FAMILY
My mother, Peggy, came with her own complications. Seems that Peggy was born
Margaret Agnes Harrison (take note of the formal name). Really? Mother was called
Peggy, which is very correct for a girl named Margaret in the English (British) heritage.
So the Peggy and Earl Voogd that lived on Emerson Street were actually Margaret and
Clarence Voogd. Who would have guessed?
Mother was the oldest child of five born to Joe and Anne Harrison. By the way, my
mother's dad was really David Joseph...go figure. And, before you start assuming that
is why I am David...that, again is another story. My Grandpa Harrison was legally
David, but my Grandmother Voogd's father was also David. Big family controversy...it
has always been assumed I was named after David Rose.
Mother had two sisters, Joann and Kathy, and two brothers, Tom and Bill. We shared
five boy cousins and two girl cousins on my mother's side...sorta. Told you life was
confusing. My dad's younger brother, Homer, and my mother's younger sister, Kathy,
married... meaning that two of my cousin's have dual cousinship? Anyway...it is a bit
odd, but legal.
Grandpa Joe, who had tons of medical problems and smoked like a chimney, died when I
was 19. My Grandma Harrison, who's maiden name was Woodhead, died when I was in
my 40's, on the exact same day (only years apart) as my Grandmother Voogd. Odd?
Margaret Agnes Harrison (take note of the formal name). Really? Mother was called
Peggy, which is very correct for a girl named Margaret in the English (British) heritage.
So the Peggy and Earl Voogd that lived on Emerson Street were actually Margaret and
Clarence Voogd. Who would have guessed?
Mother was the oldest child of five born to Joe and Anne Harrison. By the way, my
mother's dad was really David Joseph...go figure. And, before you start assuming that
is why I am David...that, again is another story. My Grandpa Harrison was legally
David, but my Grandmother Voogd's father was also David. Big family controversy...it
has always been assumed I was named after David Rose.
Mother had two sisters, Joann and Kathy, and two brothers, Tom and Bill. We shared
five boy cousins and two girl cousins on my mother's side...sorta. Told you life was
confusing. My dad's younger brother, Homer, and my mother's younger sister, Kathy,
married... meaning that two of my cousin's have dual cousinship? Anyway...it is a bit
odd, but legal.
Grandpa Joe, who had tons of medical problems and smoked like a chimney, died when I
was 19. My Grandma Harrison, who's maiden name was Woodhead, died when I was in
my 40's, on the exact same day (only years apart) as my Grandmother Voogd. Odd?
So, I am an Aries. My mother was and Aries. I am left handed, my mother was left
handed. I am the middle son...actually, I am the second child of four. Nicky, the oldest,
was born nearly 2 years before me. I am next in line, born on March 28, which was also
my Grandma Harrison's birthday and rumored to be Easter Sunday. Terri, the only girl,
was born almost one year later. I say almost, as Terri and I are the same age for 20
days in March. Close! And Danny, legally named Daniel, was born a little over 2 years
after me.
I attended Kindergarten at Linden Elementary. My family lived on Thurmond Street.
Mid term, my folks bought the house on Emerson Street and I would attend the rest of
my elementary years at Coffeen Elementary (both old and new). I attended Central
Junior High School, which is were I was made aware of social classes, and Sheridan
High School.
I stated that my family was middle-class. I am not sure what defined us as
middle-class, except we got almost anything that we wanted as children and my
parents did not struggle to pay bills. My father started working for the railroad right
after he married my mother, and my mother was a standard housewife for a long
time...later working at NZ Shoes. We were well taken care of as children, and I never
guessed what it would be like to want or need something.
handed. I am the middle son...actually, I am the second child of four. Nicky, the oldest,
was born nearly 2 years before me. I am next in line, born on March 28, which was also
my Grandma Harrison's birthday and rumored to be Easter Sunday. Terri, the only girl,
was born almost one year later. I say almost, as Terri and I are the same age for 20
days in March. Close! And Danny, legally named Daniel, was born a little over 2 years
after me.
I attended Kindergarten at Linden Elementary. My family lived on Thurmond Street.
Mid term, my folks bought the house on Emerson Street and I would attend the rest of
my elementary years at Coffeen Elementary (both old and new). I attended Central
Junior High School, which is were I was made aware of social classes, and Sheridan
High School.
