Wow! Pledge total to date is $540. I've made arrangments for a few extra rockets, looks like we're going to get a 10" for the final blast too, awesome if I do say so, John would approve!! Costs will go over $600, I'll update with final figure in the next couple of days. For anybody who has not ...

Agree Voodmon,
We're going let him go, this is just goodbye.

Hi all. Collecting the funds seemed like it might be problematic. What I'm going to try and do is put a gallon honey jar at the Park Headquarters ( 100 Cook Street ) where John worked so everyone can just stop by a drop in their contributions. I have to get this authorized tomorrow. I'll post when i...

We've got 5 pledges totaling $185 so far. 21 other people are "in". Total projected cost = $600 - $185 = $415 / 21 = $19.76 ($20.00) each If anybody else wants to make a pledge just post it. I'm still working with the pyro trying to push the envelope on mortar size. The bigger the mortar t...

I'm in for $50

Met with Don from AFA Fireworks tonight, we're planning Finlayson Point for the set up & launch site. We can rope off everything south of the sidewalk. Plan for an evening BBQ/pot luck/beers, wait till dark & let er rip... 55 ( one for each of Johnny's years) smaller white flares, then all 5...

We need a licensed pyrotechnician to buy this stuff & sadly he reqiures a permit & liability insurance to set it off. I'm meeting him today to scope out a site, I'm hoping for a beach launch somewhere between the stairs. The permit requirements are 300' clear all around so Clover or Holland ...

Hi all, Thanks for the excellent response. I'm working with the pyro guy to make certain we get permits. No dates yet, how about May/June when the weather's warmer. Permit may take awhile, will keep you all posted. I'll post a collection point for funds when we're all in. Anybody with complimentary ...

There's a plan in the works to spread Johnny Read's ashes at Cook St. John's spoken wish was to go out with a bang, the bigger the better!! With this in mind we are planning for a professional pyrotechnician to be on hand to launch 5 X 5" rockets, these will get about 500' of "air" be...

John talking about the early days at Nitinat when a full house was a dozen people. I remember them well John...sometimes like yesterday... wish you were here to reminisce about the old days my friend... we all miss you. Posted by Johnny Read May 2006 Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 8:45 am Post subject: Be...

Memories of Johnny Read, I've know John longer than I can remember, we worked together at Coastline Tree Service, a job I got him that for better or worse shaped much of his career. Things often fell near John. One day he was roped into a big oak tree, there was a loud crack the trunk spilt and half...