David Eldon Butlerborn 6 August 1948
Just less than a month after Eldon's death, his son David Eldon Butler was born. Susan was living in California, but took David to see his Butler grandparents in Colorado that fall.
David and SusanFall, 1948
Grandma Mable (reflected in mirror) - DavidFall, 1948
When David was about a year old, Susan married Rolland Flemons. Rolland adopted David and his name was changed to David Lynn Flemons. For a few years, Susan continued to visit in Colorado on occasion, so David spent time with his Butler Grandparents.
David at Grandma and Grandpa Butler's house
Summer, 1952
David reading with Uncle Lou
Summer, 1952
David at Grandma and Grandpa Butler's houseSummer, 1952
David reading with Uncle LouSummer, 1952
David - maybe 10 years oldundated photo
Flemons Family - 1959Debbie - Rolland - David
Terry (front)
Susan later married Gerald McKenzie and David's last name was changed to McKenzie.
McKenzie Family - 1962Terry - David - Gerald - Susan - Kammy - Debbie
David - high school senior1966
David graduated from UCLA in 1970 with a Bachelor's Degree in History. In 1973 he received his Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of San Diego and was admitted to the California Bar in 1973.
He learned to fly with the Camp Pendleton Flying Club in 1977, and over the next 20 years owned or had partnership interests in several small planes. He moved to Haines, Alaska about 1995.
David died in a plane crash in Alaska. The following is taken from a letter written by David's mother, Susan, to Lou in June of 1999:
He crashed May 2, 1999. They had Search and Rescue teams for 8 days. They had a memorial for him in Alaska and California.
Dave loved Alaska. So he was really doing what he wanted the last few years. And actually, Dave had said that when it was his time he wanted to go in PAPA (his plane) and fast. So that was what happened. So that's a pretty good thing, to go the way you prefer.
He learned to fly with the Camp Pendleton Flying Club in 1977, and over the next 20 years owned or had partnership interests in several small planes. He moved to Haines, Alaska about 1995.
David died in a plane crash in Alaska. The following is taken from a letter written by David's mother, Susan, to Lou in June of 1999:
He crashed May 2, 1999. They had Search and Rescue teams for 8 days. They had a memorial for him in Alaska and California.
Dave loved Alaska. So he was really doing what he wanted the last few years. And actually, Dave had said that when it was his time he wanted to go in PAPA (his plane) and fast. So that was what happened. So that's a pretty good thing, to go the way you prefer.
1 comment:
I remember David as a baby. He had bright red hair. He was just three months older than our son Jim. Mom and Dad Butler adored him. They did everything they could for Susan and David. They encouraged her to get married again. I'm sure they thought it was the best thing for Susan and David. The Flemons were long time, much loved friends. It seemed like the perfect thing for Susan to marry into such a fine family. Rolland was a CU graduate and a responsible young man. Perhaps they thought they would see more of David if his step-father had family in Pueblo. I can also remember one summer when David played little league softball with our boys. He was a good pitcher and received a lot of attention for that.He never lacked for attention in his grandparent's home. This was natural and as it should have been. I don't think I saw him after that. Susan kept in touch and told Mom how David was doing. I can remember Mom buying gifts for Susan's other children. Eventually, she heard very little about David. It no doubt hurt Eldon's parents when his name was no longer Butler, but they never said anything. I think they just wanted to do whatever they could to remain a part of David's life. This did not happen. At least, they could be proud of what he did with his life. I don't know what kind of a person he was, but I think he must have been something like his dad. He realized the importance of getting an education and enjoying his other interests. elb
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