Family Trees and Memories

Dad was our family historian. He was active in two different genealogical groups; the first, the San Diego Genealogical Society and the one he was active in until he could no longer volunteer, was the Paradise Genealogical Society in Butte County, California. He did research there for 14 years as a volunteer. Always a fan of mystery, Dad loved the search to help someone find information about a long lost ancestor. In addition, he gave each of us his research of our own family tree - and titled it "Count and No Counts" which perfectly reflected the dry sense of humor Dad was known for.

At his memorial service which was held at Bille Park in Paradise, California, fellow researchers and members of the Paradise Genealogical Society spoke and gave examples of Dad's diligence as well as his sense of humor. They also recounted the story that was so fitting, before Dad became too ill to continue the research, he had been trying to trace and return a "found headstone" that had been dropped off with little clue as to where it had come from. We were told that they finally had solved the mystery and returned the headstone to where it truly belonged. It was fitting that the mystery was solved and both Dad and the tombstone could rest in peace.

I wanted a way to memorialize Dad that could be shared with all of his many lifetime friends, but also be something that would benefit all. I researched and found Green World Project and they worked with me to get seedlings to hand out at the service, trees that were suitable for the different climates where the attendees live. We had a large contingent from Arizona, all over California - encompassing many climates and Oregon. Some of the trees even made their way to other outlying states and each person has either planted the tree temporarily in a pot or in their yard. It is great to think that those trees will grow and provide beauty and comfort and environmental benefits all in Dad's name.

Planting instructions and a poem were attached to each of the trees . The company has many choices and they worked with me to make sure ours had our own poem and personal message which I'll link later on.

It is comforting to know that trees in honor of Dad are growing somewhere.