Monday, March 16, 2009

Here's One for Kurt

03/16/2009

I miss Kurt tremendously and his loss makes me sad.  But one thing I’ll always remember and be thankful for about Kurt was his great sense of humor.  He could find humor in the silliest circumstances or even with the most serious of things.  His favorite jokes involved a play on words or some type of “pun”.  And he sure did have a great laugh.

So in remembrance of Kurt on this solemn anniversary and with appreciation of his humor and Norwegian heritage, here is a silly joke he would have loved.

I Love you Bro,
Greg

WHY ST. PATRICK’S DAY IS CELEBRATED EACH YEAR IN AMERICA

The real reason the Irish celebrate St.  Patrick’s Day is because this is when St. Patrick drove the Norwegians out of Ireland.

It seems that some centuries ago, many Norwegians came to Ireland to escape the bitterness of the Norwegian winter. Ireland was having a famine at the time, and food was scarce.  The Norwegians were eating almost all the fish caught in the area, leaving the Irish with nothing to eat but potatoes. St. Patrick, taking matters into his own hands, as most Irishmen do, decided the Norwegians had to go. Secretly, he organized the Irish IRATRION (Irish Republican Army to Rid Ireland of Norwegians). Irish members of IRATRION passed a law in Ireland that
prohibited merchants from selling ice boxes or ice to the Norwegians, in hopes that their fish would spoil. This would force the Norwegians to flee to a colder climate where their fish would keep.

Well, the fish spoiled, all right, but the Norwegians, as every one knows today, thrive on spoiled fish.  So, faced with failure, the desperate Irishmen sneaked into the Norwegian fish storage caves in the dead of night and sprinkled the rotten fish with lye, hoping to poison the Norwegian invaders.

But, as everyone knows, the Norwegians thought this only added to the flavor of the fish, and they liked it so much they decided to call it “lutefisk”, which is Norwegian for “luscious fish”.

Matters became even worse for the Irishmen when the Norwegians started taking over the Irish potato crop and making something called “lefse”. Poor St. Patrick was at his wit’s end, and finally on March 17th, he blew his top and told all the Norwegians to “GO TO HELL”.

So they all got in their boats and emigrated to Minnesota or Wisconsin ---- the only other paradise on earth where smelly fish, old potatoes and plenty of cold weather can be found in abundance.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Remembering Kurt

03/14/2009

This Monday will be the four year since Kurt’s tragic accident. I think of him every day but especially on the 16th of March. I will never pretend to understand why this happened and will never stop missing him, but throughout it all I (and hopefully the readers of Kurt’s memorial website) will not lose hope for good things to happen. When bad things happen it is really important not to let them tarnish or taint one’s perspective on life. Kurt, I know, would have wanted us to keep our faith, trust God, and look forward with optimism.

As always, I bring tulips and spring flowers to his grave on this day. I find myself reminiscing looking at pictures, reading post-cards & letters he sent, touching all the things he had brought back from far-away places, and of course every time I go to his memorial web-site.

This is my first entry to the website. I wanted to renew it in order to renew memories about Kurt:

Kurt was my confidante, ally, friend, brother and wonderful Uncle to my two sons.  He was that and more, touching more lives than I will ever know. He made all people feel welcome in his life. Even if he wasn’t my brother, I truly believe the world is a better place because of him and the “gifts” he shared. He was gentle, understanding and very easy to talk to. His vast knowledge and intelligence always gave his advice credibility. His humor made you want to come back for more. His stories, however fantastic, were true. He had the integrity of a saint and loyalty some would never find in their lifetime. He helped me through some difficult times, I could always trust Kurt and felt I could tell him anything and it wouldn’t go any further. I miss him. I love him…..
He was our Indiana Jones. He loved adventure and adventure loved him. From traveling the world to trying new “dishes”, Kurt lived life to the fullest.

Many of us envy this lifestyle because we too want a full life with all the extras, yet we are too cautious. It takes courage to know what you want and go after it.  He knew what he wanted and persevered to get it. Goal driven, yet patient. He could get depressed, yet seemed to always muster up the courage to go on and finish what he started.

I am blessed with several painting he painted too. He and I shared a love for art. For my birthday one year he painted a beautiful seascape which I will treasure forever. He had the amassing ability to be artistic, yet have an engineering/computer science career. Time and time again, I witnessed his competence using these opposite perspectives/skills.