I stated that my family was middle-class. I am not sure what defined us as
middle-class, except we got almost anything that we wanted as children and my
parents did not struggle to pay bills. My father started working for the railroad right
after he married my mother, and my mother was a standard housewife for a long
time...later working at NZ Shoes. We were well taken care of as children, and I never
guessed what it would be like to want or need something.
Growing up David Voogd was interesting. Our family was always surrounded by
animals. Our first family dog was "Bozo", son of Penny whom belonged to Aunt Joann.
Bozo was a beagle and a great family dog. We about lost him living on Emerson
Street, as a car ran him over. But our neighbor was a vet and Bozo lived a long and
happy life...even after I brought home that stray black cat, which never seemed to get
a proper name. I remember my folks inheriting a big dog, black lab - great dane mix,
named Josie...formally The Outlaw Josie Wells. My dad, raised around all types of
animals, had a soft heart for the furry ones. We even named one of our cows after my
mother...Peggy! Interesting how ranch life works...we later ate Peggy the cow.
As a child I was a really good student. I hated sports, my mother wanted me to play
flag football...like my brother...but I hated it. I had broken my arm when I was a young
child, so I was babied just a bit...okay...a lot. Besides...I would have rather been a
cheerleader...but not in those days, and not in that town. So, instead, I developed a
great imagination and lived out so many situations in my mind. I joined the choir,
orchestra (what was I thinking), and learned that I was a natural at swimming. I was
never great at any of them...except swimming.
When I was 9, my brother Dan was diagnosed with diabetes. Life would change some,
as mother dedicated so much time with Dan and pushed that he live a normal life. I
learned how to give him shots, practicing on an orange for a week. I got pretty good.
animals. Our first family dog was "Bozo", son of Penny whom belonged to Aunt Joann.
Bozo was a beagle and a great family dog. We about lost him living on Emerson
Street, as a car ran him over. But our neighbor was a vet and Bozo lived a long and
happy life...even after I brought home that stray black cat, which never seemed to get
a proper name. I remember my folks inheriting a big dog, black lab - great dane mix,
named Josie...formally The Outlaw Josie Wells. My dad, raised around all types of
animals, had a soft heart for the furry ones. We even named one of our cows after my
mother...Peggy! Interesting how ranch life works...we later ate Peggy the cow.
As a child I was a really good student. I hated sports, my mother wanted me to play
flag football...like my brother...but I hated it. I had broken my arm when I was a young
child, so I was babied just a bit...okay...a lot. Besides...I would have rather been a
cheerleader...but not in those days, and not in that town. So, instead, I developed a
great imagination and lived out so many situations in my mind. I joined the choir,
orchestra (what was I thinking), and learned that I was a natural at swimming. I was
never great at any of them...except swimming.
When I was 9, my brother Dan was diagnosed with diabetes. Life would change some,
as mother dedicated so much time with Dan and pushed that he live a normal life. I
learned how to give him shots, practicing on an orange for a week. I got pretty good.
There really was nothing exciting about my early years. I liked school, and had some
great young friends...Dale Gleason, Ronnie Lyons, and Albert Hendrickson (who lived
across the street). I didn't get my first real crush until I was in the 7th grade. It was a
girl named Grechen Fredrickson..surprised! Yes, a girl!! I always wanted to be
popular... like my cousin Anita! She was a cheerleader and really popular. She is a
great cousin.
By time I reached high school...nothing had really changed much. My great Aunt
Bettye had gotten me involved in local theater and I was growing like crazy. By the
time I reached high school I was 6'1" tall and 145 lbs. The only thing I was good for
was zooming in the water. I had a few friends in high school...no crushes...and I
learned what it would mean to be bullied because you were different.
I spent most of my summers off with my god-parents, Roy and Jackie Dygert. I worked
as a swimming pool life guard and sold tickets at the local race car track. I still spent
a lot of time living dreams in my mind.
I actually went to prom! With a girl! Got nominated for Homecoming King...which was
as big a joke to me as it was most of the school...and graduated with honors and a
scholarship. I planned to be an accountant.
great young friends...Dale Gleason, Ronnie Lyons, and Albert Hendrickson (who lived
across the street). I didn't get my first real crush until I was in the 7th grade. It was a
girl named Grechen Fredrickson..surprised! Yes, a girl!! I always wanted to be
popular... like my cousin Anita! She was a cheerleader and really popular. She is a
great cousin.
