Note about the pictures and the music: One of the structures in the monument represents the Holocaust, which seemed to be an appropriate photo for this blog. Please Google Gospodor Monument for more information. The picture in Part I, if you’re still curious about it, will eventually be explained. I guess I’ve always had The Police song on my favorites list, and one day while I was swimming laps I decided it was a good choice for this blog. Did I hear someone say “what an understatement”!
The Police: Every Breath You Take
Introduction to Part II
Giving the appropriate credits and attributions is always a necessary part of what I write about in my blog. Without good sources for information and inspiration, the creation process would be much harder if not impossible. One of my sources is a book by Jan Jarboe Russell, The Train to Crystal City, published in 2015 by Scribners, A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc. I will annotate any direct quotes with her name in this and any succeeding installments. Other credits will be included as needed.
The Five W’s and the H
I highly recommend Jan Russell’s book. The following synopsis comes from Amazon where I bought my copy.
“During World War II, trains delivered thousands of civilians from the United States and Latin America to Crystal City, Texas. The trains carried Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants and their American-born children. The only family internment camp during the war, Crystal City was the center of a government prisoner exchange program called ‘quiet passage’. Hundreds of prisoners in Crystal City were exchanged for other more ostensibly important Americans—diplomats, businessmen, soldiers, and missionaries—behind enemy lines in Japan and Germany.”
Jan Jarboe Russell focuses on two American-born teenage girls, uncovering the details of their years spent in the camp; the struggles of their fathers; their families’ subsequent journeys to war-devastated Germany and Japan; and their years-long attempt to survive and return to the United States, transformed from incarcerated enemies to American loyalists. Their stories of day-to-day life at the camp, from the ten-foot high security fence to the armed guards, daily roll call, and censored mail, have never been told.
Combining big-picture World War II history with a little-known event in American history, The Train to Crystal City reveals the war-time hysteria against the Japanese and Germans in America, the secrets of FDR’s tactics to rescue high-profile POWs in Germany and Japan, and above all, ‘is about identity, allegiance, and home, and the difficulty of determining the loyalties that lie in individual human hearts’ (Texas Observer).”
Most of us older types and others, perhaps younger history buffs, know about the internment camps that existed during the war, on the west coast and other locations. Manzanar in California is the one that I remember. However, Crystal City was the only family internment camp during World War II. I’m including a Wikipedia link. Be sure to check it out. Wikipedia has included a very interesting map and photos. The number of locations is kind of mind-blowing.
Also, the following caption from a photo in the Wikipedia piece is interesting and ironic.
“The 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was composed primarily of Japanese Americans, served with uncommon distinction in the European Theatre of World War II. Many of the U.S. soldiers serving in the unit had families who were held in concentration camp in the United States while they fought abroad.”
More to come in Part III. Read the book if you get a chance.
Two parting quotes
The first quote is off-topic but appropriate for the holiday (May 8), and the other quote is on-topic and also very good.
God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers. Rudyard Kipling
The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men. Lyndon B. Johnson
Interestingly enough, referring to one of the two run/walks I’ll tell you about in this blog and speaking of Great Blue Herons, a couple of my Tuesday running/walking group buddies and I saw one at Commonwealth Lake this week. Commonwealth Lake is in a local neighborhood near where I live. “It was amazing” to see this magnificent creature standing on the shore line of the lake not more than a dozen feet from the path where we were walking. The bird didn’t flinch, just stood there looking around. They’re actually very large birds. Unfortunately I didn’t have a camera.
By the way (just a quick note) about my walking/running – sometimes, due to various and sundry aches and pains, I walk rather than run. I enjoy both running and walking, the main thing is getting off the couch and going out to get some exercise.
The Allman Brothers – No One Left to Run With
Run 2 – Another Run in the Sun
Mike & Jim along the Columbia River
On the second run on a Wednesday with a couple of other running buddies – be patient, I’ll get to the part about “priorities” eventually. Someone had suggested we run in a location where we hadn’t run in a while. We met in Vancouver across the river from Portland. It was a bright sunny day with a bit of a breeze, and we took off east toward Mount Hood and ended up on a paved trail that follows the river. I’m including pictures that I took. Afterwards we had a late lunch and drinks sitting in the sun. Everybody was out enjoying the weather. Eat your hearts out Californians, you take your sunny weather for granted, we Oregonians relish those wonderful sun-filled days.