Spencer and Preston had a special relationship with him too. They adored him and always lit up when he called or came for a visit. He would send them postcards from around the world with interesting stories as well as toys unique to the countries he toured. Uncle Kurt would tuck them in at bedtime when he visited us and talk for hours about his experiences or just tell the boys stories he made up. They will miss those stories and the stories he could have told them. His tenderness with children and animals only hinted at his true nature. He was a wonderful role model to our boys and may his teachings and love live in their minds forever.  I only wish his other nephews could have known him too. But he would always ask about Derek and Geoffrey and I know Uncle Kurt loved them. 

God Bless you Kurt…..you are and will be missed terribly. 
Love Always, Your Sister Lucy

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

He maybe gone, but he's not forgotten!

02/04/2009

I really just stopped by because I was thinking about Kurt.  There have been many times lately when I’ve thought yeah, this would be a time we’d have Kurt over… /sigh

Lucy, Greg and the rest of the family… I pray all is going well with you and that you have managed to keep some fond memories of Kurt.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Cut to the Quick

03/21/2008

It’s been many years since I last caught-up with Kurt.  I think it was around 1994.

I was always so proud of Kurt. And, always so thankful for knowing him, and his humble and also matter-of-fact curiosity, generosity, and larger-than-life demeanor. 

I’ll also never forget his lists.  Plebe year he seemed to have a list for everything, even his morning wake-up regimen (Wake-up, turn off alarm, get out of bed, stand on both feet,...).  As one of his roommates, we probably teased him more than we ought to have about those lists, but that never seemed to phase him. It was like water off his back.  I’ll also never forget our ingenious attempts to study past lights-out.  I’m not sure which was more fun, doing it, or our benignly blithe, geeky multi-factor, root-cause analyses of successes and failures.

After Annapolis, I came out to Seattle for Craig Hardin’s wedding. Kurt and Craig were (the) 2 Seattle-ites in the Class of 1982, and trips back to their “motherland” seemed always to be a well-coordinated event between these 2.  But they were also good friends to each other the rest of the year.  I don’t recall when or the circumstances around Kurt’s 1st introducing us, but I do recall how thoroughly I enjoyed the week I spent with Kurt, his family, as well as Craig, his family, and the rest of the bridal party.  Besides, I got to see these 2 back “in their element.” What a blast.  And, I’ll never forget Kurt’s parents warning me several times that week that “Its not always such beautiful weather here in Seattle.  You’re lucky, maybe too lucky.” The gracious welcome of that week has remained a thanksgiving of mine throughout the years.

Kurt and I kept in touch while I was stationed on a ship out of Japan, again while I was stuck off the coast of Iran-Iraq, and made our plans for our 1st “synch-ups” while I was in the shipyards (on another ship) in Philly.  I’d just gotten orders for a shore billet (back in San Diego). I think we held-3-4 of these “synch-up” meetings between the late 1980’s and 1994. 

Each time we’d catch up on each other.  1993-94 was a little of a rough spot for me.  My 1st post-Navy job had just been eliminated (downsized with lots of corporate politics involved), and I needed to figure out what I would do with myself.  My social (relationship) life was also in a shake up.  Kurt reminded me of my potential and encouraged me to “go for it,” seconding my plans to go back to college and study Classical languages and cultures.

And each time we synch’d-up, Kurt would introduce a new restaurant in the Long Beach, Redondo Beach or even Santa Monica beach area.  This was an aspect of Kurt, as a man, that he seemed to develop and fine-hone.  While we were at Annapolis, Kurt was renowned for how he enjoyed chow-hall food. Now, as man, Kurt had stepped it up.  Every one of the restaurants we ate at prepared “home” food, but each also did it so well that it wasn’t merely “good eats.”

2 more thoughts for now, and then I’ll close…
- As his roommate, Kurt taught me how to “primal vent.” It’s not a scream or a shriek; that’s too shrill.  Nor a grunt or growl; that’s too contrived.  It’s also not a gasp or a sigh; they are both too resigned if not defeated.  And, although it may be in angst, it could also quite eloquently express other emotions.  I use to aliken it to sudden “groan too deep for words”—what St. Paul called “prayer of the Holy Spirit.” Yep, an earthy, deep primal venting.  Whenever I let one of these out, I think of and thank Kurt.  ...Even if my beloved wonders what the heck.
- The other thought I have is total disbelief and the title of this posting.  I really have a hard time believing Kurt, with his huge personality and his utter soul has “left the building,” and done so so early and quietly.  And, because of his magnitude and depth, it cuts me to the quick.

