There’s a popular song from 1968 by singer/songwriter, Bobby Goldsboro, with the ending lyrics,
“See the tree, how big it’s grown, but friend it hasn’t been too long, it wasn’t big. And I laughed at her, and she got mad, the first day that she planted it—was just a twig.”
This sad tune is about a young married woman named Honey, and the different phases of life she went through before dying at an early age. The story’s told through her husband’s perspective on life. It was the #1 hit in 1968.
In the lyrics, they tell about Honey planting a seedling, with her passing away a few years after doing so. The grieving husband is reminded of her each time he sees this tree. I remember several of my teenage gal friends crying back then whenever this tune came on. It was that powerful. I won’t say that I didn’t shed a few tears myself.
At Rotary Park in Lake Havasu City, hundreds of trees have been planted in memory of lost ones. When time allows, I like to stroll through the grounds and check out the name plaques in front of each. Some of the trees are now huge having been planted many years ago.
Unfortunately, as is the case with trees and anything green; disease, weather, bugs, and vandalism have taken a toll on a few. One of my favorites sat in an area where I like to park, as it helped block the afternoon sun. This tree was planted in 2011, in memory of Robert L. Pleasant.
Sadly, city workers had to cut down the Pleasant tree last week, and it was a huge undertaking with several large trucks needed to haul things away. That tree base was as big as any in the park. I didn’t ask why they removed it, knowing that someone in the know evidently saw fit to do so. I can only hope it was removed for a valid reason.
I didn’t know Mr. Pleasant, but after finding his obituary on the Lietz-Fraze Funeral & Crematory website, I recognized his photo from working at K-Mart here in town. It was a short, but very well written documentary on Robert’s life, telling me beyond all measure that he was truly loved. I can only hope my family compose something similar about me.
“Robert Lee Pleasant passed away on Friday April 8, 2011, in Lake Havasu City, at the age of 64. Bob was born on September 30, 1946, in Indiana.
Bob moved to Arizona 23 years ago from LaVerne, California, and for the past 15 years was owner and operator of Crystal Clear Pool Service in Lake Havasu City. Bob had also worked as a Department Manager for K-Mart and was a past member of Eagles and Elks Lodge in Lake Havasu City. He was an amazing husband, step-father (which was more like a father figure) and awesome “Papa”.
Remembering his first time babysitting his little granddaughter, Skylar, we remember getting his S.O.S. call to come and help him, because he didn’t know what to do with her crying, and poopy diaper. What a trooper he was! To this day, his grandson Dalton always remembers having his chocolate chip cookies and milk with Papa before his bedtime. He was an awesome handyman and would ALWAYS come to Kristin’s aid, while in the middle of the heat to rescue her with her car issues and whatever other issues she had. He definitely was a life saver even if it was in the 120 degree heat.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Barbara Childress Pleasant, step-daughter, Kristin Jonker, step-son Chuck Childress, both of Lake Havasu City, as well as his 2 precious grandchildren, Skylar and Dalton Jonker of Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
He will be dearly missed. No services will be held. There will be a tree dedication ceremony for Bob on October 22, 2011. In lieu of flowers, donation in Bob’s name may be made to Hospice of Havasu, (Polidori House). P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, Arizona 86405.”
That tree trunk along with the plaque are all that remain of Robert’s memorial. Undoubtedly—the trunk will soon be removed. At that point in time hopefully another tree’s planted in Robert Pleasant’s memory.
The song “Honey” is now 55 years old and still with us. There’s no reason that the Robert Pleasant tree memorial can’t continue on as well!
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