#21
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Christian Christmas music played through the night and Jonathan passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of December 4, 2018, with Joelyn at his side as he had requested.
Joelyn commented “I had never been with someone on their deathbed, but I learned a lot about Jonathan as well as myself throughout the experience and I would not trade it away.” When the nurses asked Joelyn what her relationship was to Jonathan, she simply said, “He was my brother.” Craig imparted these thoughts, “You don’t need stuff. You need to have people who love you around when you die.” Jonathan had just that. Unexpectedly, Geoffrey had passed away at the NARAM Nationals on August 7th of 2018, so one can only surmise that the Odd Couple have now been reunited, at altitude. The father of model rocketry, G. Harry Stine had a mantra of “Pay It Forward” and the men and women of which you just read embody that sentiment. A memorial was held for Jonathan Dunbar on February 2nd, 2019 at the Arizona Cup rocket meet in Tucson, Arizona. One of Jonathan’s rockets flown at the event in his honor. Rest in Peace Jonathan. September 18, 1966 – December 4, 2019 Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter: whoever finds one has found a treasure. Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth. Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; and those who fear the Lord will find them. Sirach 6:14-17 Matt was able to locate and speak to Jonathan’s parents as well as his sister. Sadly, this did not occur until after Jonathan had passed. Jonathan’s urn was presented to his parents in California. Jonathan’s sister asked simply, “Was he happy?” Matt responded with a contented smile, “Yes.” |
#22
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That was lovely! Thanks for sharing. I met Jonathan only once and new immediately he was a class act.
This tough old sea dog now needs a tissue.
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Never trust an atom. They make up everything. 4 out of 3 people struggle with math. Chemically, alcohol IS a solution. NAR# 94042 SAM# 0078 |
#23
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Matt Steele and I were exchanging some emails the past couple of days and he forwarded that story to me Monday. It was truly inspiring for the many of us who have cared for loved ones in their last days.
But as I mentioned to Matt, it is always so very good to hear of the heroically good works that so many people do; works and deeds that we, unfortunately, hear so little of. Would that we all are as blessed as Jonathan was to have such wonderful family/friends around us when our time comes. 'Brothers' looking after brothers (or sisters, as the case may be). A good time of the year to be reminded of that in such a touching and inspiring way. Steve, thanks for posting that here for all to see and share. Earl
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Earl L. Cagle, Jr. NAR# 29523 TRA# 962 SAM# 73 Owner/Producer Point 39 Productions Rocket-Brained Since 1970 |
#24
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Excellent article. I was thinking of him this morning. Verna http://www.vernarockets.com http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HHJHOK6 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O14ET8K http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CX1UPCG https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C95BNQH |
#25
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Thanks for sharing this, Steve.
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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!! Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't ! Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY. ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC ! |
#26
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Sad for anyone to go that way. I did not realize he was born during the same year as myself. I for some reason thought that he born in the 50's. RIP, Jonathan Dunbar. I miss his rocketry related rocketry related posts on here.
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'Til next time, Mike Toelle NAR 31692 L1 SAM 0373 |
#27
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It was heartwarming to read these posts about Jonathan, how his fellow rocketeers and friends came to his aid in times of need, and how they were with him at the end. I had the privilege of meeting and conversing with Jonathan on many occasions. In typical Jonathan style he always called me “Uncle Vern”. RIP Jonathan Dunbar. – Vern
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Vern Estes NAR member since 1958, #380 Click to go to Vern's web site: Vern Estes |
#28
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Thanks, Vern, that means a lot! Emma and I first came to know Jonathan when he was really helpful to us at NARAM 50. Incredibly gracious behavior from someone we knew not at all. Years later I was able to return a bit of the favor as we sat for hours talking about our shared passion for collecting model rocketry items. He spoke often about how much he loved all things "Vern" and "Gleda," LOL. The two of you brought so much joy to him. Thanks, Vern. -Steve |
#29
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Yes, indeed . . . Truer words have never been spoken in the 21st Century ! Dave F. |
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