The “Priorities” Part
What would your ribbon say?
The topic presented in my church one Sunday this year was about priorities, mainly how to focus on worshipping God, loving people, and using things in that order. I guess the first two priorities are pretty obvious, although you can substitute another word for “God” if you prefer. On “using things”, that covers a broad area – spending time texting, etc. – I guess the point is that “using things” should be the lowest rung on the priority ladder. I think the pictures illustrate that choosing your priorities carefully is what’s important. If it’s a choice between going for a run or spending time with my family, which one do I choose? For me for years, running took priority over everything. One day I realized that there were other things that should have a higher priority.
Take a look at the pictures. I was walking along the trail in Vancouver when I saw “The Soul Tree”. At first I didn’t know what all the ribbons were about until I stopped and read the sign. I decided to add my own ribbon (“My Family”), and I took pictures with my phone.
The Soul Tree
My Family
I’ll end on that note, but hopefully your priorities are well chosen.
Just a few quotes to end with . . . check out Brainy Quotes for a lot more.
Blogger’s postscript: Just wanted to add some important details that I left out yesterday.
Boomer started out as a southern California dog, roaming the streets of Sun City and eventually becoming the property of my mother-in-law, Eileen. She brought him along when she moved up to live with us in Oregon. Boomer was her pal and companion for years until she died. Then he lived with us after her passing, and he became our pal and companion.
Boomer wearing his snow jacket.
Circle of Life (from the Lion King soundtrack)
Seeing that big, open-mouthed grin with that wonderful tongue with black spots (were you part chow?) was always a joy.
Your response to my touch when I scratched your back side, moving that leg back and forth. It made me feel good too.
Scientists say that dogs (not sure about cats) are beneficial to humans because there is a chemical response that actually lowers the blood pressure and relaxes both the animal and the human when they interact. Pretty cool, eh!
Boomer, I hope you reconnect with your old friend Eileen, and I hope you and Morty (our other dog that died in 2013) meet up and have a great time running around together.
A couple more pictures – the tongue with the spots and his “summer” buzz cut.
Quote: I learned the roots of any relationship (from working with dogs) – honesty, integrity, loyalty. It’s hard to find a human to give you all three. But every dog, that’s all they know. Humans are the only species that follows unstable pack leaders. Animals don’t . . . why would they? (Cesar Millan, dog whisperer, in Men’s Journal)
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them . . . but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:7-8)
I first met Chris in California when I was visiting the Weaver’s in the early 70’s. I had met his sister, Sandra, my wife now, in Texas where I lived. I soon discovered that life in the fast lane was the norm amongst the Weaver clan as Sandra and I did our best to use as many of the California freeways as possible visiting her five brothers.
Here’s a favorite quote from Hunter S. Thompson that I think describes Chris Weaver’s life as well as any words can:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: ‘Wow, what a ride’.”
Another favorite quote from Nelson Demille’s book, Up Country:
“The journey home is never a direct route – it is in fact always circuitous, and somewhere along the way we discover that the journey is more significant than the destination and that the people we meet along the way will be the traveling companions of our lives forever.”
It’s a comfort to me that Chris will always be a traveling companion in my life as well as in the lives of many others. It was a real honor knowing him.
About Chris Weaver
Chris was the middle child of 6 and spent his youth in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he attended Ottawa Hills High School. Joining the Air Force in 1965, he served as a military police officer and retired as Sergeant in 1969.
On June 28, 1969, he married his sweetheart Carol Ann Tengesdahl with whom he spent 48 wonderful years. They moved to Minneapolis and on October 21, 1970 welcomed their daughter Tammy into the world. In 1971 he graduated from Brown Institute majoring in Radio Communications. Later that same year Chris moved his family to California to work with his father, the legendary Eric Weaver, in the motion picture industry. On December 3, 1974 they welcomed their son Christopher Weaver II into the world.
In 1980 Chris began his career with LMI. Due to his U.S. government top secret security clearance and a Diplomatic Passport, he went on to travel the world – China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Russia, Africa, and many more amazing places.
He had a very colorful and exciting life spending months abroad installing top security rooms for governments and large industries. Chris had a way with people, he knew no stranger, and made many friends across the world, most of whom he remained in touch with until his passing.
After many years he stopped traveling and started working out of his house as a project manager. He loved being home and close to the family. He soon joined a dart league, and in usual Chris fashion, he excelled at darts and making lots of new friends, eventually playing darts with his son as a partner.
