Maria and I both arrived early, and again relit candles. I brought flowers again and flanked John's picture with the bouquets. The service was lovely. Peace, Nancy Togami ====================================================== Permanent John Denver Memorial Site in Pacific Grove ====================================================== Dick Gaskill and Connie Poquette of the Bay Area in California are working to establish a permanent Memorial in Pacific Grove near the crash site. They have contacted the Mayor of Pacific Grove, Honorable Sandra L. Koffman, and have spoken to the City Council. Their idea for the memorial is that it would "include a plaque mounted to a solid rock base, perhaps a piece of granite from Colorado. This would be in keeping with the surrounding terrain and commemorate John's love for both the Rocky Mountains and the Monterey area". In their letter to the mayor they also said.. "We expect that many people will travel to Pacific Grove in search of the place that John Denver last looked upon. It is important that people who loved John Denver and his music have a place to celebrate his life and remember all that he inspired in each of us. A dedicated site would give these visitors a focal point for closure and a place to say good-bye, for although John was alone in that airplane, he took a piece of every one of us with him. The memorial could educate people about John's humanitarian and ecological work, and help make sure his dream is realized." Look for more information soon on the Rocky Mountain High www site and if you would like the full text of their letter to Mayor Koffman, send an email to and ask for "Koffman.txt". Donations can also be made to the Pacific Grove Memorial Fund. Email Dick or Connie for details. Dick Connie ========================================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S / W A N T A D S ========================================================= JOHN DENVER DAY in AUSTIN: "Proclamation: Be it known by these presents that I, Kirk Watson, Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas, do hereby proclaim November 12, 1997 as John Denver Day in Austin, and call on all citizens to join me in recognizing the unfortunate tragedy that took the life of singer, John Denver, in recognizing that John Denver was a musician who sang of the beauty of nature and of love in an increasingly cynical world, and in recognizing that on Wednesday, November 12, 197, the world will pay tribute to this outstanding performer with an international day of remembrance.....(Mayor's signature and the city's seal). .................Ann - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "A Celebration of Life": River North Nashville Records is releasing a John Denver album entitled "A Celebration of Life". It includes the following cuts: "Whispering Jesse", "Dreamland Express", "Rocky Mountain High", "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Christmas for Cowboys", "Love Again", "Sunshine on My Shoulders", "Perhaps Love", "Leaving on a Jet Plane", "Windsong", "I'm Sorry" and "Back Home Again". It was recorded in Nashville in September 1996. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rocky Mtn High now has a Guest Book where everyone can leave messages....thanks to Mani Syed who set it up for us! :-) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tribute CD: The Museum of Country Legends has announced the production of a new tribute song commemorating the life of the late John Denver. The song entitled "Dear John" was written by the Short Brothers and is sung by lead singer Greg Short. Cd's or Cassettes: (304) 292-6403. http://www.countryfan.com - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - "Walking Thunder" - a movie starring John Denver: Through a special arrangement between Rocky Mtn High and RatedGee Entertainment, the movie "Walking Thunder" is being offered to JD fans for $24.99. For every video sold, a donation will also be made to one of John's charities. For more info write to . Ask for "walking.txt". - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "I was working at a dairy in Ephraim, Utah when I first heard his music....the owner had "Poems, Prayers and Promises" piped in to the milking stalls. He said it soothed the animals and they gave more milk. I don't know about that...but I do know that his music influenced my life in a good way. John Denver was a good man and his music was good...nothing good ever dies....a fan. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver Memorial Fund: The following donations received through Rocky Mountain High were sent to organizations that John supported: Windstar Land Conservancy $200.00; The Hunger Project $100.00; The Cousteau Society $30.00. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Billboard Magazine's top 40 albums...."The Best of JD Live" was #73 last week and this week it is #8. "The Country Roads Collection" was unlisted the previous week and this week comes in at #33. Finally "Reflections: Songs of Love" also was unlisted last week, comes in at #36 this week. (Nov. 12, 1997) From Lea Arlington, WA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Jeffrey and Barbara Basalyga 10/29/97: I attended a Dan Fogelberg concert tonight and about the third song into it he dedicated his song "Reach" to Jacques Cousteau and John Denver. He spoke about how much they gave to the earth and how much we should strive to be more like them. "Reach" is a song about the coast of Maine. - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - From: Emily Michael Martin Murphy who appeared in concert in Overland Park, Kansas on Friday 10/18/97, dedicated a song to his longtime friend, John Denver. