SB Diver Littlejohn - Rest in Peace

[deepstops]

Please avoid underwater plaques at these locations. While we all love the water, we need to remember that as divers, we pride ourselves in underwater conservation, which involves not leaving anything behind. The ocean might not be a bad idea, is there's lots of real estate, but a place like Ginnie is very limited space wise, and you know the old saying "What if everyone did this?".

I'd also point out a few plaques that were in Ginnie (and other springs) disappeared last year.

 

[FritzCat66]

I also went to LittleJohns Memorial Service, it was really beautiful and touching. What really touched me was that many people here from this forum where able to make his service to pay thier respects to LittleJohn and his family.

For the record, the only reason I did not go to the memorial is because I was travelling on a dive vacation to Cozumel I had previously scheduled. That's also why I made a point of going to the Lake Mary scuba club meeting on Monday, since I knew his family would also be there.

When I told John's mom why I would not be at the service, she said, "Well, don't feel bad; believe me, John certainly would have avoided going to a service if he had a chance to dive instead!"

It's really been nice to get to know John's folks through all this.

>*< Fritz

 

[DebbyDiver]

I think I'm the only person here who never met John, but I am very touched by the outpouring of love from this community. It makes me very proud to be a ScubaBoard member.

 

[Speargirl]

For the record, the only reason I did not go to the memorial is because I was travelling on a dive vacation to Cozumel I had previously scheduled. That's also why I made a point of going to the Lake Mary scuba club meeting on Monday, since I knew his family would also be there.

When I told John's mom why I would not be at the service, she said, "Well, don't feel bad; believe me, John certainly would have avoided going to a service if he had a chance to dive instead!"

It's really been nice to get to know John's folks through all this.

>*< Fritz

Fritz,

You have done so much for his family and friends so please don't feel bad that you could not attend. Your are good man.

 

[Fox-Cousteau]

For the record, the only reason I did not go to the memorial is because I was travelling on a dive vacation to Cozumel I had previously scheduled. That's also why I made a point of going to the Lake Mary scuba club meeting on Monday, since I knew his family would also be there.>*< Fritz

I can speak for the Scuba Club and I believe for Lil' John when I tell you that you should not feel remorse for your choice.

As to the plaque, nothing would be done without permission and it doesn't have to be placed in the water. A memorial board outside the spring would be appropriate. to be honest, I'd prefer leaving it on a reef or next to a wreck. but I am but one of several.

Another idea is for SB to create a "in memorial" page for all divers (I believe something like 6 since Jan.) This could generate donations to support DAN.

These are just suggestions and opinions or suggestions are welcome.

 

[The Chairman]

I was precluded from attending by a minor emergency. It's good to see how everyone took this to heart. He was such a vital part of ScubaBoard.

 

[netmage]

If the decision is made to not use any of the springs for a plaque placement, maybe try to rename the site of his last dive and post a plaque there? I know that won't be easy, as tons of people already know the site by whatever name they know the site by, but if the dive shop and/or charter he was with for his last dive were to start advertising trips to that site as "Littlejohn Reef" or "John Moore Ledge" or whatever was ultimately decided, I would think over time the name would catch. I'm certain new divers to the area would ask "Who was this named after?" which would allow John's name and memory to spread even further within the diving community.

Pool together and get his name on the plaque on the Grove, or submit a memorial to DAN...

 

[D_B]

I think I'm the only person here who never met John, but I am very touched by the outpouring of love from this community. It makes me very proud to be a ScubaBoard member.

Ditto .. your not the only person that .. never met John, proud of being a member of ScubaBoard for the support shown and thanks to Fritz , Fox, and the others for the same reason

 

[Divergirl4U]

I think I'm the only person here who never met John, but I am very touched by the outpouring of love from this community. It makes me very proud to be a ScubaBoard member.

Debby he came to one of the Dania Beach picnics, very nice guy. When "LittleJohn" showed up he was a great big man teddy bear and my buddy on the dive.

 

[Divergirl4U]

Jenny and I remembered John on our dive Saturday and it was a beautiful dive.