Dr. Ali Bülent Manguoğlu Memorial Bench & Trees

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Family,

On behalf of my sister Ayse and I:

First of all, thank you all for your loving support during this difficult time, whether it was a memorial tree you purchased, donated to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation, reached out over social media or via phone, and/or attended his visitation and service, we really felt the love!

My sister Ayse and I lost an incredible father and dede (grandpa) to our grandchildren on April 4th, 2023, and several of you reached out to see how you could provide tangible support to us as a family (i.e. meal train, food delivery); we kindly asked that you save those extra dollars for a memorial bench we are getting installed on behalf of our father at Oakdale Park in Salina, KS.

***The money raised will go 100% to the design, manufacturing, shipping and installation of the bench, and any funds over $1,600 will go back into Oakdale Park, whether it be planting a new tree next to the bench or fresh flowers. Once installed (should be beginning/mid-June) we will share the final photos and exact location (and any other flowers/trees that we plant nearby at the park.)***

Below are pictures he took himself in his final years, and his bench will be installed with a full view of his favorite tree and spot by the Smoky Hill River within Oakdale Park.

As kids, we grew up playing at this park from dawn until dusk, and after he retired, my father took daily walks around this park, rain, snow or shine. Eventually, he would take his grandchildren to this same park, and in his final weeks, when he could no longer do the walk himself, my sister and I were able to take him on one more stroll around the park together.

With or without your donation, we are honored to to share this memorial and story with your all.

Link to obituary: https://www.ryanmortuary.com/notices/DrAli-Manguoglu

Location of park: 730 Oakdale Dr, Salina, KS 67401

Estimated install date: Early to mid-June of this year

Photos my father took during his walks around the park:

With Love,

Safiye and Ayse