Monday, November 27, 2006

I'm Thankful Kurt was my brother

11/27/2006

Today is Kurt’s 48th birthday.  And although I miss him now and I wish he were here with us, I am tremendously thankful he was with me for so many years.  I only wish....  we were closer than we were; that I did more for him than I did; that I was his chosen friend rather than his brother. He couldn’t choose his brother, but I hope I was the brother he would choose. I wish many things.

I’m posting some pictures of his redwood tree, taken during my visit earlier this year.  Kurt would catch every chance to visit the redwoods and look up toward the sky beyond them.  They were his cathedral he said. He was all about majesty and cathedrals.

I was surprised when I had the opportunity to walk around his tree and really look at it from every angle.  It is the home to so many things.  I was particularly struck by the spider webs forming tiers like a high rise up the backside of the tree as far as the eye can see. A spider sky rise; each floor is a penthouse.  My picture can’t do justice. 

One of my sister’s favorite stories about Kurt involves a spider. Perhaps the spiders on his tree know the story of a certain Kurt and a certain spider in a certain house near Seattle. In cleaning her house Lucy encountered the louse (the arachnid in question); unexpected; unwanted; doomed without question.  Each leg of eight lives might have otherwise been plied to a vacuum’s inside were it not for the insistence of Kurt.  He showed the spider outside, thus saving its hide, and insisted my sister reflect its existence.

He sure was a great guy to talk to.  I’d like to talk with him now.

Monday, April 03, 2006

A Kurtism

04/03/2006

On Wednesday April 5, 2006 , at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning,

the time and date will be 01:02:03 - 04/05/06.

Friday, March 31, 2006

A great friend

03/31/2006

It has been a year since I have learned of Kurt’s tragic death. Having been his roomate at the US Naval Academy for 2 years, Kurt and I along with Steve Johnson have kept in close contact over the past 25 years. Having a reunion every 1-2 years was something we looked forward to. Whether it was hiking Yosemite, water skiing Lake Mead in Las Vegas, Golfing at Pebble Beach, or skiing at Banf Canada, we always had a blast and wished that maybe we should have done it more often.  Kurt always went for the gusto,and I always admired that he was quite the world traveler, suba diving the barrier reef… or running up Napali Coast in Kauai before catching a flight.
Kurt was truely the “American Ambassador” to the world because he treated everyone with respect and utmost consideration. People who would meet him in San Diego would be immediately touched by his generosity and kinderd spirit. I am sure around the world… he embodified the virtues of what a true American represented.
I miss him dearly even after a year since his death and hope that we can somehow carry on his spirit of kindness, consideration and compassion as we encounter people that we meet.
I Love your Kurt

Your Friend
Allan Camaisa

Friday, March 17, 2006

One Year Ago.....

03/17/2006

Lately, I have been listening a lot to a CD by Trisha Yearwood called Jasper County. The first song is: Who Invented The Wheel. The lyrics remind me of Kurt and my feelings surrounding the whole ordeal. If you have the chance, buy a copy.

Today I brought purple and white tulips to Kurt’s grave. It’s been one year since Kurt’s death and to be honest with you, I don’t feel any differently. The shock has worn off, but the surreal and off-balance feel of unexpected death still lingers. Grief is a strange shadow I don’t wish on anyone. In time we will all past through this thing called grief, it just takes time.

There seems to be a paradox playing out here too. Meaning, I feel better as more time passes, yet at the same time I feel worse after more time has passed....since each day is a reminder of more time has elapse since I last saw Kurt.

The end of this month our family will be hosting a gathering in Bellevue, WA in honor of Kurt. Please contact me if you would like more information on this. Everyone will get an embroidered napkin with the following saying:

“We are not Human Beings having spiritual experiences,
We are Spiritual Beings having human experiences.”
….and, as Kurt would have said: “That’s classic!”

Friends & Family Gathering on March 31, 2006
In Honor of Kurt S. Harms
(November 28, 1958 – March 16, 2005)

We were lucky enough to find an Italian restaurant which graciously agreed to prepare the dish which Kurt had as his last meal. In addition, there will be choices of steak and fish.

Kurt certainly was gifted and full of fun; a wonderful spirit. People gravitated to him and he left a lasting impression. What a pleasure to have know him! And, I know he must be in Heaven if there is such a place. Knowing this brings comfort and the hurt becomes less sharp.

God Bless You, Kurt.
Your Sister, Lucy

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Love Hope and Prayers to Kurt, friends and family!