By time I reached high school...nothing had really changed much. My great Aunt
Bettye had gotten me involved in local theater and I was growing like crazy. By the
time I reached high school I was 6'1" tall and 145 lbs. The only thing I was good for
was zooming in the water. I had a few friends in high school...no crushes...and I
learned what it would mean to be bullied because you were different.
I spent most of my summers off with my god-parents, Roy and Jackie Dygert. I worked
as a swimming pool life guard and sold tickets at the local race car track. I still spent
a lot of time living dreams in my mind.
I actually went to prom! With a girl! Got nominated for Homecoming King...which was
as big a joke to me as it was most of the school...and graduated with honors and a
scholarship. I planned to be an accountant.
So much happened after high school! So much. It was if I found myself...and I liked
what was hidden inside. Modeling, Pageants, College...and, of course, coming out to
the world. My personal life was a haze of activity. I had no real relationships until my
late 20's. I wondered from one life experience to the next. I lived a pretty happy life
and became a part of a large extended family. There was one time during this stage
that I had not seen my parent for nearly 4 years, so I decided to visit. I just
remembered them being so old. Like they had aged overnight. It made me realize, that
I had also aged.
When I left high school, my only real friend was Barbara Vigil. Not that I did not know a
lot of kids in high school, but I would not really call them life long friends. I was
different...and I knew it. Just as I knew that I could never live in Sheridan, Wyoming
again. In my post high school years I directed beauty pageants, which lead to a
fun and relaxed relationship with Sandy Scott, the most popular girl in school, and her
sister Susan. I think they finally got me. And, although life has taken me down an
entirely different road, they actually helped me grow to understand how hard it is to like
the different guy. I was extremely popular in college, which made me realize that being
popular did not always mean being happy. This blur in my family life made me grow up
and become successful. I would trade part of it to spend more quality time with my
mother...but fate is life.
what was hidden inside. Modeling, Pageants, College...and, of course, coming out to
the world. My personal life was a haze of activity. I had no real relationships until my
late 20's. I wondered from one life experience to the next. I lived a pretty happy life
and became a part of a large extended family. There was one time during this stage
that I had not seen my parent for nearly 4 years, so I decided to visit. I just
remembered them being so old. Like they had aged overnight. It made me realize, that
I had also aged.
When I left high school, my only real friend was Barbara Vigil. Not that I did not know a
lot of kids in high school, but I would not really call them life long friends. I was
different...and I knew it. Just as I knew that I could never live in Sheridan, Wyoming
again. In my post high school years I directed beauty pageants, which lead to a
fun and relaxed relationship with Sandy Scott, the most popular girl in school, and her
sister Susan. I think they finally got me. And, although life has taken me down an
entirely different road, they actually helped me grow to understand how hard it is to like
the different guy. I was extremely popular in college, which made me realize that being
popular did not always mean being happy. This blur in my family life made me grow up
and become successful. I would trade part of it to spend more quality time with my
mother...but fate is life.
I really grew to understand love in the two failed relationships in my past. Todd Davis was
my first true and honest love. He was a horse groomer that wanted so much more. I
certainly gave him several years of more and different. Todd always had this need to run,
just like his dad, and one day he ran off to California. My life was crushed. To this day I
still have an emotional attachment to him. We lived a crazy life...money.. no money! He
now lives in Great Falls, MT, and works baking bread. It was the first time that I actually
lived in a relationship...and it was work. This really was my first love, and there are days I
think about how great the early days had been. But I would not give up what the future
brought to live in the past.
Ah...Clint. I think Clint was more of a gold digger. Not that I had a whole lot of cash in
those days, but I had started gaining tons of connections and Clint had a dream to be
famous. He and I never lived together. In fact, there was a whole lot of things we never
did. He was my party boy... and a great guy. I opened some doors for him, and he
eventually succeed at some things. My life began to change so much at the end of this
relationship that I lost track of him. Great guy to look at..
my first true and honest love. He was a horse groomer that wanted so much more. I
certainly gave him several years of more and different. Todd always had this need to run,
just like his dad, and one day he ran off to California. My life was crushed. To this day I
still have an emotional attachment to him. We lived a crazy life...money.. no money! He
now lives in Great Falls, MT, and works baking bread. It was the first time that I actually
lived in a relationship...and it was work. This really was my first love, and there are days I
think about how great the early days had been. But I would not give up what the future
brought to live in the past.
