August 12, 2007 Today was the day of John's Farewell Party. He specifically requested an intimate, fun time with his fishing buddies and their families . . . no gloom allowed. Lynn & Phil, Michael, and Jeff had sorted all of John's excess fishing gear and we were delighted to be able to give it away (with all its good fishing karma) to the guys John loved fishing with over the last 30 years. I am happy to know that a lot of grandchildren will be introduced to fishing with John's lucky rods and reels! We also agreed that our fleet of fisher friends will take all our boats out together on August 24th to release some of John's ashes at Buoy-10.

As John was always prepared for a famine, I broke open the freezer and made a dent in our supply of salmon, elk, bratwurst and steaks. Everyone else brought appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. We had awakened to a misty morning, which turned into a constant drizzle as we fired up the three barbecues, but what would a Palensky Adventure be without a little adversity? Larry Larson provided some wine from Fermenting Friends, complete with custom Czech-Mate labels in John's honor and the feasting began, serenaded by music provided by Michael! John would have loved it!

After dinner, we all watched a beautiful slide and music presentation put together by Steve Stone and spent some time reminiscing about fun times we'd shared with John, his generous and optimistic spirit, his love for life and his family, and all we've learned from him. Then everyone gathered by the fire pit to drink to the captain and offer up our letters, cards, pictures, and love to John, all tucked into an elegant box built by Jeff. OK, there might have been a few tears, but lest we incur John's everlasting bemusement at our solemnity, we toasted a couple of marshmallows over the embers!

After the fire died down and the long shadows began to stretch across the lawn, the trees took on their evening glow . . . one of John's favorite sights . . . and a volleyball game broke out, carrying on into the dark. Somewhat reluctantly, we all finally parted company as several had long drives ahead of them. I think we all felt we'd be lucky to be carried from this life as John was, on a long, deep wave of love.

will be held at

The World Forestry Center

Portland, Oregon

September 24, 2007

7:00-9:00  PM

click on above link for details