03/12/2006

It’s been almost a year since dad came home from work and said he had bad news, he looked like he had been crying and the last thing I expected was that Kurt had died. Kurt was like an uncle to my sisters and I, he was always supportive of anything we did and always looking out for our safety. When he died I felt like I lost the support that he gave me when I danced, we were struggling with leadership issues and so with him leaving us so suddenly my family and I left the dance group as suddenly as Kurt left. Nobody expected us to leave just like nobody expected Kurt to of all things die in a car accident. Dancing was something I did where I felt beautiful and I could feel graceful gliding across the floor. You see I’m known for tripping over cords and running into low objects (coffee tables are an example). Having left the dance group I was left with not one but two empty spots because even though Kurt was gone from this earth I really know he’s looking down at us and giving everyone the same love and support he gave us while he was here where we could see him, I didn’t open up to let that love in. My second empty spot was me not performing with the dance group, not being able to dance, laugh, and love with friends. So when I realized that I hadn’t lost Kurt really and that I needed to dance at least to do it for Kurt in memory of him. I know it’s almost a year from when he died but if you are going through the same thing as I did (loosing Kurt left you without support and you stopped doing what you loved) please open your hearts to his love it feels different like when you give a new friend a hug but it’s Kurt we just can’t see or feel him physically. And if anyone looses a friend just a close as Kurt was to a lot of us please do the same you never lose that person totally you still always have their love and support.
Love, Hope and Prayers,
Christina Moreland (daughter of Marion and Dana Moreland)

Thursday, February 09, 2006

In Memories of Kurt - from a friend at Thaicom

02/09/2006

Through business relationship with Hughes (now Boeing) and SS/L, it is my honor to have met and become friend of both of the Harms brothers, Greg and Kurt.  I just recently learned from Greg of the sudden departure of Kurt which saddened me.  As I looked through the photo gallery in his memorial, I discovered a picture taken in August 1993 with Kurt teaching a group of would-be satellite engineers / orbital analyst at Thaicom (Shin Satellite Plc).  I had a rush of memories and flashbacks of our time back in those days as I was among those would-be satellite engineer trying to gain as much knowledge as possible to prepare for the launch and the operation of our first communications satellite for Thailand, Thaicom-1.

I would think that Kurt would be pleased to know that Thaicom-1 satellite, the robust HS-376 satellite, is still working well and it will be a few more years before we decommission it.  Kurt would also be pleased to know that his students, although only few remaining with Shin Satellite, are still grateful for his contribution to Thaicom-1 program.  Farewell to a good friend…and a good teacher!

Paiboon

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Kurt's Gathering; March 31, 2006

02/07/2006

The Kurt Harms’ Gathering

Dear Friends & Family,

Please join us in remembrance of Kurt S. Harms on Friday March 31, 2006.  We welcome you to participate with your thoughts or your presence as we gather in his memory. 

If you cannot physically attend dinner with us, please share a brief thought or prayer for Kurt as we toast him at exactly 7:00 pm sharp, PST.  By joining our remembrances of Kurt, may we keep his spirit alive.  He would most certainly smile upon us.

Where: Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant Bellevue, WA
When: 6:30pm March 31, 2006
Given By:  Kurt’s Loving Family
RSVP: Lucy at or (425) 885-4918
Hotel Reservations: If you need ideas, please let us know.

Hope you can make it… we would love to see you!
And please feel free to post pictures or more stories to his website: http://kurtharms.com

P.S. As you know, in honor of Kurt, we applied all of your Save The Redwood League donations to an Honor Redwood Tree in Kurt’s name. The tree we selected is beautiful and Kurt would certainly be pleased. His tree is located at Butano State Park, CA . The best campsites around this tree are: 26, 28 and 31. If you ever wish to camp in a beautiful Redwood grove, his is a wonderful location next to these sites.

Reservations at:
www/Parks.CA.Gov
Butano State Park (650) 879-2040

Sunday, August 21, 2005

A Long, Long Time Ago

08/21/2005

Kurt Harms’ grandfather, Art Jentoft, and my grandfather, Phil Jentoft, were brothers.  Though we saw Uncle Art and Aunt Jenny frequently enough, Kurt, Greg and Lucy we’d met maybe half a dozen times most over they years.

Despite the fact that we seldom saw the Harms, we got frequent updates via our grandmother, Georgie Jentoft, and of course, the annual Jentoft Christmas newsletter.

