Sonny's Koi Fish Memorial

*April 12th at 9am we will be having a ceremony to honor William Dock at the Miramar National Cemetery*
April 12 11:30am Celebration of Life at Big Rock Park (8125 Arlette St, Santee, CA 92071) to celebrate Dock. Cookies and coffee will be served. Hope to see you there! (more details soon!)
 


In memorial of Pops, William Dock, we are creating this fundraiser that will provide the Koi fish at The Montera the love they will be missing from their "Koi King", while also encouraging others to enjoy these magical creatures just as my Pops did. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating as we keep my Pop’s memory alive with a Koi fish feeder for others to be able to interact with the koi, along with a memorial piece such as an engraved stone or bench near the pond. Additional funds collected will go towards my Pops memorial celebration on April 12th.


Three years ago my Pops made a big transition to his new home, The Montera. Leaving his home of over 20 years while recovering from major health issues, was not easy. Adjusting to community based living was something my Pops struggled with. I reassured him, "Pops, it takes time! Give it time. If it doesn't work, we can always change it." After the reminder that being there was his choice, his outlook quickly changed, especially after discovering his new friends, the koi. The koi fish pond at The Montera led to a domino effect that motivated Pops to not only become a part of his community, but light a new sense of purpose in my Pops day that rippled into all aspects of his life.


I love visiting with Pops, which always includes big hugs, my choice of restaurant, a trip to the theater with extra popcorn, and a impromptu technology tutorial to help Pops stay connected with his grandchildren. Oh, and we can’t forget the koi! These last three years, our visits revolved around the koi fish. We had to time our excursions around the fish feedings, which my Pops would do 3 times a day. If we were in his room, as soon as the credits ended the movie we were watching, Pops would say, “It’s time to feed the kids!” He’d gather his recycled peanut bottle(funny story about that!) to fill with fish food he kept stocked in his room, along with the candy and treats he’d pass out to staff and friends along the way. The koi knew when my Pops was coming! They’d start thrashing around in the water, knowing the love, and food that was soon to come. We’d toss food from the overlook, then make our way down for a closer look. This is where Pop’s would point out the biggest fish, “Sonny”, as Pops got on his knees to give him a rub on the head. Sonny always made his way to Pops, allowing Pops to fuss over him as much as he’d like! The joy in my eyes witnessing this was matched with the sparkle in my Pop’s eyes while watching me as I took his place! Thinking of this brings tears to my eyes, along with a major sense of gratitude to have been able to share these memories with my Pops.


The connection my Pops made with the koi was so impactful, we all saw it. They offered him inspiration, purpose, peace, place, and comfort. What more could a granddaughter ask for to be gifted to her Pops? During a time when the pond was  going to be downsized, my Pops fought it. He raised his voice, like in his USPS Union days, to speak on behalf of the koi, to protect them. He understood that their presence carried on far beyond the pond, so they deserved as much  space as possible. 

This is why it is so important to me, my family, and all of Pops friends that  felt the positive influence the koi had on Pops, to continue spreading and offering the love the koi brought to him, to us.

A local news article my Pops was included in that brings awareness of these amazing creatures:

https://eccalifornian.com/the-montera-residents-find-therapeutic-value-of-koi-pond/


With gratitude and love, 
Hayley