In memoriam

It was with great sorrow I received the message that my astronomical friend and travel mate, Eckart Fuchs, died in a car crash at Dovrefjell November 2nd at an age of 52. Our astronomy club has lost a great resource and a good friend.

The night before his funeral three of us gathered at our observing site. The sky was clear and we made it a memorial observing session, reviewing many of Eckart's favourite objects.

We shall return to this place many times in the future. It is hard to imagine that Eckart no longer will be with us. We are going to miss his enthusiasm about equipment and telescope construction and joy of observing the beautiful universe.

Inge S

My condolences, Inge. This week I learned of the loss of David LeVine, a wonderful man and enthusiastic observer I met through my observing friend, Bob Kirschenmann. When I read that your group observed many of Eckart's favorite objects, I thought of David's love of M92. I will not observe M92 again without thinking of David. At the Texas Star Party David introduced me to eating chile rellenos at the Mexican restaurant in Fort Davis. I won't eat chile rellenos without remembering him, either. David kidded Bob and I so much about having gone to the rattlesnake museum in Fort Davis. I think he thought the rattlesnakes might not be the most dangerous aspect of visiting this particular establishment. I suspect that both Eckart and David will take great delight when we who remain pause after a particularly stunning observation and remember them, or think "I wish they could have seen this." When we think such thoughts, they will be observing with us.

This is a heavy blow for me too.

Dmitri

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Please accept my condolences Inge. My mom passed away last year and she was the one that fueled my passion for the stars. Whenever I'm at my scope I feel her presence still with me; my observing brings me still close to her, physically looking up into space, and in my memory and heart. I have a feeling this may be similar to what you may feel.

Dad lives with us passing through the final and difficult stages of cancer and though he never shared our passion for the stars, he understands; the scope and Family becoming one, aimed to the heavens.

Thank you all for your warm sympathy.

His excellent 18-inch scope was probably completely damaged in the crash. He completed a deal with a young amateur astronomer living in Trondheim, and was on his way to deliver the scope when the accident happened.

A telescope that can be bought for money, however great it is, becomes an unimportant matter in this perspective.

Inge S

Inge,

Words seem inadequate in times like these...But I'll do my best. I watched my father pass at the age of 63 almost 3 years ago. It is taking a long time to heal. At first my thoughts were consumed by what I wanted: I wanted my father back. In time, however, I was able to realize a different perspective. What if it had be me instead of him (my father). What would I want? This made it more clear. Gone from this earth I would be fine. But I would have great concern for my loved ones. I would want my dad, my mom, my wife, my son & daughter, etc. to experience joy and share love in their lives. Carrying out what I know would be his greatest wish too is perhaps the ultimate tribute to him. I see it as a gift he gave me.

The musician, Dave Matthews, has a beautiful song which does well to portray Jesus as an ordinary person called the Christmas Song. "When you eat this bread and drink this wine think of me....."

Sometimes I think, "What if it really is just that simple?" Love, joy and compassion in memory of those that go before us does in a way allow them to live forever. I personally think God is way to big for one religion or this pebble we inhabit...but I can still appreciate beautiful aspects of spirituality that hold meaning for me. I hope this somehow helps you.

With deep sympathy & love,

David