On this final day of 2002, the crystalline beauty of this Upper Michigan sunrise is dedicated to the memory of these individuals, and others which you are welcome to list on this page:

Carole Curtin was one of God's Angels walking this earth. Anyone that knew that fine woman knows that. Anyone who's life was touched by her, WAS blessed. The Good Lord must have needed his finest..to call her home so early. He had something very, very special for only her to accomplish.

I've heard it said the when someone dies we lose a library, I believe this is certaily true..we could have learned a lot more from Derek Juntunen..certainly about courage and determination and family love and support.....I have added new resolutions to my list...Peace to all

Robert Simpson
Susan Simpson
Suzanne Spruytte
Joe Berry

The following will lead you to Derek's obit that was published in the Mining Gazette. From it and his bio, it appears that he was an extraordinary person. I wish I would have know him. Rather than be sad, (sniff), I'm happy that he is now in Heaven with our Lord and free from the physical limitations that he endured here on earth.

The sermon at my church this past Sunday was in regards to letting go and forgetting about the past. Instead we should move forward and start afresh every day. May everyone have a blessed New Year.

http://www.mininggazette.com/Archives/obits.html

It's time, I guess, to start thinking this way, because it is more important than ever to reflect on where we are now and where we are headed. Not to dwell on the past, the missed turns, the embarrassing mistakes, the behavior that kept us young, too young, perhaps for the responsibilities and obligations our generation was supposed to inherit much sooner. It's time to catch up now and take that on, with the wise guidance of our elders, the hope of our children, and the love of Christ. It's not easy to step into a role once occupied by wisdom, restraint, humor, and selfless and quiet action, but it'll grow on us all. Our elders will retire with the idea that they leave the world in good hands, our children will aspire to serve and tend to their own communities, rather than some faraway place that is more hollow and less connected to them. In doing so, our communities, whereeever they may be, will be inhabited by a tradition of caring how it all turns out, good or bad, and making the best of it. Carole Curtain's legacy, I believe, demonstrates that you can stay home when local fortunes change, you don't have to follow success if you carry it in your heart. Sometimes there is more value in looking back and reveling in the 'little' successes, the continuous relationship over decades with your community family-- knowing people in the grocery store, squeezing a hug out of them during a church service, watching their kids grow up and have their own kids. Watching them win, lose, and pick themselves up and put it all together again. God Bless Carole, all her descendents and the all lives she and Larry opened their hearts to.

Paul Anderson and Kenneth G Johnson - the world learned a lot from these two.

On behalf of all her nieces and nephews, I would like to add Jean Lorence (Gariepy) formerly of Hubbell to your list of rememberences. We loved her and she is greatly missed.

Lost Edwin Mikolon, age 90+, lived and worked all
over the world but chose Northern Mich to settle
down and raise a family. Two of his children and
several of his grandchildren have chosen to stay
there to raise their families in God's Country.
Uncle Edwin will be missed but he has moved from
God's Country, USA to God's Country, Heaven.

Gosh, I wish we knew more about all these people and the stories that die with them. It'd be nice if the local high schools would sponsor a biography project-- have them interview and write histories of their elders. It would be very, very interesting to learn about these families and a great writing project.

There is an artical on Derek in the Michigan Tech Lode as well: http://www.mtulode.com/viewarticle.php?ArticleID=1835

I was an assistant to Anne Wysocki during the SYP course and I remember working with Derek. He made an impression on me that I will not soon forget. Praise God!

In memory of my grandfather, Mervin "Bud" Voelker of Laurium who passed away on December 23. His funeral was December 27, the day he would have been 86. He is with God now. I will see him again someday.

I enjoy your website. It is the first thing I do in the morning. I look forward to moving back to the Copper Country when I retire.

Beautiful sunrise, Charlie. Thanks! And thanks for mentioning Derek. I did not know him, but he was an inspiration to many people. He would smile and say hi to people even if he didn't know them, including me. Happy New Year to you and all your readers from www.keweenawnow.com.

May God bestow his richest Blessings upon everyone here in this group. May 2003 bring you all happiness and all that you desire and deserve.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year. Again thanks to all who bring us Pasty.net and all who share their photo talents with us. May the new year bring all peace in their hearts if not in the world.

Matt Aho was one of our 4-H leaders many years ago. A very quiet man, but he volunteered his time for many years.

Thanks Murph, great article on Derek.

In this crazy time in which we live, with the threat of war with Iraq, the continuing insanity in the Middle East, terrorism, and now North Korea fluffing it's feathers, just to name a few of the world's problems, how about if we all say a prayer together at midnight for Peace on Earth and that God bestow wisdom on the world's leaders. Together He will hear us.

I am looking forward to the Rapture, however. It appears that I'll be meeting a bunch of fine yooper folks when it happens. I have noticed in the last few years that people are now more willing to profess their faith in Christ and speak out about Him, even in places where traditionally it was deemed inappropriate, like the workplace. What gripes me is that in this secular world to be correct it is now a holiday party, not a Christmas party.

He is the reason for the season.

