We never stop to think what a wonderful community we live in until we are faced with a crisis. Suddenly things like roundabouts and gas prices don’t matter.

Two weeks ago, we lost a member of our family, Tammy Martin. The outpouring of support from our friends, colleagues, neighbors and extended family was overwhelming. Tammy had obviously made a mark on this community that will not soon be erased. We appreciate all the support given to our family, and to her husband and children, Burke, Erin and Connor.

Our family would like to pay special tribute to the owners and employees of Blythe Design. If you own or manage a business, pay attention: you could learn a lot from their example. They went above and beyond the call of an employer over the last year and a half. Burke had worked for Blythe just a few months when Tammy was diagnosed with cancer in October 2006. The entire staff responded on both a personal and professional level, doing everything they could to make this period easier on Burke and Tammy. Burke was allowed to work overtime when needed to support his family on one income. He was granted extended leave several occasions to be with Tammy at the hospital in Denver. Roy and Pamela Blythe helped with rental cars and travel expenses for those trips as well. When Tammy was first diagnosed, the office took up a collection to help them with living expenses because Tammy had to stop working right at Christmas time. And when she lost so much weight that her clothing no longer fit, she received a gift card to go buy new clothes. All of this help was given quietly and without fanfare. Although I know that they did not do this for the recognition, they deserve some just the same.

Blythe Design has been recognized by the Chamber in the past for their philanthropic nature. I would say they should be employer of the century as well! This example of their compassion demonstrates the depth of their kindness and caring for their fellow man. They truly live the kind of life that others only pay lip service to. Our family couldn’t be more thankful for all they have done.

DENNIS AND SUZANNE OVERHOLT
DENNIS AND KIM BEATY
MATT AND MELISSA BASHARA
KIRK AND TERESA BLACK
Grand Junction

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 at 3:42 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.