My dad, shortly before he passed away in 1981 said,

          I’ve thought about that advice over the years and have collected a lot of fond memories. Most of those memories came about because of the family, friends, colleagues, students, and others who have been a part of my life.

I have been at the center of the web that brings you all together. Our Celebration of Life party on April 9 at the Stone Church in Newmarket, NH is our hope to bring together the various strands of my life so that you can see how some of the pieces fit together.

You’ll hear from Big John who has been in my life since before I was married the first time. Together we learned the art of chainsaw construction in a money pit house near Ithaca, NY. And then there is John Cochran—won’t tell you his nickname as this is a family event—who first took me fishing in Alaska. You can just imagine the stories that he can share. Then there’s Ray Goodman, my teaching colleague and friend for many years. With all of those meals and cases of wine that we’ve served together along with all of the students who have shared our classrooms, there’s another whole set of stories. And, of course, Cousin Richard (Dick as he calls himself now) who just missed shooting me one afternoon when he was practicing with his 22 rifle in the basement of his parents house in Newton, MA.

And, while I can’t promise this, I’m sure that Regina and my daughters will weigh in with at least a story or two....and I hope that you'll share your stories as well.

So that’s the idea. Join us for a Sunday afternoon of snacking, music, talking, and sharing stories.

If you can’t make the event, and have a story that you are willing to share, write it down and send it as a Word attachment to jfdurocher@comcast.net   I’ll post it to this Website under Memories, so that others can read how our lives have been woven together. Also, if you want to show your face, send a digital pix and I’ll post that next to your document link.