Ah...Clint. I think Clint was more of a gold digger. Not that I had a whole lot of cash in
those days, but I had started gaining tons of connections and Clint had a dream to be
famous. He and I never lived together. In fact, there was a whole lot of things we never
did. He was my party boy... and a great guy. I opened some doors for him, and he
eventually succeed at some things. My life began to change so much at the end of this
relationship that I lost track of him. Great guy to look at..
Interesting that I saw an ad on television that 1 out of every 5 relationships start with
an online dating service. Ours, sorta did! Maui and I have been partners for 10 years.
He really is the center of my life, no matter what wacko thing he thinks of next. Maui
was attracted to me because of my looks and intelligence. He always tells me how
smart I am...and how much he loves me. Maui is like a little kid sometimes, but has
such strong, positive energy, that he attracts people. He is so talented. He took on the
task of helping me in my businesses, and made them all very successful. He is
involved in property investments, music, and helping talented actors. You can find his
music on this website under "SuperStar Maui". Hell, he even named our management
group The Crawford Agency. With any relationship comes the family. Maui's family is as
much my family as they are his. Just as my family, those few left, see Maui as much
their family as they do me. Maui always wanted a little girl...but we got a dog instead.
Our lives are very centered as a family, and we will no doubt live our lives out as a
family unit. We live within blocks of his mother, and see her often. And when in Miami,
our other home, we see his dad.
an online dating service. Ours, sorta did! Maui and I have been partners for 10 years.
He really is the center of my life, no matter what wacko thing he thinks of next. Maui
was attracted to me because of my looks and intelligence. He always tells me how
smart I am...and how much he loves me. Maui is like a little kid sometimes, but has
such strong, positive energy, that he attracts people. He is so talented. He took on the
task of helping me in my businesses, and made them all very successful. He is
involved in property investments, music, and helping talented actors. You can find his
music on this website under "SuperStar Maui". Hell, he even named our management
group The Crawford Agency. With any relationship comes the family. Maui's family is as
much my family as they are his. Just as my family, those few left, see Maui as much
their family as they do me. Maui always wanted a little girl...but we got a dog instead.
Our lives are very centered as a family, and we will no doubt live our lives out as a
family unit. We live within blocks of his mother, and see her often. And when in Miami,
our other home, we see his dad.
So, family life continues to grow and change. Although I never had children, I do have a
Godson, named Chad Dygert. Again, as odd as things happen in my life, Chad is the son of
my Godparents, Roy and Jackie Dygert. He is grown now, and certainly does not need my
spiritual guidence.
Nicky, my brother, has a daughter, name Stephanie. She, too, is an adult now and has a
child of her own. Nick is married to Darlene, better know to us as DJ.
Terri and Nick remain in Sheridan. Terri lives in the house on Emerson Street, which we
grew up in. Nick lives in the same area of Sheridan, with DJ. I, of course, have homes in
Denver, Miami Beach, and New York City. Maui and I get around a bit. So many days I
think I live a perfect life, but at this point I have much compassion for the elements that
life brings.
Godson, named Chad Dygert. Again, as odd as things happen in my life, Chad is the son of
my Godparents, Roy and Jackie Dygert. He is grown now, and certainly does not need my
spiritual guidence.
Nicky, my brother, has a daughter, name Stephanie. She, too, is an adult now and has a
child of her own. Nick is married to Darlene, better know to us as DJ.
Terri and Nick remain in Sheridan. Terri lives in the house on Emerson Street, which we
grew up in. Nick lives in the same area of Sheridan, with DJ. I, of course, have homes in
Denver, Miami Beach, and New York City. Maui and I get around a bit. So many days I
think I live a perfect life, but at this point I have much compassion for the elements that
life brings.
In my life, from childhood to now, animals have always been the stable in my life. I
inherited a great Sheltie, named Rascal from Todd Davis. His nickname was Razz, and
he was the best, sweetest dog. Razz and I survived many hours of loneliness and
learned what re-building life was all about. I think of that time as my transition from
just surviving life to using my real skills to build a real future. Sadly, Razz died of old
age not long after I moved to
Minneapolis. Later came Margaret and
Agnes. My cats, named after my mother - Margaret Agnes Voogd, seemed to give me
real responsibility in my life. The party days soon ended and I learned to be a business
man. And, I began to grow confidence in my skills...and the financial life followed.