He was an amazing father, husband, and soul mate, father-in-law, uncle, brother, son, and best friend to many! Chris brought laughter and joy to those he touched. He was a force of nature and will continue to be loved beyond belief. . . .
Professor Harry Alexander Deans, born June 17, 1932, died December 22, 2014
“. . . and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)
About Harry Deans
Harry was a man of tremendous kindness. Though quiet by disposition he never failed to provide a big smile and hug, usually with a heartfelt chuckle. He was a man of powerful intellect and commitment that preferred being in the background unless you needed him, as still water runs deep. There is no doubt his daily example of unconditional love will live on within his family and never be forgotten. We will miss him so very much.
“You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath.” (Psalm 39:5)
Harry was born on June 17, 1932, in Dallas, Texas, to parents Herbert and Marie (Cooke) Deans. Harry completed North Dallas High School before attending Rice University at age 16, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees. He pursued and earned his PhD from Princeton University in Chemical Engineering. He was an outstanding student and a Rhodes Scholar.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.” (Luke 12:22)
Harry spent most of his lifetime mentoring his students. He joined Rice University as a professor where he was awarded the most prestigious Brown Award for teaching at spring graduation in 1974. After 25 years, he joined the faculty at the University of Houston in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering for eight years. He spent three years at Exxon Production Research in Houston before moving to a tenured position at the University of Wyoming for his last twelve years. He was recognized as Emeritus when retiring to University of Texas in 2000. Harry was known in the petroleum engineering field as the inventor of enhanced oil production techniques.
“. . . that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” (John 3:15)
In addition to his professional activities, Harry was known to his students and colleagues as “Daddy Deans”. He enjoyed his young family with Karolyn, losing his son Sam at age 6, fostering Laurie’s interest in science, assisting Daniel in building his airplanes, urging Melissa to enjoy reading, and sharing his wit with Andrew, a standup comedian. Harry married Delora Elizabeth Deans on January 1, 1975, in Taos, New Mexico. He was “daddy” to Gregory Buckles who followed him to Rice and to Deborah Buckles Kimball, a national sales representative. He always supported daughter Catherine Marie in her artistic vocal endeavors. His twelve grandchildren have found him to be a remarkable model and constant supporter of their interests.
“. . . but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Harry was a member of the Episcopal Church where he served as an usher and greeter. He maintained an interest in reading, music, skiing, hiking, and being outdoors enjoying nature. His love of flying flourished in Wyoming where he piloted the Scary Hairy Airlines with his Bonanza.
“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death,” (1 John 3:14)
He will be fondly missed by his wife of 40 years, Beth Deans, residing on their mini ranch in Georgetown, Texas. Harry is survived by his wife, a sister, two daughters, two sons, a step-son, and a step-daughter and their families including twelve grandchildren.
“The grass wither and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
Tributes and Remembrances
Tribute, son Dan, Sunday, January 18, 2015:
It is a true honor to stand here this afternoon and share remembrances of my Dad, Harry Deans, and we truly appreciate all of you giving of your time today to be here, thank you for your grace. On behalf of his current wife of 40 years, Beth, his first wife 17 years, Karolyn, his children Laurie, Sam, Greg, Debbie, Melissa, Drew, Cathie and his 12 Grandchildren Kayleigh, Paige, Nicole, Collin, Cameron, Jonathan, Alex, Will, Daniel, Elizabeth, Tristan, and Matthew, and his sons-in-law Mark, Bill, John and Jim, and daughter-in-law Cathy, it is a privilege to share remembrances.
I want to first give God the glory, and to thank Him for sending His son Jesus Christ to be the propitiation for our sins. There is no gift greater than that, and I am completely certain in God’s sovereignty, over this sad loss to our family, and to all other situations – He reigns over Heaven and earth, and I am grateful for the saving knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Harry Deans was a loving husband and a father, he was a caring teacher, a brilliant engineer and researcher, and he was an avid outdoorsman and adventurer, and more importantly, he cared about his family, friends and students, and that point has been made quite clear given the outpouring of wonderful comments, stories, and care that we have experienced over the last several weeks. We have been so blessed to hear how Pop affected others in their life journeys, and he seemed to do so in a quiet and humble way.