Oddly enough, when I saw Kurt’s photograph in the Seattle newpaper and learned of his tragic accident, I had to read the text to be sure the person matched the name.  The photograph was of a man, not the young boy and teenager I had last seen.  In fact, the Navy photograph of Kurt at the periscope is the Kurt I immediately recognized.

The distance created by geography and experience are no match for the bond of family and common history.  Our family and this world have lost a bona fide appreciative participant in the journey of life.  Best wishes in this next adventure, Kurt.

Jay Jentoft

Thursday, August 18, 2005

A Memory of Kurt

08/18/2005

We met Kurt Harms, a member of our extended family, only once. In November of 2002, Greg and Dawn invited us to share an evening in their home with Arthur and Joan Jentoft who were visiting them from the East Coast. It was a memorable evening. We enjoyed seeing Joan and Arthur again after so many years. We met Greg and his lovely family for the first time - and we met Kurt. We were captivated by Kurt’s friendly and earnest manner. He seemed to be totally engaged with his life and was
obviously enjoying all of it. He told us about his professional activities as well as associated adventures. His ascent of Mt. Fuji, alone at night, and then repeated again the next morning with a host of
other climbers, demonstrated his confidence and initiative. He had recently returned from Abu Dhabi and brought small gifts from that exotic place. We were eager to hear more about his adventures, but there was not time for it that evening. Before we parted company Kurt told us that he occasionally traveled between Sunnyvale and the Seattle area and would like to stop by on his way sometime to visit us at our home. We happily invited him to do so, but, with his busy life that so
often took him to far corners of the world, the opportunity never came.

We were dismayed and saddened to learn of Kurt’s untimely death and deeply regret the loss of this charismatic young man.

by:  Ralph and Betty Jentoft
(Ralph is a cousin to Kurt’s Uncle Art)

Saturday, August 06, 2005

My Hero

08/06/2005

My hero is my Uncle Kurt. He is my hero for lots of reasons. He is hilarious, smart and strong. I’m going to tell you why he is all of those things.

First, he is hilarious. He was hilarious because he has the funniest jokes. He also laughed at any joke I told him too or said: “That’s classic!” to something he really liked. He knew a lot of funny stories too. Like, well, it would take too long if I told you because he loved to talk.

Next, he was very smart and I respected that. He was great at math and arithmetic. And, he could spell humongous words like ‘googleplex’! He traveled to different countries on business because his company knew he was smart. He learned different customs and words from the countries he travelled to.

Lastly, he was so strong. He was a great skier too. Once we were sking together with Spencer and Preston and he helped me a lot! I had trouble getting down the hill so he almost carried me down every time. Also, he was a terrific swimmer because he was so strong and fast.

At his funeral we were told by his company that he saved many people fighting for our country so he really was a hero!  He worked on a special program that told you where the bad guys were.

So, now you know why Uncle Kurt was my hero. Go find a hero or go become one yourself like Uncle Kurt.

by: Desi McIntyre (age 10)
(good friend of the Nesse family)

Friday, April 22, 2005

A few of our memories....

04/22/2005

To the entire Harms and Nesse families as well as all of Kurt’s friends, I am so sorry for your loss!  I feel like we only knew Kurt a short time and yet were blessed so much by his presence.  He will live on in our hearts!

My family has known Kurt for about 7+ years.  We met him shortly after Dana began working for Hughes in El Segundo.  We have 3 girls; Christina is 15, Catherine is 11, and Charlene is 7.  Our first get together involved several people bringing their computers to our apartment and hooking them all together so we could play.  He played Warcraft and who knows what else with us all but our girls instantly took to him and I believe the feeling was mutual.  There were a couple of those get together before it several people were relocated to Colorado.
Kurt arrived in Colorado later than we did.  Anyone that knew Kurt would understand that late was the norm for him!  We started getting together again at our house more and more to play games or do whatever.  We weren’t limited to only computer games.  There was so much more. 

Kurt would frequently join us for holiday dinners when he didn’t go home or get involved playing a game at home and lose track of time.  One year near Christmas, he joined us when we hosted some Japanese exchange students.  Another year, when Dana, the girls and I were in Japan for Thanksgiving, he came over and had dinner with my parents.  He really just became part of the family.  There were several other times when he’d just come over for dinner or games, always arriving carrying a 12 pack of Vanilla Coke.  I used to appreciate his compliments on my cooking but after some of the stories I’ve read about what he ate, well, maybe I need to consider the source!  There were also several times we’d just drag him along where ever our family was going.  I never realized how many of our friends knew him until this happened and we realized how many other people he had touched.

