In Memoriam - GHA Leaders
A Renaissance Woman
Every now and then a community is unexpectedly blessed with the arrival of a Renaissance Woman. Grand Harbor met ours when Dr. John and Debbie Lindsey arrived in 2014, and immediately became involved in the life of our community. John plunged into his work at the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, while Debbie began to search for places to share her many talents. And “many” is an understatement!
A proud Navy wife, Debbie herself had been an Army Xray Technician. But in addition to that skill, she was an accomplished artist, a gourmet cook, a certified Bee Keeper, an intrepid traveler, a golfer, an avid reader, a devoted gardener, the proud Mother of Ian and Carly, a Grandmother extraordinaire to Evelyn and Olivia, and a friend to all she met. She was first to volunteer to create table arrangements, help chair an Art Show, or organize a charity event.
When Grand Harbor Audubon hoped she might share her energies, she responded by assuming the task of reimaging the Audubon Gardens. Debbie created a masterpiece, complete with a paver path for increased accessibility, hundreds of new plantings, a lovely arbor, a butterfly habitat, educational signage, and irrigation (courtesy of John). More importantly, her enthusiasm for this lovely little oasis engendered a large following of her “Worker Bees” who recognized the importance of what she was creating within our community and continue to carry out her vision now that she has left us for her Heavenly home. We deeply miss our Renaissance Woman, but we feel Debbie’s presence each time we enter the special place she created for us.
By Chris Thurlow
Remembering Vicky Tulloch
1/19/39 to 1/11/24
By Deb Fletcher
It is with a heavy and sad heart we say farewell to our dear friend and founding member of what today has become Grand Harbor Audubon, Inc. I have known Vicky for all the 28 years that she and her husband Peter have been members of Grand Harbor. We learned to play golf at the same time and soon became the best of friends and golf partners. We both could hit the ball a mile, but no one knew where it might end up...though so very often, side by side! Somehow, we won our first Member-Member Championship in 2021 and there would be more to follow. Vicky was athletic, competitive, and fun – willing to take on just about anything and make it better. We were like sisters – she was always trying to tell me what to do – we fought like sisters and loved each other like sisters. There was little we didn’t share. And that brings me to Grand Harbor Audubon. I was on the Green Committee and found out we were going to lose our Audubon Certification and knew we could NOT let that happen. So, whom do you call? Your best friend of course! And then the only “real birder” I knew here, Neil Stalter. Together we formed our first Steering Committee and ultimately reinstated our Audubon Certification. That’s how Grand Harbor Audubon got its start.
I want to tell you more about Vicky. She was so very bright, capable, and willing to take on any challenge. She also had a rather caustic or snarly side to her with a facial grimace that went right along with it. Those who knew her know exactly what I’m talking about! But she had a heart of gold and was so very kind, generous and thoughtful, so often putting others first.
I want to share one story to show how committed Vicky was to the birds. I was out for a walk early one Easter Sunday morning when I heard all this racket over by the 15th hole on the Harbor course. Turned out it was a momma Mottled Duck and her brood on the bank of the retention pond calling to her smallest duckling who had fallen in the pond and was too small to fly out. And of all things a Hawk was circling overhead! Not knowing what to do I called Neil Stalter who gave me a lecture on “the order of things” and how Mother Nature was sometimes cruel. I was heartbroken and could not accept that! So, I called Vicky who of course totally agreed with me and brought her husband Peter to the site to help. My husband Bill and I went over to golf maintenance and found a broken wooden ladder and remnants of carpeting that Peter and Bill used to build a ramp into the pond. Vicky and I kept an eye on the hawk while we instructed them on how a ramp should be built. As soon as we were done, we backed away and amazingly watched as momma duck walked down that rickety ramp and nudged her tiny and tired little duckling back up! We all felt SO good! Now that’s a friend who would and could do anything! Grand Harbor owes her much gratitude for all she’s done over these many years. She will be missed so very much by so many! Rest in peace dear friend. Love, Deb
"Grand Harbor will not be the same without Vicky and her wonderful welcoming smile. I only had the privilege of knowing her for a few years, but she was a very special part of this special place. Such a smart and classy lady."
~Mary McTernan
"Vicky epitomized the volunteer spirit that has made Grand Harbor Audubon and the Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club so successful. She gave unstintingly of her time, talent, and treasure. Right up until the end she was thinking of new initiatives and projects we should undertake. Vicky was a true leader and friend!"
~Bob Joy
"Vicky’s life by any measure has been a smashing success. A special person remembered and a beautiful life honored. Her sense of humor was dry and devilish. I will miss her rare salty and irreverent words eloquently uttered with such perfect timing. And let us not forget the bitch wings. I will miss her goodness and understated kindness in times of need. So much to miss. RIP my friend." ~ MVN
"What a great life and what a great person! Vicky was a leader and she got things done. Whether in the Board room or on the playing field, Vicky was all business and all heart. You will be missed with a tear and a smile, my friend, whenever I think of you".
~ Anne Diedrick
"Vicky was beautiful inside and out. She adored her boys, Peter, Pete and Rob, and she was the center of their universes. The world is a sadder place without her, but heaven just got a lot more fun and interesting."
~Ann and Elliot Conway
"With sincere condolences from your friends at Belford's Savannah Seafood and Steaks."
"Love and Sympathy to you all…. Peter, Pete Jr., Rob and beautiful families; and brother Charlie. Sure you know how much she was loved and now is missed!"
Love you all, Deb
"Within Grand Harbor, Vicki was revered by members for her work to make our community a better place to live. She did this with dedication and humor. John and I were blessed to have known Vicki."
~ Lyn & John Groves
"We were so sorry to learn of Vicky's passing she will be missed by many."
~ Michael and Louise Muller
In Memorium Joan Klimm
Joan and her husband Paul were wonderful long time members of Grand Harbor wintering here for more than 20 years. Joan was member of the first Grand Harbor Audubon Board of Directors which was established in 2008. After serving two terms on the Board as an active GHA leader she then moved to the Audubon Advisory Council. During her 14 year tenure as a GHA leader, she was instrumental in creating and maintaining the Native Plant Garden. Joan became a Master Naturalist from the University of Florida while wintering in Vero Beach. As a teacher and active volunteer all her life was always willing to help with other GHA projects in any way she could. In 2016 she was honored with the GHA “Volunteer of the Year” award.
Joan taught so many of us so much – from identifying and maintaining Native Plants to planting trees to playing Bocce!... She was hard working and serious yet always fun to be around! She was also an avid golfer and member of the Ladies Nine Hole Golf Association and loved swimming. Always a leader, she was Captain of her bocce team! She also volunteered at the Environmental Learning Center conducting tours and working with students. Joan passed away at her New Hampshire home on September 25, 2022 – she will be truly missed.
Thank you Joan… 10/7/22, DGF