Celebrating the Gift of Donation, Michael Craig Dennis was Honored with a Memorial “Floragraph” Portrait on the 2019 Donate Life Rose Parade Float

Michael loved life, his family and God. He was a hardworking, honest and loyal man, who could strike up a conversation with anyone. Michael worked 32 years for UPS, being active in the Teamsters Union and supporting his fellow workers as a Union Steward. When he retired, he dedicated his time to his family and his favorite pastime: farming. He loved the land and raising cattle, a passion that started when he was in high school and shared especially with his grand children.

Michael was a caring, selfless, pay-it-forward type of man, who never expected anything in return for himself. He believed in being an organ donor and encouraged others to be donors as well. When he died in a tragic accident, his gift of life helped restore and heal 79 people as a cardiovascular and tissue donor.

Celebrating the Gift of Donation, Ruth Ann Seurer was Honored with a Memorial “Floragraph” Portrait on the 2018 Donate Life Rose Parade Float

 

Ruth’s warmth, love, kindness and grace live on in those who have received her gifts through donation. She devoted her life to nurturing her family, spirit, relationships and her community through service and volunteer endeavors. She kept her life very full and enjoyed the lake life, fishing, cooking, gardening, learning, creating, and spending time with her grandchildren, family and many friends. Her sparkle remains alive in the hearts of her family and the many lives she touched. Ruth would be very proud to know that her gift of life has improved the lives of over 95 people.

Celebrating the Gift of Donation, Davis Colley was Honored with a Memorial “Floragraph” Portrait on the 2017 Donate Life Rose Parade Float

Davis Paul Colley grew up in rural Minnesota and was an amazing young man. He was charismatic and not only loved to socialize but was funny, smart and influential.  Davis was determined and driven, an accomplishing honor student and a varsity wrestler. His commitment to wrestling went beyond just the team but also to helping younger wrestlers. He never liked to see anyone hurting and was the first to speak up if he saw an injustice. Davis always tried to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Davis made the decision to become a donor when he was getting his learners permit at the age of 15. When discussing it with him, he couldn’t understand how anyone could consciously say no to being a donor. He donated cardiovascular and musculoskeletal tissue and to date, his gifts have helped 133 recipients from 13 different states.