Old data sheets

I was going through some old (2002) data sheets from Izembek NWR today, many of which had been filled out by Marnie while she sat in a blind overlooking Izembek Lagoon. Most people only include the required data such forms. Marnie took the time to include her observations on the weather, bears, brant, eiders, and nature in general, often in Spanish, and always in way that showed her enthusiasm and love for the place. Not often old data sheets make me smile. This photo isn’t from Izembek but from Southeast Alaska where Marnie worked on Vancouver Canada geese (Jerry)

Just Thinking...

I am sitting here at home watching the snow fly and just got to thinking about Marnie. She would get so excited about the first snow of the year. This is also about the time we would be gearing up for the field season in Baja.....I still miss her so much.

Here are a few more pictures I thought I would share.

Whale watching in San Ignacio with Alvaro and Max.

Fishing on the Kenai wih George (Julie is taking the picture).

Marnie and Tecate at our wedding reception.

Also just a note on Tecate, he is here with us in Delta Junction and is doing great, having fun running wild with our other 2 dogs and giving Wyatt kisses. We are so glad we were able to take him, he is a great little guy.

Reminders

I was dancing at a weekly salsa night in Fairbanks two weeks ago, and the gentleman I was dancing with asked me if I'd ever been to Club Soraya, the salsa club in Anchorage. The answer is yes. What I couldn't explain to him is that the last time I went was with Marnie. And that he was the first guy there to ask her to dance. If it was a shock to him (5'2") when she got off her stool and towered above him, he didn't let it show. He asked her to dance a few more times before the night ended. He apparently didn't remember me being there, but I certainly did, do, and always will. Marnie, memories of you continue to dance through my life and make me smile. Thank you.
(adrian)

thinking of Marnie

I'm sitting here at my kitchen table, working on our invitations for our July wedding. As I make my way down our guestlist, I can't help noticing that one name is missing from this list. Today, I'm having a hard time believing that it's been a year since Marnie left this world. And the void that she left in our hearts is still there. and I suspect will always be there. Life goes on - friends having babies, getting married, growing older. and i wish Marnie could be here to help us celebrate life. But I know that she is smiling down on us and her spirit will be with us on the day Dave and I say our vows. Shiway

Remembering after a year....

"Take care of all your memories, for you cannot relive them."

-Bob Dylan

Keep your memories close and she will never be far.

Please consider making a donation to one of Marnie's memorial funds.

1. The Leelanau School

In Memory of Marnie Lee Shepherd, Class 1995

One Old Homestead Road

Glen Arbor, Michigan 49636-9720

Marnie went to high school here her senior year and it changed her life and fostered her love of the environment.

2. Adaptive Sports Association

Marnie Lee Shepherd Memorial Fund

P.O., Box 1884

Durango, CO 81302970-259-0374

Marnie was a volunteer for Adaptive Sports, Durango's premier outdoor education program for people with disabilities during college at Ft. Lewis. She was involved with the inception of the snowboarding program opening more doors for people with disabilities. The contributions will be used for a scholarship for future snowboard participants within ASA.

3. Alaska Bird Observatory

In Memory of Marnie Lee Shepherd

P.O. Box 80505

Fairbanks, AK 99708

The Alaska Bird Observatory funds education, research and other programs for the environment which Marnie committed her life to and loved.

Please also visit:

National Mental Health Awareness Campaign