Obit: Kaelan Paton(Sandy&Caroline's grandson) 2009

Subject: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: GUEST,Lisa Null
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:18 AM

Kaelan Paton, son of David Paton and grandson of Sandy and Caroline Paton, has disappeared in a tragic water accident just up river from the town of Falls Village CT. I have just talked to Caroline and am reposting a message from Kaelan's sister Linnea from Facebook:

My little brother, Kaelan, is missing.

Kaelan and his friends skipped school this morning to go to Toymaker's Cafe for breakfast and then would go to school late to catch the rest of their high school classes.

Instead they biked to the Great Falls and went swimming.

The water was high.

Some how or another as far as I've heard - one of his friends was drowning. Kaelan went in again to rescue him. The other boys called 911. The fireman pulled two out of the river.

But my brother is still missing - there have been search parties out all afternoon.

We don't expect to find him alive if we find him at all.

Your prayers and support for me and my family would be much appreciated at this time.

Love,
Linnea

There is also more news on this sad story in the Republic-American (Waterbury)
http://www.rep-am.com/News/420220.txt

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:30 AM

Very sad to hear.

Condolences to you, your family, and all the friends.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: DebC
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:31 AM

This is such sad and tragic news. I don't have the words to express how I feel right now. My heart goes out to Sandy, Caroline, David, Linnea and the rest of the family.

My thoughts are in Sharon right now with the Paton family.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: sciencegeek
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:34 AM

How terrible.... please accept my heartfelt wishes for a good resolution to this situation, though I do understand that life can be most unkind.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: JedMarum
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:35 AM

So very sad. I am so sorry to hear the news.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:42 AM

I'll keep watch with you.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: Eve Goldberg
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:45 AM

Sending lots of love to Caroline, Sandy, and the rest of the family. You'll be in my thoughts.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: kendall
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:55 AM

Oh my God! What next? What a tragedy. My most heartfelt sympathy to you all.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: Maryrrf
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 10:01 AM

Oh no! I am so sorry to hear this.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 10:01 AM

best wishes to all family members & friends

sandra

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: karen k
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 10:28 AM

Thanks Lisa for posting this. I spoke to Caroline, Linnea and David this morning. I just came on Mudcat to post this and am now glad that I did not have to do the initial posting. I'm going up to Sharon tomorrow morning. Was just there over the weekend at a Paton family reunion and spent some time with Kaelan in a good conversation just like I used to have with his dad as a teenager. Sandy told me in an e-mail last night that Kaelan went in first and got out. His friend went in and had trouble so Kaelan went in to help him and did but then he disappeared. The water was very high and wild. They never should have been there. Helping his friend was the kind of kid Kaelan was. I just don't have the words.

Needless to say everyone is heartbroken and dealing with this senseless tragedy as best as can be expected.

karen kobela

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 11:04 AM

Profound condolences to the entire Paton family. Losing a child/grandchild is a tragedy beyond all comprehension unless you've been there.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: Anne Lister
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 11:17 AM

So very sorry to hear this - sending as much sympathy and warm wishes as possible.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 12:41 PM

Trying to save his friend ? And lost ! A REAL Bummer

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: jacqui.c
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 12:50 PM

We know a little of how this feels. Anything we can do - just ask.

Love to you all.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 01:12 PM

Love and condolences to all, esp. Sandy and Caroline. As a grandma I cannot even imagine how terrible and heartbreaking this would be.

luvyaKat'leen

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: nutty
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 01:17 PM

Condolences from the UK - The Paton's are an integral part of the 'folk family'. This is such a sad loss.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 01:34 PM

There are no words. Caroline and Sandy, if I can do anything just ask.
Mary

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Fortunato
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 01:48 PM

My sincere condolences to his family.

Chance Shiver

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Sorcha
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 01:49 PM

I'm so very sorry, Caroline, Sandy, and family.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Barry Finn
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 02:01 PM

My heart felt condolences to all of the Paton family, espically to David & his wife. A parent should never have to suffer the loss of their child.

Barry

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: Azizi
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 02:09 PM

I also send my condolences. My heart goes out to you.

Azizi

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 02:12 PM

Oh my. Every time I talk to Caroline, she talks about her grandkids. I know how much of a tragedy this is for her and Sandy and the whole family. There's nothing to say; it's simply awful. I'm so sorry.