God Bless

p.s. I would like to encourage everyone to go to http://www.wepledge.com and sign the petition to pass a Constitutional Amendment to preserve the Pledge of Allegiance and our national motto, "In God We Trust".

I'd like to add the name of a young lady who passed away Dec. 4, 2002. Lauren Frances LaRock was only 13 years old and fought a valiant battle against an evil cancer which claimed her young life in just 8 short months from diagnosis. She was the daughter of my friend, and a friend of my teen daughter. We know she's pain-free and with Jesus now. May God bring all of you a healthy and happy New Year.

Sorry, typo fingers... Lauren passed away on Dec. 5, 2002.

I look at this site almost daily. I love the photography.

It reminds me of the years I lived in my native Toivola
and South Range. I have been in Oregon for many
years and like it here. No snow here in the Western
valleys but plenty of rain. I like the peaceful rain. Lots of
snow in the mountains though, about hour to two away.

I am one of those people who thinks we should take out
"under God" in the pledge. One nation indivisible is
better. I was in about second grade in Heikkinen
School when under God was added to the pledge. Lets
take it out...

I would like to add the name of my 91 year old uncle, Solomon Rutter, who was born in Mohawk and passed away yesterday, December 30th. He was the son of a Cornish copper miner and a very fine gentleman. He spent most of his life in the Flint area and will be greatly missed by his sister, Salome, who was also born in Mohawk.

Peace to all.

I would like to encourage everyone to go to http://www.wepledge.com and sign the petition to pass a Constitutional Amendment to preserve the Pledge of Allegiance and our national motto, "In God We Trust".

Thanks for the above information. It received 3 more signatures from this house! Isn't it awful that the world tries to exclude its Creator from everything... But when something bad happens, all of a sudden, they call upon Him!

May 2003 look more toward God.

Happy New Year to Everyone in the U.P.! I love the site; it keeps me closer to home especially all the wonderful pictures! The comments are great also; I can relate as I have lived there a good portion of my life. You really never appreciate what you have until it's gone; but my heart is always there. May you all have a healthy and prosperous 2003!

In memory of my father, Jack Barker, who passed away December 9, 2002. He was a Michigan State Trooper who spent enough time in L'Anse to see me enter this world. Growing up, I knew he was the strongest man alive and it wasn't until his final days when disease had taken his mobility and sight that he taught me his final lesson. True strength isn't physical. Thanks Dad.

Andrew Wisti to the list. He was proud of his Finnish heritage. He often wore a hand made sweater/jacket with "Antti" on the back which is Finnish for Andy.

In memory of Mom, Barbara J. and Barbara R. infant daughter, who both passed away this last year (2002). May they live with God forever.

In loving memory of Larry S. Key,DO., Born August 22, 1951, Died September 8, 2002.

Please add to your memories list our beloved mother, grand mother, and great grand mother, Florence Forsberg, a neighbor of Still Waters, who passed on 12/22/02 while visiting family. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
Florence will be proud to see all of her babys (her house plants) are at Still Waters to be cared for as she did so well.
----Charlie,
I was very empressed with Still Waters. My first "live" visit to the home. We love pasty.com!!! I visit daily. Thank you!
Bob in Green Bay

Add John Croze - a wonderful addition to the Keweenaw for 93 years. For those who remember, he owned the Standard gas station on Franklin Sq for many years and it was always "full" service with a smile.

In memory of my Dad, Albert J. Ward, from Sault Ste. Marie,Michigan...who was born January 31st, 1911. You are missed by all your family. You had to leave us too soon.

In memory of Scott Simpson who passed away Dec. 27, 2002 from a snowmobile accident in Chippewa County. This message is for his family-May God be with you. I was unable to find where his funeral was held but you are in my thoughts and prayers. Those few moments I had with you and your family while I performed CPR have forever changed my life.

This is for Larry Curtin and family in memory of Carole. When my sister, Molly, died in 1969 (?) I know it was a great struggle for my mother and dad, not mention the rest of us 10 kids. Larry and Carole made it as easy as they could for all of us. They were so very good to us at that time (and always.) Who else would invite a whole passel of kids over? All while I knew her as a kid I never once heard her say a bad thing about anyone or anything. It just wasn't in her make-up. She was always so positive. Kind of like she woke up thinking of ways to make people happy for that day. She was the sweetest woman with the prettiest smile for everyone who met her. Thank you Curtain Family for letting us know your dear wife and mother. God bless her and all of you. We send prayers and much, much love.

To Dave and family, Your mom and your daughter and all your family are in my family's thoughts and prayers. I know words cannot express all the love. Take care. We are thinking of you. Love your cousin Luanne and family.

Thank you so much for posting a memorial to my grandfather, John Smallwood. The photo you've shared is a lovely reminder of his fun-loving personality that touched so many people over the years.

He spent many good years at Stillwaters, and we are grateful for the wonderful care he was given!

this in loving memeroy of my grandparents, katie and joe katalin of the katalina cafe in south range....love and miss you both......your "dolly"(as grandpa would always call me)....lisa