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Missing plane – A wish and a prayer

Nov 24, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
My name is Darren Furlotte, an uncle of Patrick Murphy, the Canadian man lost in the jungle in the plane crash many weeks ago. I would like to extend to the people of Guyana and all three families, heart felt thanks for the support and prayers for our missing men, Wesley, Chris and Patrick. 

Patrick is fresh from school, on his first job, and came to your beautiful country with all the wide-eyed enthusiasm that many 20-year-olds would have on such an ‘adventure’.

In his many letters home to his mother, Wendy, one could tell his breathless excitement at the things his young eyes were seeing for the first time: the beautiful flora and fauna of Guyana, his excitement of doing his job to the best of his ability and most of all, his wish for us all to be proud of his achievements.  We could not be prouder of anyone.

Wesley, a 1998 graduate, briefly attended the Air Force Academy in Colorado before completing his pilot training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautic University in Daytona Beach, Florida in 2002. He then worked in flight instruction before joining Dynamic Aviation in 2006.

Chris enjoys the outdoors, was an eagle scout, and played sports. However, flying was what Chris loved more than anything. Now, Chris’ biggest passion has given his family their biggest scare.  He was excited about going out of the country. He’d just come back from Canada, Washington, Mexico, and California, basically doing the same thing. Chris recently graduated from MTSU and was a Pilot Trainer there for a year.

He is engaged to MTSU student Dara Hall. Their wedding is set for December 27.
Being here has been beneficial, as I found out more about my nephew: his unselfishness to others and his ability to make friends easily.  As an example, on his fateful flight, he wanted to buy a gift for the people who refueled his plane, as a way just to say thanks.  He didn’t have to do that, especially as a junior member of the team, but he wanted to.  What I found upon my arrival in Georgetown was an amazing amount of support, good wishes and prayers for the missing men from everyone I spoke with.

From the amazing staff at the Prairie International Hotel, to taxi drivers, waitress staff….everyone. This was all passed back to my sister, Wendy, and the other families. This has comforted them greatly.

I am returning to Canada (Sunday November 23) after spending two weeks in your beautiful country. Guyana is now, forever, intertwined in our lives. I can think of no other people as kind and beautiful as the Guyanese have been towards me and our ongoing search.

The help and support from the American and Canadian Embassies, and by the three companies involved, has been greatly appreciated by all three families in America and Canada. We will never forget your help and determination in finding Wesley, Chris and Patrick in order to bring them back to their loved ones.

We also, truly, appreciate the assistance of and the involvement of the Guyana Defence Force and the support of the Guyanese Government. 

We are all remaining positive that our boys will be found safe.  We have to keep believing!  You cannot give up hope. You cannot give up on family. You cannot give up faith that God is keeping them safe and they will be returned to us shortly.

Until that time, I leave to your care the most precious thing I can: the spirit of hope. I humbly ask you all carry on this hope in my absence.

We give thanks for the continued help and warmth of the Guyanese people.
We pray each day for the safety of the search teams. 
Mostly, we pray for Wes, Chris and Patrick. 
May God find them safe.
Darren Furlotte

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