By Wendy Brandon

Ed and Kathy Dunn, are celebrating the 4th of July a little early at today’s Thursday July 2nd Independence Day BBQ reception hosted by Consul General Alfred R. Magleby.

For this week’s column, I’d like to introduce Wendy Brandon who writes about her “SCUBA dad”. Wendy, presented Ed Dunn with a special “Certificate of Appreciation and Coin” issued by the Consulate for his valuable service to the community. We need more Ed Dunns in Okinawa. EHS.

Japanese version follows the English so please share with your island friends.

Heartfelt words, warm appreciation, and a few jokes were heard last Sunday evening at a farewell dinner for Ed and Kathy Dunn. A slideshow reminiscing over 10 years diving with Ed and sharing special memories with him and his wife Kathy was viewed, along with speeches of gratitude and love given by many who are proud to call him a mentor, friend, SCUBA dad, boat captain and dive buddy.

“Thanks for not only saving my life, but being a big part of it,” said close friend Tracy Bender-Runnfeldt.

Ed had appeared in local AFN commercials over the years providing water safety tips and advice concerning popular dive spots and the danger that arises during weather changes.

It’s always important to let someone know where you will be diving and when you return out of the water. On many dives around Okinawa, my buddy Liz and I would call Ed before and after just to check in. After Ed bought his boat, the Crystal Blue Persuasion, our adventures continued with many trips up and down Okinawa’s west side and out to the Kerama Islands. The boat was docked at Kadena Marina and remains there with a new owner who is proud to continue diving services with all.

Ed Dunn has been providing the Weekend Dive & Boating Forecast since March 2003. Ed has spent the last 14 years living on Okinawa, but was stationed in Japan from March 1974 to April 1975 working on Okinawa, Iwakuni, and Camp Fuji. He was stationed in Okinawa from September 1993 to August 1999, then again from June 2001 until recently.

Ed Dunn received his PADI Open Water certification in March 1978, his PADI Dive Instructor certification March 1996, and became a Master SCUBA Diver Instructor in February 2008.

Ed Dunn posted this on Facebook June 26, “Today brought to a close the Okinawa Weekend Dive & Boating Forecast. The final was sent at 0535 today. When asked why I would get up so early in the morning on Fridays to do this on my own accord, the answer was simple. Try to keep just one person from making a dreadful mistake.

“I hope someone will pick this up and continue it. Hate to see it end after a little over 12 years. To all of you that used it for your command safety briefs, presentations and your individual use, I thank you. To the many resources that I used for the forecast thank you.

“For the Weekend Dive & Boating Forecast, I am Ed Dunn signing off.”

Here is a YouTube video of Ed’s time in Okinawa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PduGR5k6osY

Songs used in the video for the YouTube slideshow: (hyperlinks by edo@okinawaocean.org)

“Feels Like Summer” – Tim Wheeler,

http://shaunthesheep.com/news/feels-summer-song-available-download-now

“Upside Down” – Jack Johnson, http://jackjohnsonmusic.com/music/detail/singalongsandlullabiesforthefilmcuriousgeorge

“Crystal Blue Persuasion” – Tommy James,

http://blog.chron.com/40yearsafter/2010/07/for-tommy-james-the-past-is-the-future/

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” – The Beach Boys,

http://www.metrolyrics.com/wouldnt-it-be-nice-lyrics-beach-boys.html

“Good Life” – One Republic, http://onerepublic.com/content/goodlife

“Living in the Moment” – Jason Mraz,

http://jasonmraz.com/news/2012/watch-living-in-the-moment-official-audio-video/

“Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, http://www.izhawaii.com/

Okinawa is not only losing a man who has had a great positive impact within the diving community, but many people are saying goodbye to Ed and Kathy who have been the heart of their island family for many years.

Ed and Kathy plan to make their new home in Florida this fall.

 

ウィークエンド  ダイビング＆船舶予報 エド・ダン氏 沖縄を去る

ダン夫妻、エド氏と奥様のキャシーは、総領事アルフレッド・R・マグレバイ氏主催によるBBQパーティに招かれ今年早目の独立記念日を祝った。今週はウェンディ・ブランダン記述によるスキューバダディを紹介しよう。ウェンディーによると、エド・ダン氏は領事館より深く地域に貢献したとして特別感謝状を贈られた。エド・ダン氏のような人物が沖縄に多く居てくれればと望む。

先週日曜の送別会では、暖かい感謝の言葉がジョークを交えながらダン夫妻に送られた。会場ではエド氏の10年余りに及ぶ数々のダイビングや夫妻の思い出がスライドショー上映により思い起こされ、次いでエド氏を師、親友、スキューバダディ、船長、ダイビングバディと称える人達からの感謝と敬愛のスピーチで飾られた。

“Thanks for not only saving my life, but being a big part of it,” said close friend Tracy Bender-Runnfeldt.

命の恩人だっただけではなく、人生その物の大きな一部であった事に感謝します。」と親友であるトレーシー・ベンダー ランフェルド。

エド・ダン氏は2003年以来、週末のダイビングと船舶予報を提供してきた。沖縄での暮らしは14年間になる。それ以前は1974年3月から1975年の4月まで本州の岩国とキャンプ富士に配属され、のち1993年9月から1999年8月に沖縄勤務となり、2001年6月に再度沖縄に戻った。

エド・ダン氏は1978年3月にパディ・オープンウォーター資格を取得し、1996年3月にパディ・ダイビングインストラクター資格を取得、そして2008年2月にはマスター・スキューバ・ダイバー インストラクターとなる。

6月26日、エド・ダン氏はフェイスブックにこう投稿している。「今日は沖縄ウィークエンド  ダイビング＆船舶予報の最終日。最終の予報は今日05：35。なぜ金曜の朝に一人早起きしてこんな事をしてるかと聞かれれば、答えはいたって簡単。一人でも悲惨な事故を起こさない為。

予報を後継し継続してくれる人が現れる事を期待したい。12年以上続けた予報が終了してしまうのは残念でならない。この予報を安全訓練や報告、 個人の安全管理に活用してくれた方々、そして予報の為に情報活用させて頂いた諸リソースに感謝したい。

For the Weekend Dive & Boating Forecast, I am Ed Dunn signing off.”

ウィークエンド ダイブ＆船舶予報、エド・ダン 任務終了」

沖縄はダイビングコミュニティに貢献した人物を失っただけでは無い。沢山の人々が沖縄の心であったエドとキャシーとの別れを惜しんでいる。

ダン夫妻は今秋、フロリダに移り住む予定。

Thanks to Kyoko Akamine for Japanese version..

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