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Honoring Richard Crooks

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The man who started it all, Richard Crooks. We will honor his memory once again at this years parade.

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Honoring Nancy Robinson

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Nancy R. Robinson was born Nancy Nell Rose in 1924 in St Paul, Minnesota. She married Seymour B. Robinson in 1946 and they began their family, moving to Chappaqua, New York, to watch them grow. Once Andrea, Nina, Martha, and Jim became adults and moved on, Nancy and Sy relocated to Ocala, Florida, where life began anew. In 1996, Seymour passed away, beginning Nancy’s fourth life in 1999 as a full-time Key West resident. Here, Nancy was known as a patron of the arts, board member to numerous organizations, supporter of many charitable causes, but mostly a regular presence in the Key West music scene, supporting venues and musicians alike. She regularly watched her son-in-law, Richard Crooks, Nina's husband, as he performed with many of Key West’s, and the country’s finest musicians. An aging body never stayed her youthful spirit, nor her time spent in being a loving and loved Key West presence. She always remained  available for her friends and her causes, and most of all, continued assuring that opportunities opened for those whom she could encourage, support, and love.

Honoring Ellen Sanchez

Ellen Welters Sanchez was born in 1902 and taught music and grade school in Key West for over 65 years.  The preeminent piano teacher in Bahama Village she was a musical mentor and godmother to many, including the legendary Lofton “Coffee" Butler, Ellen wrote beautiful songs about her island home.  She wrote a song for Harry Truman, “The Beautiful Isle of Key West” and Coffee sang it to President Truman at the dedication of Truman Avenue in 1955.  Ellen passed away in 2007 the day before her 104th birthday.  Ellen’s generous spirit and love of music inspired the Bahama Village Music Program.

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Honoring Larry Douglas

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Lawrence “Larry” H. Douglas was born in Watertown, NY in 1935. He joined the US Navy and served aboard the USS Sabalo, a diesel submarine. Thanks to the GI Bill, he obtained a degree from the State University of New York at Oswego and then taught junior high school in Watertown. In 1962 he married Barbara and they moved to Syracuse, NY where he earned his PhD from Syracuse University while teaching at the University of Rochester.

In 1973 Larry and Barbara moved with their three children, Nancy, Kate, and Tom, to New Hampshire, where for 28 years Larry was both a Dean and a Professor of History at Plymouth State College. He continued his service in the Navy Reserve, was recalled to active duty during Operations Desert Shield/Storm as the naval historian for Central Command, and retired as a decorated captain in 1991.

A surprise trip for Barbara’s birthday in 2003 was the first visit to Key West for the Douglas family. Larry loved the warmth of the sun, the boats in the harbor, the smell of salt air, the rich history of the island, the friendliness of everyone, and especially the music. He was happy to wear shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals in the winter months, leaving the snow shoveling and shivering behind. He and Barbara spent several winters here, eventually purchasing a home in Old Town within walking distance to their favorite haunts – B. O.’s Fish Wagon and Finnegan’s Wake. Larry thoroughly enjoyed hearing good music all over town, especially when Richard Crooks or Barry Cuda were performing with the island’s other world class musicians. Many of these fantastic artists have become great friends, as have those with whom Larry and Barbara enjoyed the music. Larry made friends with ease and those who knew him will fondly remember his wide grin and finger-tapping joy. We thank you all for your friendship and love.

Honoring Luciana Maria Santori Pope

Born in Cellino Attanasio, Teramo, Italy, Luciana worked as a midwife and nurse in Naples, Italy, where she met her late husband, a US Navy officer, Master Chief Roger R. Pope Sr., married him, and had their first child. The family moved to the US in 1955 and she became a US citizen in 1957.

She is survived by her daughters Laura Pope Smith (Craig) and Sandra Pope, and her son Roger Pope, Jr.  Her grandchildren, Michelle Dekkers, Jason Pope, Jessica Pope, Shauna Smith, Jennifer Robinson, Jared Robinson and Jager Robinson survive her. Her great grandchildren Jessica Renee and Kevin Duane Salas also survive her.

Her legacy of courage has been documented in the movie "My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes." Her town of Cellino was part of a secret network during World War II hiding Jews. She bore a scar on her right cheek from shrapnel that hit her while she was running between buildings during a raid by Nazi soldiers looking for Jews. 

Honoring Pat Kavanaugh

Pat was born Emmett Patrick Kavanaugh in Baltimore Maryland 1950, and grew up in Ellicott City.  He was a swim coach in Ellicott City and a lifeguard in Ocean City Maryland in the summers. He received a scholarship for football where he attended the University of Maryland, he loved music and played in a band in college.  Pat loved the path he chose in the Spirits industry selling from Beer to Liquor.  Pat moved to Islamorada in 1988 where he loved to jump on his boat and fish, and met his wife Sandy they then moved to Key West in 1996. We had our wedding at the House of Blues in New Orleans LA with many friends and family. He was very charitable and would donate to any good cause.  He is greatly missed by his wife Sandy, his three great kids Kelly, Patrick and Michael, mom Joyce and brother  Mike and his two beautiful dogs Max and Maggie. You remain always in our hearts.

Honoring Erin Brunner

Erin Brunner: February 1970- August 2015 - Loved dearly by many people  In the Keys, northern Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and the rest of the world. 

Nick Names: Lady Bug

Many people in the Keys knew her from when she worked in the office at Geiger Key Marina and RV Park and lived in Tamarac Park on Geiger Key. 
Known as a Lover of cats, red boots, people. A Supporter of Bernie Sanders.
 Words from postings about Erin, Apophenia Brown, from her  Facebook page:
“Your crazy humor. Fire for the underdog.” 
“sweet, crazy, super intelligent, radical, open minded, fun loving”
 “I saw the joy you reaped & sowed from just living. The depth to which you "tapped souls" (read that on FB).”
#ihatecancer”
“Our girl in the red boots”
“No one wore them like you!!!”

