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Author Topic: Chatham School Board member Gerald Totten passed away - 12/02/09  (Read 2989 times)
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NHSParent
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« on: December 02, 2009, 09:07:29 AM »

Is there any news about his health? how is he?
« Last Edit: December 02, 2009, 10:04:43 AM by Gene Galin » Logged
BethC
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« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2009, 09:16:32 AM »

School employess just received word that he passed away this morning.
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ellisj21
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« Reply #2 on: December 02, 2009, 09:19:18 AM »

Just wanted to make everyone aware that my wonderful Papa passed away this morning.  Today the world lost a very special person.  As his grandaughter, I want to thank everyone for all of the support, not only during this difficult time but also throughout the years.  

Amber
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chatres
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« Reply #3 on: December 02, 2009, 09:51:52 AM »

Amber,

I did not know your grandfather other than through the list here but did enjoy reading his posts.  He was always extremely informative and obviously very knowledgeable on many subjects.
Our  sincere and deepest sympathy , thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
« Last Edit: December 02, 2009, 10:05:07 AM by Gene Galin, Reason: fix typo » Logged
chrstnhsbndfthr
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« Reply #4 on: December 02, 2009, 10:16:11 AM »

He was a fine man, of whom you can always be proud, Amber.  We are so sorry for your loss. Our entire community shares your pain.
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NHSParent
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« Reply #5 on: December 02, 2009, 10:58:45 AM »

It is with great sadness I share that Colonel Totten, one of our Board members, passed away earlier this morning.  Please keep his family in your thoughts during this time.  Below is the press release I have written.  I thought you all would want to receive it directly.  I will update you when memorial service arrangements are finalized. 

Beth



Board Member Gerald Totten Passes Away
 
The students, employees, and families of Chatham County Schools mourn the loss of Gerald Totten, a member of the Chatham County Board of Education who passed away the morning of Wednesday, December 2, after a brief battle with cancer.

Even in his final days, Colonel Totten was concerned about his school system commitments, having asked his granddaughter unexpectedly after he had been resting to go in his building and find a box of paper he had promised to give Virginia Cross Elementary School for art students to use.

Colonel Totten was sworn in as a member of the Chatham County Board of Education in December of 2006 representing District 4.  His term would have expired in 2010.

“Gerald had a strong sense of duty which compelled him to attend our meetings despite being weakened and ill.  His time on the board will be marked by the zeal with which he represented his constituents and advocated for the children of Chatham County Schools.  His door was always open to anyone who wanted to express a concern.  He earned the respect of the public because he truly cared about what happened to our schools.  He will be missed by many,” said Kathie Russell, Chair of the Board of Education.

"I am profoundly sad over the passing of Colonel Totten.  My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.  Colonel Totten's passionate advocacy for many issues, including facilities and elementary reading programs, was a hallmark of his service.   Colonel Totten attended several meetings over the past few months on sheer will.  I have the utmost respect for how he was determined to carry out his duties as a Board member even in the midst of difficulty.  He will be missed,” said Superintendent Robert Logan.

Colonel Totten spent his career in the United States Marine Corps.  He and his family have greatly appreciated the many calls and cards they have received from people affiliated with the school system and from the community in recent weeks.  He even had a phone call from a Chatham County resident currently serving in our military in Iraq.

His family is planning a memorial service, likely to be held this Saturday.  At this time (8:35 a.m., 12/2/09) arrangements have not been finalized. 

Beth S. McCullough
Public Information Officer
Chatham County Schools
(919) 542-3626
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Everett McGill
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« Reply #6 on: December 02, 2009, 12:37:24 PM »

Just wanted to make everyone aware that my wonderful Papa passed away this morning. Today the world lost a very special person.  As his grandaughter, I want to thank everyone for all of the support, not only during this difficult time but also throughout the years.  

Amber

Amber, you are in our thoughts.

I will always cherish the conversations with Mr. and Mrs. Totten, sitting at the picnic table in front of their Quonset Home.  Truly one of the Good Guys.   Rest in Peace Gerald.
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« Reply #7 on: December 02, 2009, 01:14:48 PM »

Amber, I didn't know your grandfather personally, but I admired him.  My thoughts are with you and your family on this grim occasion.
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mountain gal
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« Reply #8 on: December 02, 2009, 02:29:20 PM »

Amber and family, your granddad was one of the most remarkable men I have ever had the chance to meet.  He was at my daughter's graduation and I introduced her to him.  When we walked away, she said he may be a Col., but he reminds me of a giant of a teddy bear!  He truly got a kick out of that comparison, said he had been called many things, but never a teddy bear.  One part was right - he was a giant of compassion - cared more deeply for Chatham County Schools and the children than he was given credit for alot of times.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time, but take comfort in the legacy he has left for all of us.  Col. Totten - what a friend you were!  You have etched a very special place in the corner of my heart!!!
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« Reply #9 on: December 02, 2009, 05:50:41 PM »

I am so sad to lose Col. Totton. He stood up for what is right, even if that is not the popular thing to do.

We should follow his example. Speak up for what is right. Question the answers if we don't understand them. Don't just sit back so you don't get stepped on. It was not easy for him, but he did it because he was a good, honest man. Thank you, Col.

I will miss you. Bless your family as they keep going through life without your physical presence. And hold tight to his love, his life, and the example he lived.
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natvrabit
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« Reply #10 on: December 02, 2009, 06:31:12 PM »

Amber, my deepest sympathy to you and all of your family with the loss of your papa. May he rest in peace.

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Gene Galin
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« Reply #11 on: December 03, 2009, 10:00:45 AM »

Amber -

My condolences about your granddaddy. He was someone I greatly respected and admired.

I have to be out of town on a work assignment this weekend and will not be able to attend the service.

Is there an address I can send a card to.

Also, I am not a big flower person, is there a fund or charity that I can donate to in his name?

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« Reply #12 on: December 03, 2009, 02:04:47 PM »

A memorial service for Gerald Totten will be held this Saturday, December 5, at 2 p.m. at Brush Creek Baptist Church
(5345 Airport Road, Bear Creek, NC 27207-8809).

Directions from Pittsboro:
• Hwy. 64W to Siler City
• left on Third St. (Sir Pizza will be on the right just before the Third St. stoplight)
• left on Airport Rd./State Road 1100
    - distance to the church down airport road is almost 6 mi.
    - prior to arriving at the church you will pass the Siler City Municipal Airport & Oakley Ch. Rd., both on the left

Directions from the Bonlee/Bennett area:
• Take the Bonlee Bennett Road
• Coming from Bennett, turn left onto State Road 1100 (Airport Rd.)
    - distance to the church from this point will be almost 2 mi.
• Coming from Bonlee, turn right onto State Road 1100 (Airport Rd.)
    - distance to the church from this point will be almost 2 mi.

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« Reply #13 on: December 03, 2009, 09:51:15 PM »

I knew Gerald Totten personally.  I always considered him a dear friend and neighbor.
I am greatly saddened by his loss.  He was a great person and a devoted leader in
our community.

Semper Fi old Marine, well done good and faithful servant.

Landon
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