Pop was brilliant, I used to tease him that he had a 2000 lb brain, and that he had a beautiful mind. He was the first engineer I ever met, and along with many others that he taught, I was inspired into my career because of him. He was always patient in explaining to us how the process worked, and describing his work. We had no idea how complex the process of oil extraction was, and even that there was a need for enhanced oil recovery, but Pop was a giant in that field, and has done a large service to the world in advancing the technology of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.
He was inventive, with more than 15 patents that I am aware of, with one of the most important process enhancements being the single well tracer test that has made such an impact on the oil and gas industry. He has been featured on the National News, been around the world, and has passionately worked with many colleagues and scholars to advance the state of the discipline in enhanced oil recovery.
Pop was extremely confident, and could be very stubborn as well; He was so very sure in everything he took on.
He was a tactician – he always tackled a problem very methodically. He identified all boundaries, and solved the problem deliberately.
My Pop was creative and artistic, which is unusual for someone who had such a technical talent. He had the unending ability to tell stories and generate plots and intrigue on the fly – everyone one of his kids coveted the famous bed time stories that he told about the internationally known child agents George and Alice. We all looked forward to bedtime, because Pop would get us tucked in and sit there and till we fell asleep telling us rich stories about the adventures of those two. And it did not stop with us; he carried on that tradition with his grandkids. He cared about his kids and grandkids.
Pop loved music, but not just any music, but all kinds of classical, and was very passionate about classical music. He would sing along, whistle, and you could just see the passion in his eyes and his face has he was enjoying all kinds of music. Again, I am convinced that several of us, including my sister Cathie, myself, my son Collin, and several of Cathie’s kids along with others inherited that passion for music and for making music.
My beautiful wife Catherine pointed out that he had a love for food, and was passionate about dining well. She does not ever remember him eating fast food, and while I can’t confirm or deny that, he was constantly giving me pointers on my ordering etiquette, like the time I wanted a hamburger in a Chinese restaurant. That was not allowed….
Pop was sporting and enjoyed many sports, especially baseball, football, basketball and golf. He took time to throw the baseball with his kids, and to attend their sporting events. He loved to hike in the mountains, and climbed many peaks.
He had a love of airplanes, from building models to flying. I spent a lot of time in the air with Pop, and he was my inspiration for learning to fly and for the love that I have for all things in air and space.
I have much more I could say, and would continue, but interest of time I will close with two scriptures. James encouraged us to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” I am choosing joy this morning in remembering our Pop. Also, the author of Hebrews wrote: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” We are only given a finite amount of time on this earth, and given that we don’t know how long that is, I am encouraged by my Dad’s life and I am hopeful to affect as many in a positive way while I am here as he did.
Thank you for the opportunity to share today, and Pop, I love you with my whole heart, and I am grateful to be your son, as I know your other children and grandchildren are grateful as well. In the wise wise words of Job: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Remembrance, brother-in-law, Bernie:
Life happens, people we love leave, sometimes suddenly, and we don’t have a chance to say goodbye. It’s tough. The next best thing is to remember them in moments of laughter or having dinner with them, or talking, or walking. Maybe it was a kind gesture, a thank you, a word of encouragement, or a thoughtful gift. Think about the cascade of goodness that resulted from their influence. How many of us would regret a life of positive influence that we experienced, or being able to say, ‘see my son or my daughter or my spouse or my friend, I was there for them when they needed me.’ I think I can honestly say that Harry Deans was a person in my life who I’ll always remember for his positive effect on me and for the others whose lives he touched.
To me running always seemed like a perfect metaphor for life, you start here and you finish there. I remember running with Harry Deans in the summer of 2001 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He and his wife Beth, my sister, would rent a condo there every summer for a couple of months to relax and enjoy the sunshine. They invited me to come visit, so I drove over from Oregon. I had a good time with Beth and Harry bumming around Steamboat, going up to the mountaintop and into town to shop. I had known Harry for years since he and Beth got married, and we got to visit more often when we all lived in Houston. After I moved my family to Oregon, our visits were much less frequent, but it was always fun to go back. I remember flying with Harry on one trip. I had flown into the Denver airport, and we flew to Cheyenne where Beth and Harry lived at the time. I thought he was a very good pilot.
This is Part I about Harry’s life and is intended to introduce some thoughts about him and his passing on December 22, 2014. In Part II, I hope to include more about Harry’s life and to include remembrances of Harry from family and friends. I will say that my own remembrances of Harry are good ones, and I’m glad that he was part of my life. I’ll miss him.
blazinbernie
Looking for a Rufous 