Update on Preacher John celebration

From Dean Loumos:

Upon hearing and talking from many people we decided that the day and location were not convenient and too small to hold the anticipated crowd.  The location and day and time are the following;

Sunday, August 7, 4:00 to 10:00 at Burrows Park on 25 Burrows Rd.  – The Park is off of N. Sherman near the Clock Shop.

There will be food and drinks provided but we would like people to bring a dish to pass.

At the celebration there will be time for people to make comments throughout the evening and I am anticipating numerous toasts.  John wished to be cremated and his ashes will be in attendance.  His good friend Danny Cain will be leaving the next day to deliver his ashes to Independence Pass in Colorado.  Anyone who would like to make that trip can begin to make those arrangements and can finalize them with Danny or you can contact me and I will fill you in. 

There will also be an Obit soon in the paper with these details as well as a feature article next week in the Cap Times about Housing Initiatives that will mention John’s contribution to our organization prominently.  If you have any questions please email back or you can call me at 608 332 2095.  I’m hoping to see as many of you as can make it on the 7^th.  I’m sure John would appreciate such a gathering,

PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG TO PEOPLE YOU KNOW WHO WOULD WANT TO COME.  I AM POSITIVE THAT I DO NOT HAVE EVERYONES EMAIL ADDRESS HERE.  THANKS.

Dean Loumos

Doug "Preacher John" Pracko, in memoriam

Below is a note on the passing of Doug “Preacher John” Pracko – our longtime lead maintenance staffer. Preacher died last night after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 61.

Along with the work he did for Housing Initiatives, Preacher will be remembered for his kindness and unbound humanity. This made him many friends with the staff and others in the homeless services community and allowed him to develop a special rapport with our clients.


 

From: Dean Loumos [mailto:dloumos@housinginit.org]
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 2:20 PM
To: Dean Loumos
Subject: My friend Preacher John passed

Last night about 8:30 John passed.  He had been in a lot of pain the last couple days and we were able to stabilize him with some powerful meds and he spent a peaceful afternoon.  His breathing got a little heavy in the evening and then very difficult and finally just stopped.  His pain is over and I am truly relieved and grateful for that.  He was in the Hospice and the staff there were very helpful.  He also benefited by having many friends come and be with him and provide him with support.

John will be cremated and his remains will be taken by Danny Kane, an old friend of his, to Colorado but, prior to his leaving we will be having a celebration at;

Bunky’s 2425 Atwood on Sunday, July 31 at 4:00.  We will have food and there will be a wine and beer cash bar.  There will be an opportunity for people to make some remarks and we will also have some entertainment.  Please also bring any pictures you may have of John as we would like to put them together and copy as many of them as possible for people to share.

I have never known anyone quite like John and I will miss him dearly.  I know that many of you feel the same so if you cannot make it please contact me and I can fill you in on any details you may need to know.   

Dean Loumos

608 332 2095