Edmund Fitzgerald

Updates 9-29-07

On a windy yet warm November 11th 2005 day, I was with a dear friend I met on a boatnerd web site We were just leaving from the 30th anniversary memorial service held at the Mariners Church in Detroit Michigan. My friend had arranged for her and I to go look at the site of the launching of the Edmund Fitzgerald. We had to sign away all liability if we even stubbed our toes if we walked on "their" sacred grounds.
We set off on our journey. I was nervous yet excited to see the birthplace of my fathers last ship on which he sailed. I can tell you it was awesome. There was a magic in the air. I was drawn to the whole site...knowing that after 47 years it would be different...however I closed my eyes and "felt" the spirit of the FITZ while standing there in sheer reverence and awe. I just couldn't get enough of this wonderful place. I almost heard the water splash. I could feel the warmth of the sun that day. In some places the sun was so bright it was hard to see all that was there. I asked my friend if we might move to the other side of the slip to get a better sense of the special place I was now standing on...holy ground to me.
There was a small opening in a fence that we decided to go through to get a closer or different view. I still was very quiet and a little sad to now see how all the changes that had occurred over the years.....small boats now sat where the mighty FITZ had been launched. We were walking and I was telling my Dad's stories when we turned to see a truck with two men driving toward us. One had an FBI shirt and I knew this was trouble. I was sure we were in the wrong place by their fast pace truck getting closer. The two gentlemen stopped their truck and I thought they were going to grill me like a cheeseburger as to why we were trespassing on private property.
I explained as best I could we meet no harm, just looking and we had this terrific looking paper stating we had permission to be on the property. Quickly they informed me that in fact we were trespassing. Tears welled up in my eyes . I knew I was headed for trouble here...only wanting to just "be" there for the moment and now these two men were raining on MY day.
So I gathered my courage and wiped away my tears trying to explain who I was and why I was there. Suddenly I saw a change in their demeanor and a kindness came into their eyes. They introduced themselves as the owners of the GREAT LAKES STEEL BOAT CLUB and ask could I see 100 feet ahead a large headstone-like square covered object. I certainly didn't at the time. They walked me down to this and can you imagine my surprise to see a beautiful memorial stone just for the FITZ. I stood there awhile reading and rereading the wonderful words inscribed . There was also a little angel sitting on the side...watching over possibly?
They took me inside their Edmund Fitzgerald boat club...showed me a brief movie..served me Vernor's Gingerale..gave me a cookie or something and made me feel so important. I remember telling them that they sure did know how to treat trespassers!!
I have never forgotten that day. I have never forgotten the kindness and compassion shown to me that day. What a day that was. Such a blessing and good timing.
Now I am planning on going back to that same site in June next year to celebrate the birthday of the launching of my dads ship.
I am the daughter of the Steward Robert Rafferty who was on the ship, on its last run for an ailing cook . The last words our family heard from my father was ...Hoping to be home after the 8th (of November)...However nothing is certain.. Love Bob
Through this tragedy I have met so many wonderful, kind and loving people who have a love of this fine ship as I do. My only wish to all that have this love also is to come together and celebrate June 7th & 8th 2008. Be a part of the Mighty Fitz. Come share with me. Come celebrate with me. Come show how important this ship meant to all of us.
Looking forward to meeting all of you.

Pam Johnson Abilene Kansas (formally of Toledo Ohio)

Pam Johnson

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