In the summer of 2014, my husband, Kevin and I attended an evening concert with John and Tree at a beautiful outdoor venue. It was a variety of 60's bands. As the sun was setting on a glorious summer evening one of the bands played a song that called for a slow dance. John and Tree stood up, by their seats, and danced together. We were all singing and dancing as well. I watched the love and tenderness in both their eyes as they shared a father/daughter dance.
As I am recalling this memory, tears are running down my face because I knew it was a "very special moment in time" for the two of them. I wish I had a picture to capture that moment, however, I have the memory as I know Tree does as well.
John, your smile, spirit and soul are still with us and will remain forever.
May your Memory be for a Blessing, Love, Ellen
Going thru his cell phone today, I found this selfie and am not certain he even knew he took it! Love this guy!!!
We had planned a 50s party and it was to occur the Saturday after the tragedy. We considered canceling it but many people said we needed a diversion so the party happened. Neighbors Lou and Shirley Berger entertained us with music and karaoke and we all sang patriotic songs. It was a healing moment for many of us and as usual, John led the festivities!
Dear friends John and Kitty from VA celebrating John's 60th birthday on Catalina Island. On the ferry over to the island, John found out his great granddaughter Dawson was born and she was the BEST PRESENT EVER!!!
This is Grandpa and his great granddaughter Dawson. She was born on his 60th birthday in 2001. We were blessed to visit Grandpa and Yvette in San Diego to celebrate these two. Dawson enjoyed getting to love on her Grandpa here. What a pair. Life is all about these kinds of beautiful moments.
Grandpa was teaching how to dance.
This picture warms my heart.
Balloon Release at Memorial Park in Memphis for Trace's 1st Birthday. Trace was Grandpa's great grandson, whom we lost from SIDS.
I told John that when I see a double contrail it would be my sign that he was fine. Double contrail because my WWII and Korean Conflict Marine Corps pilot Dad was my first. As an over, over, over achiever, John showed me three...1 for each of us!!!
Some men are not too crazy about their in-laws but John was an extremely unique and loving person. He actually coordinated and executed their relocation from cold Columbus, Ohio to sunny San Diego in 2005.
It was a sunny weekend in June of 1985 at the base of Sleeping Giant Mountain. The Quinnipaic campus was beautifully decorated and it was perfect weather for a graduation. As we left "The Hill" and proceeded down Dorm Rd. a man with a military gate was proceeding in the other direction. He had a huge smile on his face, and looked at my walking partner with both love and admiration. He hugged her and kissed her and we proceeded toward the main campus. As we arrived at the court yard where the graduation ceremony was to take place I looked just behind us to where the flagpole was. At the base of the flagpole was a car with a huge red ribbon wrapped around it. Noone knew who's car it was. At the end of the ceremony he walked Tree over to the flagpole and gave her the keys.
Tree, I knew from that day forward that what I was in for LoL.
After Papa Bill and Nana Billie went ACONUS...Above the Continental United States, the family enjoyed a week long, laughter-filled celebration.
John's Great Dane Great-Great Grand Dog!
Making beautiful (???) music together at neighbor Lou and Shirley Berger''s home.
4th of July 2000 when Kelsey, Cole and "CB" visited San Diego for the first time with their parents Steve and Janice....they were NOT in Kansas anymore!!!
On Coronado at the beach at the naval base, John "played", gathered sea shells, and even went into the water with the girls to show them how to use a boogie board!!! A memory both girls cherished and relayed to UJ before he went ACONUS....Above the Continental United States.
What does a son-in-law get a retired CPA and Marine Corps bomber pilot (WWII and Korea) who has "almost" everything...a flight simulator....ABSOLUTE BEST PRESENT EVER !!!!
RB, Margie and Linda at the Maryland shore for a fun-filled, firework spectacular weekend wedding. What a unique and gorgeous blended Jewish-Buddhist ceremony.
5 of the 8 siblings and their spouses were able to meet in South Carolina to celebrate a milestone birthday. They were joined by several grand children and great grandchildren.
I only met John and Yvette in 2009. John's positive attitude and joy for life were quickly evident, despite his health issues. Immediately I understood what special friends the Figs are. I had to get his blessing to marry my wife and fortunately he acquiesced.
One of our highlights was slow dancing with John at Jamie Biben's wedding. I don't think either of us would have made the album if we weren't holding hands.
What I admire and remember most was that he never complained and was always smiling and positive. We miss you already Fig!
Dad and his son, David painted this together.
John helped to collect 8,700 pairs of shoes to increase awareness and represent the number of homeless people in San Diego county. He unknowingly started with his own closet and made a major impact there!!
Sister-in-law Betty gave these shirts to Tony and John as a joke one time when they were visiting in San Diego. She dared them to wear the shirts together at the same time when we went out to dinner. Well, here is the result of that dare....I certainly hope these gents are NOT wearing these in heaven!!!
This is the house the Fig's lived in during their time spent on the Gulf Coast in the 1970's... Antoinette there 35 years later ....
Was my honor to board the Midway with Airman "Beans" Boodro and "Master Chief" Fig ... Great War Stories of a generation lost
Grandpa carved a heck of a pumpkin on his last Halloween - Oct 2016
Soooo excited that we were able to complete John's Memorial wall!!!
Glad his hair isn't getting messed up!!
Ali is soooooo talented!!!
What a fun time at the wedding!!!!
I always teased John that he reminded me of ventriloquist Jeff Dunham's character, Walter.