Agnes and Marget became well traveled cats, living on the east coast, middle America,
and they eventually ended up in Sheridan, with my Dad. Both were a great comfort to
my father in his last days. Margaret had an insane need for attention...all of the time.
Agnes was always a little less needy, but always made time to share dads favorite
chair. Agnes past first, in a freak accident, Margaret recently past of old age. She was
19 years old and still remained a sweetheart until the end..
And, finally, along came Sheridan. His legal name is Sheridan Emerson Batarse Kafati
Voogd. I was really surprised that no one had used that name with the AKA. I found
Sheridan in a pet store in Indianapolis. He is the center of my life, and has a insane
attachment to Maui. He is a silky terrier, the breed just larger than a Yorkshire. He
has all of the characteristics of a Yorkie, but he is a silky. Maui says that he controls
our lives, but I think that he just has added so much to it. Sheridan has traveled more
than most humans. He goes almost everywhere with us. He is such a great traveler,
and seems to enjoy it. He also has my crazy love of clothing. He has a hugh
wardrobe! Just like his dad... There has never been a time that I have not been
happy to have Sheridan, even potty training. And so many people in our lives have
experienced his great personality. He talks to me on the phone and sings to the piano.
Sheridan is just an amazing animal.
inherited a great Sheltie, named Rascal from Todd Davis. His nickname was Razz, and
he was the best, sweetest dog. Razz and I survived many hours of loneliness and
learned what re-building life was all about. I think of that time as my transition from
just surviving life to using my real skills to build a real future. Sadly, Razz died of old
age not long after I moved to
Minneapolis. Later came Margaret and
Agnes. My cats, named after my mother - Margaret Agnes Voogd, seemed to give me
real responsibility in my life. The party days soon ended and I learned to be a business
man. And, I began to grow confidence in my skills...and the financial life followed.
Agnes and Marget became well traveled cats, living on the east coast, middle America,
and they eventually ended up in Sheridan, with my Dad. Both were a great comfort to
my father in his last days. Margaret had an insane need for attention...all of the time.
Agnes was always a little less needy, but always made time to share dads favorite
chair. Agnes past first, in a freak accident, Margaret recently past of old age. She was
19 years old and still remained a sweetheart until the end..
And, finally, along came Sheridan. His legal name is Sheridan Emerson Batarse Kafati
Voogd. I was really surprised that no one had used that name with the AKA. I found
Sheridan in a pet store in Indianapolis. He is the center of my life, and has a insane
attachment to Maui. He is a silky terrier, the breed just larger than a Yorkshire. He
has all of the characteristics of a Yorkie, but he is a silky. Maui says that he controls
our lives, but I think that he just has added so much to it. Sheridan has traveled more
than most humans. He goes almost everywhere with us. He is such a great traveler,
and seems to enjoy it. He also has my crazy love of clothing. He has a hugh
wardrobe! Just like his dad... There has never been a time that I have not been
happy to have Sheridan, even potty training. And so many people in our lives have
experienced his great personality. He talks to me on the phone and sings to the piano.
Sheridan is just an amazing animal.
Well, this is certainly not the end of the story, but it is most of it. Of course, if you are still not certain that I am the David
Voogd that you knew...here are some key words: NCB, Miss USA, Midco Communications, Club 332, Ford Models, Aperture,
NordicTrack, John Casablancas, Portfolio Men, Productions Plus, IMTA, John Robert Powers, iPOP! That should help!
Family life is really great! My two passions continue to be shopping and christmas decorations. My circle of trusted friends
are extremely important to me. And, finally, my immediate family (including the Great one) have become the focus of my
life. The Voogd women are strong, very strong...and my sister and cousin Anita are the example.
Want to communicate with me...david@davidvoogd.com
Voogd that you knew...here are some key words: NCB, Miss USA, Midco Communications, Club 332, Ford Models, Aperture,
NordicTrack, John Casablancas, Portfolio Men, Productions Plus, IMTA, John Robert Powers, iPOP! That should help!
Family life is really great! My two passions continue to be shopping and christmas decorations. My circle of trusted friends
are extremely important to me. And, finally, my immediate family (including the Great one) have become the focus of my
life. The Voogd women are strong, very strong...and my sister and cousin Anita are the example.