Favorite Quote: "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly."- GK Chesterton

Her last words were, “I love you – I am out of here”

Honoring Catherine Sommerfeldt

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“Cat” was born Anna Catherine Canady on November 10, 1978 and grew up in Columbia, SC where her loving parents and brother reside. She graduated from The University of North Carolina at Asheville with a Sociology degree and moved to Key West in 2005. “Cat” was married to Daniel Sommerfeldt on April 6, 2013 and they spent their leisure time boating and fishing near their home on Geiger Key.  She also loved running, diving, swimming and spending time with family and friends. James, Catherine’s brother, says “From running marathons to catching every lobster in the ocean, you lived everyday of your life to the fullest. You unconditionally loved people and you were a light to us all.” Cat lived and loved the Florida Keys and Key West lifestyle. She was known about town for her contagious smile, abundant laughter and huge heart. Anyone who met “Cat” was a friend. Catherine will be forever remembered for her playful spirit, individuality, genuineness, love for others and her tender heart.

Honoring Sgt. Eric Biskup

Beloved Key West Police Officer, Sergeant Eric Biskup, passed away in January 2016 at the age of 49, after a brave battle with cancer. He is remembered by the community as an officer who really cared for those he was sworn to serve and protect, as someone who believed that one-on-one interaction was the key to crime reduction. Longtime friend and former police captain Scott Smith said “He loved this island. He loved its quirkiness.” and “He was the classic cop in that he knew his people. That was important to him.” Biskup was a member of radio host Bill Hoebee’s cast of characters on the radio show “Hoebee in the Afternoon,” anonymously playing “Mr. X.”  Hoebee recalls his last conversation with Biskup, “ He said I don’t want you to cry. Just remember all the funny things we did together.”

Honoring Susan R. Garber

Susan R. Garber of Boston and Key West passed away in May of 2015. She spent over 20 years in Key West during the month of February with her husband, Roy Bishop. They had just moved permanently to Key West this past year. She had a very successful career working in public and private organizations including the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Boston Redevelopment Authority, City of Boston, Lotus, IBM, and Texas Instruments. She was the Project Director for the renovation of the Charlestown Naval Shipyard in Boston and was the Director of Public Art for the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. She graduated from Smith College and also had masters' degrees in business and historic preservation. She enjoyed the arts, including theatre and subscribing to the Boston Symphony and even founded her neighborhood's book club. Near the end of her life, Susan was a volunteer at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, developing tours for the disabled. She was honored posthumously by the Museum in December with a Tour and Reception.

Honoring Kris Koshiol

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Kris Koshiol was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on 11/7/60, the youngest of four, whose names all began with K. He grew up in suburbs, where he played ice hockey and fished and listened to music. He married and had two kids, Samantha and Anthony.  He and his wife divorced. However they maintained a relationship until his death. While in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Kris was very involved in the radio industry, allowing him to attain many backstage passes for concerts where he met some of his favorite musicians. He was also a fishing guide and accumulated myriad accolades.

After Kris’s divorce, he moved to Fort Myer’s, where his Father and Stepmother resided in the winter. He then moved to Key West in 2010wherehe attempted several jobs before he settled in as a concierge.

Kris was offered an opportunity to resurrect ViviZapata's on Duval Street that had been a local legend in its day. On a shoestring budget, he not only resurrected it like a phoenix, he created another little Key West family, bringing together people, as he did. Kris loved Key West. He loved the fishing. He loved riding his motorcycle around and up the Keys. He loved watching his beloved Minnesota Vikings with his Key West family. He loved the people. In Kris’s five years in Key West, he became something of a local celebrity. He was a big guy. He had an even bigger personality. And he had a giant heart.

 

Honoring Wendy Michelle Reed

Wendy was a young, beautiful soul who was loved by everyone she touched. Sadly, she was taken from us too early.

Wendy was a graduate of Carroll High School in Dayton, Ohio in 2000. She enjoyed cheerleading, playing on her school soccer team, listening to music and family camping trips (in particular, the annual trips to the Florida Keys). She looked forward to evening and weekend sailing trips, especially when she could have a few friends onboard. She loved to sail, swim and camp on the boat in a secluded cove.

In her memory, her father, Bill Reed and his wife Elizabeth, named their 42’ Catalina sailboat the Wendy Michelle. They sailed s/v Wendy Michelle to the Keys in 2009 and have since bought a home on Cudjoe Key.

If she was with us today, we know Wendy would be laughing and happily dancing down Duval Street in The Crooks Annual Second Line. We look forward to celebrating Wendy’s life, as well as the other honorees, with lively music, much laughter and everlasting love.

Honoring John Brinsmade Braman

John (Jack) Brinsmade Braman  was born in São Paulo Brazil on January 25, 1948.  He grew up in Connecticut and went to the Gunnery prep school in Washington, Connecticut , founded by his grandfather Grenville Braman .  He worked with American Express for their Marketing Department,  but for any years prior was employed in customer relations for Piedmont Airlines , before it was acquired by Eastern Airlines.  His work there was salutary; he presented the idea of frequent flyer programs - a first in the airlines industry - to Piedmont , which became the industry's standard later on.  He partnered with Key West artist William Welch for three years before he succumbed to a chronic illness and passed away on October 17, 1995.  He was just 47.  Greatly missed by family and friends still to this day.  A spirit of selfless love and support that is a rarity ,prized by those who were close to Jack.