2022 Honoree

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Honoring Blas Mesa

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Blas Mesa 3/6/62 – 2/25/21

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Blas Mesa on February 25, 2021 from a battle with cancer. Blas is predeceased by his parents, and three siblings: Abe Wetzler, Rosa Mesa and Hildelisa Mesa. He is survived by his best friend Jack Wetzler and other friends of over 25 years: Eileen Wetzler, Myke McCoy, Dennis Mikkelsen and Katrina Birt and many more friends too numerous to list. He is also survived by five siblings: Josefina Peralpa, Hortensia Mesa, Anisia Barroso, Vikky Lopez and Dorian Mesa; numerous nieces and nephews; primos Minerva, Francisco, Anicia and Aneisy and so many more family members still living in Cuba. And, the loves of his life, Boston Terriers, Rhonda and Snoopy miss him so much.

Blas was born in San Francisco De Paula, Cuba, on March 6, 1962 and came to the Unites States to settle in Astoria, New York in 1969. Blas spent many summers on Fire Island, New York; spent several autumns in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York and loved all that New York City had to offer. Blas moved to Florida in the early 1990’s and in 1995, upon the death of his brother and best friend Abe, moved to Key West to live with Jack Wetzler. Blas’ most recent business venture was when he purchased Millie’s Convenience store located near Mallory Square in 2004 before retiring in 2009 to tend to his home and garden on Eagle Avenue, Key West. 

Blas was a very fun-loving guy, always had a smile for everyone he met and loved to travel to various locations in the States, Cuba, Europe, South America, and on various cruises; he just enjoyed life.

Blas will truly be missed but now he is no longer in pain and is with his other three siblings whom he loved so much.

We want to thank all of the caring angels [doctors, nurses, administrative staff, case managers, housekeeping staff] that have come into our lives from the Lower Keys Medical Center, Genesis Care (formerly known as 21st Oncology), Island Home Care and Hospice.  We are so blessed to have this group of talented and compassionate people right here in our hometown community.   We also want to thank all of the loving and caring friends and neighbors who provided so much support to Blas and those left behind since his diagnosis on 1/14/21.

Key West Mortuary has arranged Blas’ funeral which will be celebrated on his birthday, 3/6/21 and will begin at the Key West Mortuary at Truman Ave and Whitehead St at 1:30PM followed by a short walk to the Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea for a 3:00PM mass and then a short walk to the Key West Cemetery for a graveside service. It is strongly suggested that those who attend park at The Basilica at approximately 1:15PM, and take the short walk to the Key West Mortuary as parking is very limited.      

For everyone’s safety and protection, masks and social distancing for the entire funeral service are required. And of course, because we are on this great island, Key West casual is the dress code for the day.   

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Cancer Society is suggested so that one day, there may be a real cure for cancer.

Honoring Peter MacDougall

Peter MacDougall

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – October 27, 2021

 

Peter was a retired partner at Ropes and Gray law firm in Boston, where he specialized in business and corporate law with a focus on mutual funds and investment management, including a number of years as the head of the mutual fund group. After retiring in 1997, Peter split his time between homes in Key West and Westport, Massachusetts, and traveled extensively abroad with friends and family. He also enjoyed concerts and operas, fine food and wine, gardening, reading, and the New York Times crossword puzzle.

 

The MacDougall Match for Nonprofit Endowments will make it possible for 25-50 Florida Keys nonprofits to start or grow their savings, adding a total of $1 million to our island’s Community Chest and ensuring that the Florida Keys will be a better place now and in the future. The Peter MacDougall Endowment will significantly increase the grants that the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys will be able to provide to Monroe County charities every year.

 

Thank you, Peter, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.


Honoring Dr. Patricia Major

Dr. Patricia Major

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – October 23, 2018

 

Pat Major was a physician who lived and worked in Key West for more than 40 years. Valedictorian of Key West High School, Class of 1962, she was the editor of the Conch yearbook, and a member of the ski team, tennis team and the drama club. Pat was an art collector, animal lover, avid reader, and certified scuba diver. She was a master gardener and a member of the Orchid Society and the Garden Club.  For many years, she ran a guest house called Sweet Caroline.