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To order a video of the "Public Eye with Bryant Gumbel" that had an INTERVIEW WITH ANNIE, you can call 1-800-934-News Ask them for the October 15, 1997 program. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver appeared a number of years ago in a movie filmed in Georgetown, Colorado. It is called "The Christmas Gift" and is produced by Goodtimes Video / 401 5th Ave / New York, NY 10016 It should be available again this Christmas in stores. John's movie "Foxfire" is available at all Hallmark Stores or by calling 1-800-Hallmark. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There is now a #Denver page for all of us who chat on IRC and AOL (http://web.ukonline.co.uk/Members/vivienne.h/jd1.htm)... and from that page is a link to our own notice board (http://www.insidetheweb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi/mb22454). For more information contact Vivi - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For a photocopy of the Programs from the two John Denver Memorial Services in Aspen, CO and Aurora, CO send $2.00 to "John Denver Memorial Programs" / 3820 Baltimore / Kansas City, MO 64111 (It will come back in a 6x9 env.) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - There is a video of the "RiverPark Center Opening Gala" which includes seven songs sung by John Denver. For more information call 1-800-945-9167 or 1-800-354-9067 or write Kentucky Network / 600 Cooper Drive / Lexington, KY 40502 - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - COUNSELING: If anyone needs counseling in this sad time, Rev. Kate Dennis of St. James Episcopal Church has offered to help. Email her at with your concerns. - - - - - - - - My brother, Charles, also likes to help. He is starting a group to be called "Sharing John's Spirit". ......Emily - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Donna Pinto is offering the Colorado JD Memorial Services on videotape for a $20.00 donation (Money Order) made out to "Plant-It 2000". Email her for more details/availability. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Gary Thompson If anyone is interested I have the "JD" and "Autograph" albums on vinyl record. I'd be happy to record them for anyone who just wants to send me an audiotape. His music will live forever - even if RCA doesn't release everything as it should. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: David Fleming On July 31, 1988, John Denver gave a talk at the Mile Hi Church of Religious Science. A cassette of the talk is available. On the flip side are 9 JD songs sung by the church's music department and one song ("Falling Leaves") performed by John. (303) 675-4882 The tape is $10.00 Proceeds will go to The Hunger Project. ============================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ============================== Dear John.... by Cheri Lefever Somehow I feel endearment, John Out there somewhere in time I know I was a friend of yours... And you, a friend of mine Vibrations in your voice they say Were placed by God's own hand To touch the sanctum of our souls To help to heal the land... And oh there are the critics, John! They belittle when they can How sad for them...they can't diffuse The Spirit from the man For all the treasures on this earth Are counted not in gold The Spirit sees with different eyes God's Beauty can't be sold And when I see the setting sun String diamonds on the lake, Or when the waves upon the shore Leave seashells in their wake Or mountains with their snowy crests And eagles on the wing I'll hearken, John, to Mother Earth And listen to her sing And I'll know, dear friend, you bide there too; To sing forever more Your soul has found the answers now "The key to every door...." And someday when we meet again Out there, somewhere in time I know I'll be a friend of yours... And you, a friend of mine (Copyright 1977 by Cheryl Lefever) ================================================= Sunshine Still Shining by Emily M. Parris Dedicated with Love to John Denver Sunshine shining in the window Country roads to travel on You will never be forgotten Even though you're gone For your memory will linger In the broadness of your smile The way you made us joyful When you sang to us awhile For the mountains in their splendor Celebrated in your song And the melodies you left us Take us back home where we belong Though I'm Sorry that you left us You can fill a sunny day When I hear your sweet selections You have never gone away You are here within your melodies We could never be apart For the essence of your beauty Is alive within my heart (Copyright 11/15/97 by Emily M. Parris) ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily November 1997 * Issue #43 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************