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
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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
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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 <mshepp@sprintmail.com>
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" <rkyoung@austin1.com>
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
<rkyoung@austin1.com>
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -
HENNIKER, NH: Richard Holmes <RHolmes@jlc.net>
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 <SHOPPER3@aol.com>
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 <emily@sky.net> for the story of the Kansas City, MO
Memorial which was held in Wyandotte County Park. <KC-MEM.TXT>
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 <ktogami@uclink4.berkeley.edu>
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.
..... <Oct 30 RMH Bulletin>.....
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 <emily@sky.net> and ask
for "Koffman.txt". Donations can also be made to the Pacific
Grove Memorial Fund. Email Dick or Connie for details.
Dick <dickg@ag3d.com> Connie <wildiris@pacbell.net>
=========================================================
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 <jiminyf@flash.net>
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"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 <emily@sky.net>. 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. <dgd3@telepath.com>
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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 <leabop@aol.com> Arlington, WA
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
From: Jeffrey and Barbara Basalyga <fanciwrk@edge.net>
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 <emily@sky.net> 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 <vivienne.h@ukonline.co.uk>
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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 <bristoldrv@aol.com> with your concerns.
- - - - - - - -
My brother, Charles, also likes to help. <jimkc@earthlink.net>
He is starting a group to be called "Sharing John's Spirit".
<http://www.sky.net/~emily/charles.html> ......Emily
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Donna Pinto <dpinto@co.gloucester.nj.us> 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 <garyT82148@aol.com>
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 <lynn@ecentral.com>
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
*************************************************************