On Thursday, September 23, 2021, the Veterans Center held a lunch and memorial service honoring two of our long time attendees.  These two were Douglas Duane Ellington and Gene Paul Cornthwaite.  Both men were loyal and helpful regular attendees of the Center, and were among the most active in helping out whenever needed.

Doug was active in most events, often handling announcements at luncheons (which we conduct twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and as an accomplished musician, he provided music at special events and sometimes just to lift the spirits of whoever happened to be around.  Doug was a quick wit as well and humor was a part of his everyday demeanor.  He will be sorely missed.

Gene was a quiet man, but extremely sincere and helpful with projects here at the Center and was a driving force in helping to facilitate the new bathroom project we took on a couple of years back.  His extensive knowledge of construction played a very helpful part in planning as well as execution in making that endeavor a success.  You couldn't ask for a better friend to the group, and he will also be very missed.

Below are two tributes, written by loved ones as noted.  Each will give you greater insight into the two men.  You can click on the pictures to enlarge and make it easier to read.

A poem loved by Doug:  

I'm Free, Author Unknown

"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, 
I'm following paths God made for me.

I took his hand I heard him call, 
Then turned, and bid farewell to all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to sing, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way, 
I found my peace...at close of play.

And if my parting left a void, 
Then fill it with remembered joy. 

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, 
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened...deep with sorrow, 
I wish you sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full I've savored much.
Good friends, good times, A loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, 
Don't lengthen it now with grief.

Lift up your hearts and share with me, 
God wants me now...He set me free"

The service and invocation was conducted by Veterans Community Center Chaplain, Pastor Brad Gunter of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Roseville.

About 25 were in attendance for the ceremony which was catered by Hewlett Packard volunteers who brought in BBQ lunch prepared by Back Forty BBQ in Roseville.  It was both popular and much appreciated.

Also present for the ceremony was the traditional "Missing Man Table" presentation, also narrated by Pastor Brad.  Below are photos of the table and the meaning of everything present on the display.

Another of our talented Vets, J.R. Evans, played his harmonica to a couple of tunes to honor the two as well and to lift the spirits of all in attendance.  

It was a nice tribute to these two men, a Celebration of their Lives, and they will both be missed and remembered for their contributions to this group and this place, our Veterans Community Center.