Gary Kingham Memorial Bench
Donation protected
I would like to ask for your help. In January, 2017, Gary Kingham passed away suddenly in a kayaking accident. He has left behind his beautiful wife Jan, family and many dear friends.
Gary was an avid paddler. Most every day involved paddling at Don Williams lake. He took his paddling quite seriously, training for numerous races throughout the year.
Gary was part of a kayaking group called the Skunk River Paddlers. This group meets every Wednesday evening at a lake called Ada Hayden in Ames Iowa. He was a part of this group for many years. This group was precious to Gary, and will be remembered on the bench.
Gary's races took place a great radius around home. He encountered many people who shared this passion for paddling, and had friends that he looked forward to seeing at each different race. Each race he attended seemed to be a "family reunion" of sorts.
It was heavy on Jan's heart to create a memorial for this man that impacted so many, and is so missed. Without second thought, the location for the memorial was clear. She wanted to place a memorial bench in a grassy patch overlooking the place that Gary held so dear. The bench that Jan has chosen is granite. It will sit upon a granite base. She has chosen a picture of Gary that will be in color. The picture is of Gary in his kayak, paddle in hand, and smile from ear to ear. This bench would be located in a spot where dear friends paddle, where boaters pass, and fishermen would view upon nearing the water. The bench will also hold the location for an annual paddle in remembrance of him.
We are hoping that the bench will be finished in October, and that we can have a dedication gathering at that time.
Gary was an avid paddler. Most every day involved paddling at Don Williams lake. He took his paddling quite seriously, training for numerous races throughout the year.
Gary was part of a kayaking group called the Skunk River Paddlers. This group meets every Wednesday evening at a lake called Ada Hayden in Ames Iowa. He was a part of this group for many years. This group was precious to Gary, and will be remembered on the bench.
Gary's races took place a great radius around home. He encountered many people who shared this passion for paddling, and had friends that he looked forward to seeing at each different race. Each race he attended seemed to be a "family reunion" of sorts.
It was heavy on Jan's heart to create a memorial for this man that impacted so many, and is so missed. Without second thought, the location for the memorial was clear. She wanted to place a memorial bench in a grassy patch overlooking the place that Gary held so dear. The bench that Jan has chosen is granite. It will sit upon a granite base. She has chosen a picture of Gary that will be in color. The picture is of Gary in his kayak, paddle in hand, and smile from ear to ear. This bench would be located in a spot where dear friends paddle, where boaters pass, and fishermen would view upon nearing the water. The bench will also hold the location for an annual paddle in remembrance of him.
We are hoping that the bench will be finished in October, and that we can have a dedication gathering at that time.
Organizer
Jan Kingham
Organizer
Boone, IA
