(SNES) Re: (FDO) The Death of George F. Bliven

[Timetrav2@webtv.net (Andy and Barry)]

Hello Les

I am very sorry to hear this sad news.  I have never met George but it
is obvious to me from hearing you speak of him many times,  that he was
a "Nice Guy" and the driving force behind FDO as well as the park. I am
sure his achievements well be a testament of how much he will be missed,
but on the other hand they will also be the reasons why he will not be
forgotten.

I am sorry you have lost a good friend as well as the number one
supporter of all that is good in Ninigret Park.

May stars be forever in your eyes,

Barry

http://community.webtv.net/Timetrav2/TIMETRAVELERS
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Message-ID: <000e01c26013$840413a0$5ff20044@ri.cox.net>
From: "Les Coleman" <les11@cox.net>
To: "SNE Gazers" <snegazers@brainiac.com>, "FDO List"
  <FDO-list@frostydrew.org>
Subject: (FDO) The Death of George F. Bliven
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 15:34:04 -0400
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Reply-To: joe@frostydrew.org

Dear Friends,

George F. Bliven, the President of the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund, the parent
organization of the Observatory passed away Monday evening September 16,
2002 after a sudden illness.  Everyone at the Observatory who knew George
admired and respected him greatly.  His wisdom, far sightedness,
philanthropy are the reason why Ninigret Park, the Nature Center, the
Observatory, the Senior Citizen Center, and the Children's Park named after
him exist today.  He was instrumental in thwarting plans that would have
converted the old Naval Air Station into a nuclear power plant.

I cannot tell how deeply I feel the loss of George to me personally and to
the entire Frosty Drew organization.  I was away for the first three days of
this week and did not return until this afternoon, unfortunately too late to
let any of you know about the funeral or the ceremony held to honor him this
morning.  I am so sorry that I was unable to give any of you notice of
George's passing before now.

George has received numerous awards, including the Navel Air Medal and the
Gold Star for his service as a Naval Aviator during the Second World War, a
Congressional Citation from the House of Representatives, the Paul Harris
Fellow of Rotary, and the Feinstein Merit Award for his service to the state
of Rhode Island and to the Town of Charlestown.

I would be remiss if I did not recount the way I first really got to know
George.  We had met briefly for a few times but did not know each other
well.  At the Observatory, a very hot summer day melted some adhesive that
held the right angle secondary mirror on our telescope, allowing it to drop
on the primary causing irreparable damage to both surfaces of our 12"
telescope.  I was given the job of researching alternatives.  While
replacing the mirrors was possible, we needed an ability to point the
equipment rapidly to allow visitors to spend time at the telescope.  I went
with Art Guarino to discuss the problem with George.  George listened
politely but didn't seem to be very positive.  Yet in the scant 20 minutes
from the end of the meeting until I returned home, George lined up the funds
for our current Meade 16" telescope, computers, CCD equipment, software and
what have you.  I learned then and there that with George's support
obstacles seem to disappear.

We have lost a wonderful man and a great friend.  The family has requested
in lieu of flowers, that donations be to the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund, P.O.
Box 160, Charlestown, RI 02813.

Leslie S. Coleman
Director Frosty Drew Observatory
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