June 01, 2005
Wednesday

On behalf of the family of James Lee Asnin, we would like to offer our thanks, appreciation, and recognition to those who have lent a hand in comforting and consoling us through the loss of our beloved son and brother.

Words alone cannot convey the support of the United States Coast Guard during this tragedy. We are proud that James served with and was a member of such an exceptional organization. We in Southeast Alaska need to be proud that we have the United States Coast Guard in our communities for they truly represent humble excellence.

Our eternal appreciation goes to the crew of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Acushnet. Thank you for taking care of your shipmate. Much gratitude goes to the United States Coast Guard Integrated Support Command in Ketchikan. We are indebted to all of you for your assistance and for the memorial service in James's honor. Special thanks goes to Captain Catherine McNally, Captain Paul Wiedenhoeft, Lieutenant Commander Brian Finney, Commander Anthony Palazzetti, Auxiliary Volunteer Chaplain Grant Smith, Lieutenant Ed Soriano, Chief Warrant Officer Larry Lawson, Chief Petty Officer Christopher Grieb, Lieutenant Commander Steven Souders, Lieutenant Junior Grade Bernie Auth, Seaman Allan Larson & Seaman Max Shaterkin. Our gratitude also extends also for the assistance from the United States Coast Guard members here in Sitka. Special thanks to Tara Molle for her pictures from the Sitka service. Finally, our thanks for all the assistance afforded by the Canadian Coast Guard in Victoria, British Columbia.

Thanks to the staff of the Victoria General Hospital intensive care unit, Dr. Porayko, the ICU nurses, Chaplain Karen Wilson & Mr. John Tudor.

Thank you to all our spiritual family at St. Peters by the Sea Episcopal Church, especially Father Dave & Bonnie.

Special thanks to Elizabeth Faulkner & Lavonne Grun.

Thanks to our friends and coworkers at both Sitka Community Hospital & at SEARHC/Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital.

Thanks to Lee's musical friends, as music comforts in times such as these.
Thanks to all the "angels" that stopped by, dropped off food & fish, called, sent cards, sent flowers, sent donations, and prayed.

Thanks to all of James' friends who shared their memories and stories of James with us.

Thanks to all of you who attended James's service here in Sitka, and with your presence had St. Peters Church truly overflowing with your physical presence & love.

Our plans are to later return to both Micronesia and to Colorado for memorial services with the rest of James' family.

I would like to end this expression of gratitude with the lyrics of a song from one of America's best songwriters, Bob Dylan.

For James, "Forever Young"

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb every rung,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the light surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May you feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of change shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young.

Lee, Morced, & Jayson Asnin
Sitka, AK - USA

 

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