Fan Sets Up John Denver Tribute

Thu., Nov. 13, 1997

Beverly Vorpahl Staff writer

Tammy Bunke sat transfixed during John Denver’s concert in the crowded Opera House on Sept. 16, 1996.

“When he sang ‘For You,’ it was as though I was the only person in the Opera House,” Bunke said. “His voice went from his throat to my heart.”

His death on Oct. 14 was a profound loss to the new John Denver fan, who has organized a tribute to the popular singer on Saturday. Bunke hadn’t been a longtime fan, but her conversion following last year’s concert was intense.

And when he died in the plane crash off the California coast, Bunke was terribly sad. She sat at her computer, browsing through the Web, reading about John Denver tributes held the world over and wished there was one here.

Then she read Bonnie Algar’s letter to the editor in The Spokesman-Review and was prompted to organize her own celebration of Denver’s life and talent.

“I felt weird doing it, but I called Bonnie, and all of a sudden, it came together,” Bunke said.

What came together is the “John Denver ‘For You’ Celebration” at 3 p.m. Saturday at The Resort at Mount Spokane

Mount Spokane is an apt scene for the event, since Denver, an environmentalist, was especially fond of mountains. His songs, of course, will be played during the celebration, videotapes will be shown and an open podium will be available for those with personal stories to tell, Bunke said.

At dusk, a candlelight ceremony will be held. Participants are asked to bring candles and a dish to share for the potluck dinner that will follow. For more information, call Bunke at 468-3227 or 921-9512.

, DataTimes

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