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DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN |
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ISLAND LUMINARIES
The darkness enshrouding our island the last few nights has been due to something more than a waning moon, partly cloudy skies, and seasonal fogs. It comes from yet another island luminary leaving us. Alan Carter, the ever smiling retired banker and unofficial island ambassador, left a few weeks ago. Then Arthur Seels, who shared stories and photographs with the infamous Liars Club at Vic's Drive In, checked out last week. Now Carey Popham has left us. No wonder our nights have been darker. I met Carey in the San Juan Singers. She faithfully attended rehearsals, but enjoyed a little fun, too. When I organized the San Juan Island Marching Symphonic Kazoo Ensemble for the July 4th parade, Carey was keen to sign up. She not only played Sousa marches on her kazoo, but brought her husband, Fred, along to be our drum major and drill instructor. She even encouraged him to dress as Uncle Sam the day of the parade. Active in both the San Juan Singers and C.A.T.S., Carey was always involved with the Pig War Barbecue in the fall. Our team, The San Juan Squealers, won the competition more than once with our cooking, singing, and cheerful camaraderie. In the spring, Carey -- an accomplished tap dancer -- performed in the Dance Happy review wearing her white, high heeled, tap shoes. She enjoyed boats, too, and was regularly involved with activities for the Yacht Club and the Power Squadron. She and Fred went boating in the summer, but often had to postpone departures to accommodate concerts or dance recitals. This island community was important to Carey, and she gave back to it in many ways. Just last April she was recognized for 30 years of volunteer work at the public library. She was also active in the Presbyterian Church, doing just about everything from serving meals to playing handbells. Surely bells will soon ring three times, signifying that Carey, Alan, and Art have earned their wings. Then these island luminaries will again brighten our nights from their new home in the heavens above.
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SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008 |
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