Want to communicate with me...david@davidvoogd.com
I was born in a very middle-class family. Very middle-class! When I think of the
conception of my life, I think I was born at a time that would eventually be part of the
biggest changing generation...the end of the baby-boomers.
Being born in Wyoming was unique enough. Being born with the last name Voogd was
even more of a challenge as I grew up.. Not that Voogd, which is Dutch and has a silent
D on the end is a bad name. It is , however, not Smith or Jones or Larson. It is Voogd!
Pronounced Vogue, like Vogue magazine or the song "Vogue" by Madonna. Impossible to
pronounce to those newcomers, a million times mis-spelled, and the eventual destiny of
my life. Voogd, pronounced Vogue...like the fashion magazine.
conception of my life, I think I was born at a time that would eventually be part of the
biggest changing generation...the end of the baby-boomers.
Being born in Wyoming was unique enough. Being born with the last name Voogd was
even more of a challenge as I grew up.. Not that Voogd, which is Dutch and has a silent
D on the end is a bad name. It is , however, not Smith or Jones or Larson. It is Voogd!
Pronounced Vogue, like Vogue magazine or the song "Vogue" by Madonna. Impossible to
pronounce to those newcomers, a million times mis-spelled, and the eventual destiny of
my life. Voogd, pronounced Vogue...like the fashion magazine.
My parents were the best. My father was the son of a upper middle-class family...if
there were such a classification in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was born, was educated,
lived his entire life, and died in Sheridan. At the time that he met my mother, he was a
mechanic...and a good one. Plagued with childhood health problems...dad was now a
good wage earner and in search of a wife and eventual family. He started to date my
mother, who had yet to finish high school, and realized she must have been the one.
Mother was from a poor family, a very poor family. I think out of desperation, she
married my father before having the chance to complete high school. Although years
later she would eventually get her GED.
there were such a classification in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was born, was educated,
lived his entire life, and died in Sheridan. At the time that he met my mother, he was a
mechanic...and a good one. Plagued with childhood health problems...dad was now a
good wage earner and in search of a wife and eventual family. He started to date my
mother, who had yet to finish high school, and realized she must have been the one.
Mother was from a poor family, a very poor family. I think out of desperation, she
married my father before having the chance to complete high school. Although years
later she would eventually get her GED.
My dad was said to have movie star good looks. It is always amazing to me that people
say that...then so many of my friends see old pictures of him and think that it is me.
Thanks!
As I grew up my parents were always known to everyone as Peggy and Earl. Peggy and
Earl Voogd. My dad's real name was Clarence Earl Voogd. His brother, my Uncle Stan,
always called him Clarence-E...which I never understood, and the name plate on our
front door was C.E. Voogd. There were three (3) Earl Voogd's living in Sheridan. I had a
great uncle Earl, brother to my Grandfather, his son, Earl Voogd, Junior, and my
dad...who really was not Earl. My Grandmother Voogd disliked my great uncle Earl and
his family, so we had very little to do with them. I sure spent a lot of time in my
childhood explaining who my dad was. My dad was the middle boy of three...boys!
Stanley, Clarance, and Homer, Junior, who really was not a junior, but that's a whole
different story. All grew up, married, and remained in Sheridan. I share five cousins on
the Voogd side...3 boys and 2 girls.
My dad's folks...Homer and Jesse...remained on the family ranch for my entire life.
Grandmother had a stroke and died when I was in my early 20's. Grandfather died of
prostate cancer and old age when I was nearly 40.
say that...then so many of my friends see old pictures of him and think that it is me.
Thanks!
As I grew up my parents were always known to everyone as Peggy and Earl. Peggy and
Earl Voogd. My dad's real name was Clarence Earl Voogd. His brother, my Uncle Stan,
always called him Clarence-E...which I never understood, and the name plate on our
front door was C.E. Voogd. There were three (3) Earl Voogd's living in Sheridan. I had a
great uncle Earl, brother to my Grandfather, his son, Earl Voogd, Junior, and my
dad...who really was not Earl. My Grandmother Voogd disliked my great uncle Earl and
his family, so we had very little to do with them. I sure spent a lot of time in my
childhood explaining who my dad was. My dad was the middle boy of three...boys!
Stanley, Clarance, and Homer, Junior, who really was not a junior, but that's a whole
different story. All grew up, married, and remained in Sheridan. I share five cousins on
the Voogd side...3 boys and 2 girls.
