46 Comments
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Sally-Anne Airey's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing.

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Helene Van Manen's avatar

And yet again the Gift of Perspective

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

Thank you Sally-Anne. The circle of life and death is always in motion. Hope you are both well.

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Brenda Porter's avatar

What a lovely tribute to Christine. I’m am so sorry to hear that she left the earth. May her spirit continue to inspire us all!

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Tami Montoya's avatar

A beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul. I’m so grateful to have known her and experience her positive, fun loving spirit. We will miss you dear friend. ❤️🤘🎸

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

Lucky us that we got to know and work with Christine. She was a gift to many!

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Helene Van Manen's avatar

Christine has been a part of our lives for 2 decades. Dave and I sang at her wedding, we served the environmental education community through the leadership at the Mountain Park Environmental Center and she was a part of the Green Women Leadership Program. I love Christine and always will. She left too soon.

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

She definitely left too soon!

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Evan Cantor's avatar

"Ripple"--my father-in-law's favorite song from his many-long-years Church guitar group. I sang it at his funeral. Like Christine, he loved the outdoors, was an avid skier, sailor and marathon runner. Where do all these people go when they die? Nobody can really claim to know, I suppose, but a part of them is always with us as long as we are around to hold the memories. I hope your friend was at peace when she passed.

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Helene Van Manen's avatar

That mysterious Ripple song touches many of us. Thanks for the recount of your Outdoor Loving FIL...I hope he's riding the waves somewhere. If so, Christine will find him I am certain.

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

Ripple is my favorite Dead song - lyrically and musically it is just a sweet song. Ah, the mystery of death - I've always appreciated Jackson's song - typical of his lyrics, they are so well put together.

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Karen Parker's avatar

Oh Dave, I can feel your heart in this post. When we arrive at a certain age, I think we get closer to examining the growth there is within another’s death. I am currently reading ‘briefly, perfectly, human’ by Alua Arthur, a well known death doula. So good for my heart as I navigate my mother’s passing. Sending you and Helene so much love.

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Helene Van Manen's avatar

Thanks for your comment dear Karen. Thinking of you mom today. She must be so proud of you.

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

My thoughts are with you as you navigate the passing of your Mom. Such a rite-of-passage, losing our mothers. Take care Karen.

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Susan J Tweit's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to Christine, Dave! I am so sorry that she's gone to whatever is next, and I send empathy and hugs your way. Be extra-kind to yourself as you absorb her loss.

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Helene Van Manen's avatar

Thanks Susan.

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

Thanks Susan - the circle of life and death touches us all.

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Susan J Tweit's avatar

It does that. And every time we lose someone we love, it's different. It's a time to be gentle with ourselves and not brush off the grief and sense of loss. Blessings to you and Helene both.

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Kim Gain's avatar

Oh Dave and Helene … I am so saddened by this loss. Gone too soon. Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Forever in our hearts, Christine. 💔❤️💔

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Helene Van Manen's avatar

We have some good memories with her don't we? I'm so glad for our time together with her and you.

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

Yes, gone too soon. She will always be a part of so many. Be well Kim.

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Tammy Riddle's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for telling us about her and her impact on your life.

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

Thank you Tammy.

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Christine Reed's avatar

Lovely tribute to your friend, Dave. I’m sure she heard your heartfelt words

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

Thanks Christine.

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Jo Hatcher's avatar

Beautiful tribute, Dave. I knew her briefly as Green woman and it was clear how passionate she was about nature and sharing it with others. I will remember her beautiful smile. Good luck on your journey, Christine.

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

Christine did have a wonderful smile - she was usually smiling. Her joy in all the things she did was such a joy and inspiration to witness. She will be deeply missed.

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Karin Kyte's avatar

Omg, I can’t believe she’s gone!

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

It is hard to fathom.

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Diane R Mueller's avatar

On the wings of birds Christine. Your smile will be missed my friend 🧡

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

That’s the truth - her smile was infectious.

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Todd Quire's avatar

That was very sweet and thoughtful I joined ss bc of you lol.

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

Thanks Todd. I like SS lots more than FB or Instagram.

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Kim's avatar
Jul 21Edited

Your lovely tribute to her now lives with all of us.

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Matthew's avatar

Thank you for this very touching story. God bless Christine.

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Dave Van Manen's avatar

She will be missed.

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