Dan

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Deckman
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 02:36 PM

Thinking of everyone ... Bob Nelson

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: GUEST,jennifer woods
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 02:49 PM

my thoughts, prayers, hugs are with all of the Patons -- Kaelan -- he registered with me as a person. Such a neat kid -- my heart is bleeding for David, Sandy, Caroline, Linnea and all.

jennifer

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 02:49 PM

Greater love than this no man has....
A true hero.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Little Robyn
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 03:24 PM

This is too sad.
Thinking of you all.
Robyn
Folk on Sunday
New Zealand

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Don Firth
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 03:24 PM

Sandy Paton was one of the first people I met when I became involved with folk music in Seattle back in the very early 1950s. Shortly thereafter Sandy left Seattle to ramble the world and become a major force in folk music. I have never had the honor of meeting Caroline or any of the young 'uns, but I did see Sandy again at the 1960 Berkeley Folk Festival where he was one of the featured performers. He introduced me to several well-known singers who were there. Even though we didn't know each other that long, I feel that he was a major force in the course of my musical life.

I lost a nephew in a motorcycle accident a few years ago. Tim and a few friends were out one evening to enjoy a ride on a summer evening, when it all went wrong. So I have some idea of just how devastating this sort of thing can be to family and friends.

My heart goes out to Kaelan's parents, to Sandy and Caroline, and to the rest of the family.

There are just no words that are adequate.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 03:30 PM

The sort of thing all parents dread.

My thoughts are with you and a sincere hope that he is safe.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: maeve
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 03:43 PM

Sandy and Caroline and family- Kendall and Jacqui spoke so warmly about Kaelan. He sounds like a young man worth knowing. Life is so hard sometimes.

maeve

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Willie-O
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 04:32 PM

oh my gosh. I'm so sorry.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 04:43 PM

Prayers and Blessings to hold you close to each other
Blessings and Light to guide through the night
A hand to hold and a tear shed together
Watching and waiting with you all....

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 04:56 PM

......I can add nothing to what has been said.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Alice
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 04:58 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this tragic news.
My sympathy goes to all the family.

Alice

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 05:07 PM

My heart goes out to the Paton Family. Greg Doucette

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Bob Hitchcock
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 05:11 PM

My deepest sympathy to all the Paton family.

Bob Hitchcock.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 05:12 PM

It is so sad to hear this. I hope that somehow we will find out that Kaelan is safe.

John

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: SussexCarole
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 05:18 PM

Thinking of you all at such a difficult time

Carole & Andrew

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: bbc
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 05:32 PM

Duane & I took pictures at the family reunion Saturday evening. Kaelan had a great time. I was devastated to receive an email from Sandy this morning, telling me about the tragedy. Kaelan was so full of promise--a really exceptional young man--articulate, intelligent, gentle, funny. I can't imagine anything worse than the sudden death of a young person. I called Caroline right after work today. Kaelan's body has not yet been recovered, but they are considering it a recovery mission, no longer a rescue. Some of the family had not yet left from the reunion & some are returning, so the Patons are not alone. My heart hurts.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: paula t
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 05:52 PM

We don't knpw each other, but I would like you to know that I am thinking of you all. A desperately sad thing for a family to cope with.

Paula Tindall
xx

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Art Thieme
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 05:55 PM

Sandy, Caroline, David, Rob, all you fine people,
What a tragedy. We're so sorry! Please, know that we are with you.

Art and Carol

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: ranger1
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 05:58 PM

Thoughts and prayers to Sandy and Caroline and the rest of the family.
Tami

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 06:00 PM

Just dreadful news. My heart goes out to you all.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 06:04 PM

Nothing I can say. All my sympathy, my friends.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: meself
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 06:07 PM

Deepest sympathy ...

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Deckman
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 06:13 PM

Sins ... you've got a PM. Bob

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Nancy King
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 06:14 PM

What terrible news. I'll be thinking of you all, but wishing there was more I could do.

Love to all the Patons,
Nancy

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Hollowfox
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 06:23 PM

Every thought that I had in reading this has already been posted. My heart goes out to all of you, good thoughts and prayers likewise. And a candle when I get home. Mary

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 06:26 PM

Sandy and Caroline......Every good thought you have sent to me over these years I return to you.   They did me a lot of good and I'm hoping they will do the same for you.

All My Very Best,

Spaw

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: karen k
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 06:32 PM

Still no recovery. The waiting is horrible. More rain on the way which is not good news. Kaelan was a wonderful, gentle and caring young man with amazing potential. This is a tragic loss for everyone who loves him. Smooth paddling Kaelan. I love you.

karen