My dad's folks...Homer and Jesse...remained on the family ranch for my entire life.
Grandmother had a stroke and died when I was in my early 20's. Grandfather died of
prostate cancer and old age when I was nearly 40.
David Rose
Life has it's ah-ha moments, and I certainly have had plenty of them. Life, also, has
those times that you think that a black cloud would never go away. Mine started on
December 15, 1997. Mother had been sick and dad had taken her to Sheridan Memorial
Hospital a week earlier. The morning of December 15, 1997, my Grandfather Voogd died
in a nursing home of old age. That afternoon, mother was taken off of life support and
also passed. Odd, just seemed to be a process in my life. I can only tell you of the great
amount of sadness that continues to haunt me. My great aunt Bettye Harrison and my
dad's brother Stan championed the family and keep us from completely falling apart. I
never thought I could feel such empty sadness. Almost one month later, January 28,
1998, Stan would die playing racket ball at the Sheridan YMCA. Dan had come down
very sick with his diabetes, which had advanced to the loss of the use of his kidney's.
My sister, Terri, now advanced to the strength of the family. Danny survived, as he had
done so many other times. Eventually, March 14, 2001, he would leave us. Terri and I
were very prepared, as Dan had almost left us several times. Tough times had taken all
my grandparents, mother, and now Dan.
Finally, just when life could not test us again, dad was diagnosed with dementia. Aunt
Lucy had been diagnosed with Alzhelmer just a year earlier. Lucy lived in Denver, close
to Anita and Kara. We, instead, saw our dad disappear. By god's will, he finally passed
on October 11, 2008. Aunt Lucy past in December of 2010.
those times that you think that a black cloud would never go away. Mine started on
December 15, 1997. Mother had been sick and dad had taken her to Sheridan Memorial
Hospital a week earlier. The morning of December 15, 1997, my Grandfather Voogd died
in a nursing home of old age. That afternoon, mother was taken off of life support and
also passed. Odd, just seemed to be a process in my life. I can only tell you of the great
amount of sadness that continues to haunt me. My great aunt Bettye Harrison and my
dad's brother Stan championed the family and keep us from completely falling apart. I
never thought I could feel such empty sadness. Almost one month later, January 28,
1998, Stan would die playing racket ball at the Sheridan YMCA. Dan had come down
very sick with his diabetes, which had advanced to the loss of the use of his kidney's.
My sister, Terri, now advanced to the strength of the family. Danny survived, as he had
done so many other times. Eventually, March 14, 2001, he would leave us. Terri and I
were very prepared, as Dan had almost left us several times. Tough times had taken all
my grandparents, mother, and now Dan.
Finally, just when life could not test us again, dad was diagnosed with dementia. Aunt
Lucy had been diagnosed with Alzhelmer just a year earlier. Lucy lived in Denver, close
to Anita and Kara. We, instead, saw our dad disappear. By god's will, he finally passed
on October 11, 2008. Aunt Lucy past in December of 2010.
If everything in life were easy, it would make it boring. I am currently
under treatment for an experimental drug being produced in Canada to treat
my pancreatic cancer. Although each battle is tough, and I mean real
tough, and my body is weak and wore out, I continue the fight. I believe the
war will be won and I want to contribute to the success of this study.
Besides, the other choice is certain death. I have had an awful journey to
this point, and the support of so many voices from my past and present
have given me hope. The treatment, although only preliminary, has shown
signs of success. I have accepted my fate, but still get emotionally
overcome by the possible future. Fighting is the only answer and pain is
just the weakness leaving my body. Someday I hope to say "I am a cancer
survivor".
under treatment for an experimental drug being produced in Canada to treat
my pancreatic cancer. Although each battle is tough, and I mean real
tough, and my body is weak and wore out, I continue the fight. I believe the
war will be won and I want to contribute to the success of this study.
Besides, the other choice is certain death. I have had an awful journey to
this point, and the support of so many voices from my past and present
have given me hope. The treatment, although only preliminary, has shown
signs of success. I have accepted my fate, but still get emotionally
overcome by the possible future. Fighting is the only answer and pain is
just the weakness leaving my body. Someday I hope to say "I am a cancer
survivor".
Voogd
| Earl |
| Peggy |
| Anita Voogd |
| Todd |
| Clint |
| MAUI! |
Chad