Guest Book

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Carol Schillaci-Adame

11/25/2007

Dear Marty and Mary, I'm so very sorry for your loss. It's always so difficult to deal with this sort of thing, especially when people say "oh he had a long and wonderful life" which is true and all but from experience, I just lost my dear Mom 3 1/2 years ago and it was somewhat unexpected, she was 72 years young and although she did have some medical problems, all under control, something went wrong. It still hurts very much no matter how old they were. We're never prepared for the end of a loved one's life, never fully prepared. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Sincerely Carol of Moss Beach and a Princeton Seafood happy customer along with my son Brendan.

Shirley

11/17/2007

From my Daddy's arms to yours ... Till the end of time I'll love you Sweetheart

Brian, Margo and Michael Zarker

11/15/2007

We will always be grateful to Harry and Shirley for giving us their son, who has been such a wonderful friend. Our friendship with your family has always been very special to us. We have happy memories of Harry, but wish we had the chance to know him better. We have just listened to the tape Harry made for his grandchildren, and were so impressed by the story he told, and that fact that he loved them enough to tell it. What a valuable gift! God bless him and rest his soul.

Karen (Trail, OR (formerly El Granada, CA)

11/14/2007

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. (submitted October 31, 2007)

Dollli Hendrickson (Jacksonville, OR)

11/14/2007

Harry, how I am going to miss you!!! You were so positive about life, including the leaves falling needing to be raked and the birds (which you loved) pooing all over my stuff. How I laughed at your good morning quips as I came out in the mornings. You are a beautiful person inside and out and I can hear Our Lord saying, "Well done, Harry, well done." Yes, I will miss you !!!! Dolli, next door. (submitted October 31, 2007)

Sharon & Paul Becker (Jacksonville, OR)

11/14/2007

Shirley, we became acquainted with you and Harry only a short time ago, but we will miss him and miss hearing his clever quips. You are in our hearts and prayers. (submitted October 31, 2007)

Jeri Thurkow (North Bend, OR)

11/14/2007

I'll always remember Harry's enthusiasm for life. I had no idea you folks had moved to Oregon...we've been here for over 4 years now! I know there's a special place in Heaven for someone with Harry's talents and zest. Shirley, you're in our prayers with love, Jeri and Glenn Thurkow (submitted November 4, 2007)

D.J. Ken Steely (Ukiah, CA)

11/14/2007

I first met Harry when I was a member of the Ukiah / Raley's Crossroads Shopping Center Promotions Committee in Ukiah, California. The year was 1992 and Harry approached me with an idea for a Pumpkin Festival in Ukiah like the one in Half Moon Bay. Only because our promotions committee was winding down and coming to an end (after a six year run), did we not take Harry up on his idea. Many times I have observed the great success of Ukiah's Country Pumpkinfest and wondered whatever became of Harry Botham. This very year on Sunday at the Pumpkinfest I thought of Harry as I rode the little train, walked through the scarecrows and observed the many vendors lining School Street. I kind of chuckled to myself wondering if Harry had ever had the recent opportunity to see the success of what he helped create at the Ukiah Country Pumpkinfest. I'm very happy to read today that he was able to visit the Pumpkinfest last year and see his vision in action! I only had the opportunity to meet with Harry a few times at Zack's Restaurant in Ukiah to discuss his idea for a Half Moon Bay style Pumpkin Fest. But I can still remember Harry vividly and I admired his enthusiasm, wit and charm. Each year I will always think of Harry Botham and admire his vision as I attend future Ukiah Country Pumpkinfest's with my family. Thank you Harry and Shirley Botham for giving Ukiah the Ukiah Country Pumpkinfest tradition. (written November 5, 2007)

Obituary from Ukiah Daily Journal

11/14/2007

Harry Botham, former 12 year resident of Ukiah passed away Oct. 28, 2007 at the age of 82 in Jacksonville Oregon. Harry's interesting life included being a P.O.W. in W.W.II in the Royal Canadian army, owning a seafood restaurant in Half Moon Bay and developing the Ukiah Country Pumpkinfest. After watching Half Moon Bay's Pumpkinfest grow into the largest Calif. festival of its kind, Harry believed that Mendocino Co. would be fertile Pumpkin ground. He put on an one day event in 1993 in the Safeway Parking lot; and with support from friends sold the city of Ukiah on the event. The first city sponsored Pumpkinfest began in 1994 with Harry on the steering committee. Harry and Shirley, beloved wife of 60 years, visited the 2006 Pumpkinfest and were delighted to see the growth from a few hundred to thousands. The Botham Family can be contacted at Royal Mobile Estates 1055 N. 5th st. #104, Jacksonville OR 97530.