Three years ago we started going to Water World for Catherine and Charlene’s birthdays.  At first, when Dana and I talked about we thought--- 3 kids>2 adults!  The odds didn’t seem favorable!  So, the logical conclusion was to invite one more kid, Kurt who could keep up with the others!  That became our tradition each year since.  It was great to watch him play with the kids.  I laughed how Christina, then 12, managed to goad him into going down one of the drop off water slides.  If a 12 year old could do it, then certainly Kurt could.  Let’s just say they both screamed like little girls the entire way down!

One year, we ventured to Elitch Garden.  We not only took advantage of the amusement park but we alternated between there and the water park section.  I think this was the first time I learned Kurt was not invincible.  Dana and I wanted to go on one of the roller coaster and so Kurt joined us.  We had so much fun that when we got off, we decided to go again; particularly since there was no line.  Well, once on the roller coaster was doable for Kurt, but that second time turned him completely green!  He spent the next hour trying to convince the girls he really was okay, and perhaps himself too!

Another tradition we had was seeing the Lord of the Rings movies together.  I think we saw the first movie in the theater about a week after it opened but the 2nd and 3rd we went to on opening nights.  I was amused watching Catherine explain the parts he’d missed.  The night before the 3rd one debuted, we decided to watch the uncut version of the first 2 movies before seeing the 3rd.  Kurt came over and we all sat down to watch the movies.  At about 3 AM, Dana and I woke to Kurt getting ready to leave.  Dana and I had slept through most of the 2nd movie and Kurt had managed to stay awake!  They went to work the next day and we all went to see Return of the King that night!

We also got into playing the Lord of the Rings card game together.  This is one of those games where sometimes, the best constructed deck can be defeated by simple mistakes or even the luck of the draw.  There were many weeks when he’d come over only to be defeated by almost any of us.  He was always a good sport.

While the kids were awake, he was completely at their disposal, whether it was taking them for rides in his Z, listening to stories or running up and down the street with them on his shoulders.  Recently, he wanted to teach Christina to drive but with the laws the way they are he never had that opportunity---at least that they admitted to me! 

After the girls went to bed, we’d often stay up until 1 or 2 AM talking about anything.  It was great to watch him and Dana go back and forth.  Dana would say something as if ANYONE should know it and Kurt would basically show that he didn’t with one of his “What’s?” followed by a laugh!  Kurt loved to get Dana to make one of his peculiar looks as much as Dana loved to make Kurt laugh.

For our last visit with Kurt, he came over to dinner then we played a new game we had received for Christmas.  He also brought the family some gifts from Australia including kangaroo jerky, a clip on koala that hangs from the pull on our ceiling fan and he gave Christina an alarm clock for her birthday.  During the course of his visit, he took each of the girls for a ride in the Z with the top off (not necessarily a good idea in Colorado in January) and I think they even ended up at the park for a bit. The girls had received gift cards to Barnes and Noble from someone so Uncle Kurt took them shopping.  We talked about everything from taxes to TV shows!  As he was leaving we talked about him joining us for the next dance the girls team was having.  He had to cancel on that dance when he left for Australia on his final trip.

Kurt loved his work and whatever it was he was up to on this particular assignment, it was very interesting to him.  I could see him wanting to be able to share some cool stories related to work but then not being able to do so because of security issues.  I did find it amusing that when I poked around the internet for information about the area, that the sight he worked at, nicknamed Pine Gap, is often referred to as the “Area 51” of Australia!  Somehow it just fits with Kurt!

As I’ve gone through and written this I’ve realized several things.  The stories of Kurt that were so prevalent were part of what made him who he was but to me, and to my family I think, he was so much more than the stories.  He was larger than life!  The stories are incredible and I really think as his nephews grow older they will have a hard time believing they are all about one person and true.  It’s just all so unbelievable and yet, believable to those of us that knew him. 

I miss the Uncle Kurt who would play with the girls and then kick back and relax with the “old people” when they finally went to sleep.  I think about what a tragedy it is that he will never have children of his own but I’m thankful we got to share ours with him.  He was such a good family man. 

He was such a gift to us all and we will miss him terribly.  I’ve tried to grab on to anything I could that would make sense of this tragedy and so maybe this will help some of you.  Last week, I was at a funeral and there was a reading from Wisdom.  It said, “The souls of the just are in the hands of God.” Kurt was a just man and so I believe that he is with God and he’s probably laughing, not believing all the fuss we are making!  Of course, we all know he was worth it!

Blessings and prayers,
Marion Moreland