Jackie Bullen

11/14/2007

Hi Les, I am honored to have shared in your Dad's memory. My time has never been better spent. I wish I could tell you my favorite part. Unfortunately, I was so touched by many parts...the song he sang, the story dedicated to his grandchildren, the picture of him on his bike as a youngster. Listening to his voice, seeing his pictures (picking out you, Bonnie, your sons and grandsons!) has brought me to tears in a marvelous way! I am really touched beyond expression. I feel like I am now connected with you and your family in a way I never imagined or thought possible. I cannot fully express my gratitude to your father for the legacy he left and the many ways he spread his Christ Light...I can clearly see that light shining through you...and Philip and Payton...and I thank you for that...and as I am writing this I am remembering the Christmas Alex (who I really don't know that well) came to help with the photos of the kids and how when I looked in his eyes, I saw that spark of divinity...now I understand where it all began. Les, I know this has impacted me deeply and for that I am so grateful...thank you God. With love and endless gratitude, Jackie Bullen (friend from Unity Church of Denver)

Suzanne Carter

11/14/2007

Dear Harry, Though I never had the privilege of knowing you personally; I see your big heart shining through in your son, Leslie. Thank you for being such a wonderful father ..............Les blesses the world by being himself and allowing his heart to guide him in so many matters in life and especially those at the Unity Church of Denver. I pray knowing that you are embraced by the Divine; and in dear sweet memories, you are still blessing your loved ones on earth. Sincerely, Suzanne Carter, M.A., Associate Minister, Unity Church of Denver

Holly Horwood

11/04/2007

As a child, I was firmly convinced Uncle Harry was the tallest person in the world. Harry's frame seemed even taller by his slim build. Through my child's eyes it appeared as if he would scrape the top of doors whenever the family was together at Christmas parties, or visited us in Maple Ridge. I recall him bending over to chat with me, always with the most wonderful smile. He had a gentle, kind demeanor that was instantly endearing. As I grew older, I beccame aware through family stories, of Uncle Harry's ordeal during World War Two, his capture and internment. Survival must have required an enormous strength of character and personal faith. When I last saw Uncle Harry and Shirley some three years ago for dinner at Bridges Restaurant in Vancouver, Harry was still the gentle, caring individual of his younger years. Although struggling with serious health issues, he exuded warmth and a generosity of spirit. His lovely smile was still there. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and all the family. With loving hugs, Holly (neice) and Peter Horwood, Vancouver, Canada

Kathy Spencer

11/04/2007

I will miss Uncle Harry. I am so sorry for your loss Aunty Shirley. My prayers are with you and your family. God bless Love Kathleen

Michael Ivany

11/04/2007

Uncle Harry as I know him was a kind and special person. When we were all together, he would always ask and be genuinely interested in how I was doing, how my wife Paulette and our children, Duane, Kendra and Daniel are doing. I can remember countless times just sitting down and chatting. He always had that special handshake, I never quite mastered it but it was a great! He could identify with young and old. He always had good things to say about his beautiful bride, Shirley, their children, Les, Arlene and Martin and then a tribute to his Grandchildren. He had lots of love to give and his smiling face always showed it. He shared many memories about the earlier days when he and Shirley were married, the times spent with Aunty Shirley's brothers and sisters and their families. He was proud to be an American and a Canadian and we are blessed and proud to have had him as a relation in this family of ours. Thanks for everything Uncle Harry, and for those things you will continue to do through those you have touched. Although you have left your family and us, fond memories of you will be in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and love are sent to the Botham family at this time of your loss. Take care and God Bless You All. Mike, Paulette and Family

La Vohn Waddell

11/03/2007

Y'know, Harry, you made me feel like such a special person. That's because you were so special! Your willingness to help and to bring your ideas; your joy; and your laughter to our RME programs touched every life around you. Thank both you and Shirley for touching mine! La Vohn

Ron Larson

11/02/2007

I have a lifetime of memories spanning over lives and states and time. Growing up in San Mateo, California, sharing of family vacations and activities - Larson/Botham activities, remodeling the Botham house, sharing bedrooms, expanding into the garage, Scouting together, both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, sharing all kinds of weird times at Auntie Ellen's ranch, vacationing with banners surrounding the entire campsite!, living in the Botham house for my last week of high school. How do I describe "growing up together" as Les and I did with "Uncle Harry" keeping us both on the "straight and narrow"?? And life goes on, about 10 years later, when one day I stopped by the Hungry Whale restaurant in Nehalem, Oregon, and who greets me but Harry and Shirley! What a set-up of a surprise for my parents! And wonderful memories of a great reunion the first part of this year, 2007, with Harry, Shirley, Les and Bonnie while sharing lunch on the bay in Wheeler, OR. Thanks, Harry, for all of the advice, correction and guidance to this young kid all the way to this old guy today. You are a huge part of who I am today. Thanks for the memories and thanks for a lifetime together.

Vi Golightly

11/02/2007

Harry was a light in our park. Always a smile and a little funny line or two. He and his bride were an inspiration to me for what marriage was all about. He will be missed walking with his little Minnie Mouse. We loved you, Harry My prayers are with you, Shirley and family. Vi Golightly

Leo Stevenson

11/01/2007

I remember, with gratitude, the time we spent at the reunions and getting to know all the Botham's. Harry was always kind to everyone and a Patriarch of a great family. Our hearts go out to you all and you are in our prayers. Leo & Rebecca

Joyce Anderson

10/31/2007

Harry was a wonderful, sweet person. Never said a bad word about anybody. Always smiling and I will miss him.

I will miss you Harry.

Sean Reeves

10/30/2007

My grandfather was a motivator to everyone he came in contact with. He was determined to seek information about the world and to make it a better place. He was a great listener and always encouraged me to seek my dreams and challenge myself. He was a role model citizen who fought for his country, held as a Prisoner of War, and didn't expect anything in return. He volunteered and contributed to his community every chance he had. I will miss his enthusiasm for learning and hope to share my life with my wife Kristen for as many successful years as he has done with Shirley. I love you Grandpa.

Bonnie Botham

10/30/2007

I have lots of memories of "Pop" who welcomed me and my 2 year old son into the family with wide open arms and heart 33 years ago when I married Leslie. I will miss him very much.