 

Pat’s generous gifts of over $2 million to Florida Keys nonprofits will leave an impact on our islands forever. The Patricia T. Major M.D. Endowment funds annual gifts in perpetuity to the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, Florida Keys SPCA, Friends of the Key West Library, Key West Garden Club, Key West Orchid Society, Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, and hospice services. The $500,000 “Major Match” added $1 million to the Community Foundation’s endowment, which will have a significant impact on the Florida Keys for decades to come.

 

Thank you, Pat, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.


Honoring Jon Allen

Jon Allen

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – December 28, 2020

 

Jon Allen made an impact on Key West in business, civic and philanthropic spheres. He and his late partner bought the run-down Island House in the late ‘90s and transformed it into “the best gay resort in the world.” The Lodging Association named Island House the “Lodging Property of the Year” in 2003.

 

Jon served on the board of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys from 2006-2014. He was a top donor and started the Island House Fund to support charitable and educational activities benefiting gay youth and adults in Key West. Jon was the Community Foundation’s board chair from 2007-2010 and was so beloved that the other directors pitched in their own money to create a Chair’s Award Fund in his honor. The fund makes possible a grant of choice for outgoing chairs at the end of their service to the Community Foundation. Jon chose the Friends of the Aids Memorial, which he had helped found. Jon also chaired the boards of the Tropic Cinema and the Tourist Development Council’s District Advisory Council for Key West. 

 

Jon’s husband Bobi LoreÌ now continues Jon’s commitment to keeping our community vibrant, through his continued proprietorship of Island House and philanthropic support of Key West.

 

Thank you, Jon, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.



Honoring Joe Viana

Joe Viana

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – July 23, 2021

 

Joe Viana was a kind and caring man and was a joy to know. He and his husband Ray Baker were incredible supporters of theater, symphony, art, and music and attended all the plays, musicals, and events in town during the 35 years they lived in Key West. Their friends have grand memories of their marvelous parties, and especially their wedding reception. Joe and Ray were passionate about bringing world class performers to Key West. Joe served as Treasurer of the Fringe Theater Key West from 2011 through 2018. He was recognized as its “Unsung Hero” in 2017.

 

Joe and Ray donated over $350,000 to the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys to benefit local nonprofits and created the Ray Baker and Joe Viana Performing Arts Endowment in 2011 to foster excellence in the performing arts. The fund, now over half a million dollars, makes grants every year to Key West-based theater and classical music organizations. These have included the Fringe Theater, Key West Impromptu Classical Concerts, and the Bahama Village Music Program.

 

Thank you, Joe, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.



Honoring Dick Jones

Dick Jones

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – September 5, 2020

 

Richard Jones lived until age 105. The consummate Southern Gentleman, he championed arts and music, and was a sportsman, gardener and travel enthusiast. Following his retirement as a distinguished media executive at the J. Walter Thompson Company, he split his time between his Long Island country home in Water Mill, and Key West. He shared his life for 48 years with his partner, Dominique Del Monte. In retirement he continued to play golf and tennis and fell in love with classical music.

 

Dick was one of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys’ best supporters for over 15 years. He continued to “give back” in Key West even after he moved to Pompano Beach. In 2007, Dick he created the Jones-DelMonte Endowment which he augmented with a six-figure estate gift. This makes it possible for the Community Foundation to make many grants each year in the areas of health, human services, arts and culture.

 

Thank you, Dick, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.

 


Honoring Campbell Cawood

Campbell Cawood

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good - January 10, 2022

 

Campbell Cawood gave unsparingly of his time and talent to help the performing arts and human services in Key West. He was a participant in both congregations of the Metropolitan Community Church, firmly supporting its advocacy for human and civil rights equality. He was a member of the Key West Business Guild.

 

Campbell worked closely with other local leaders to establish the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. He generously contributed his investment management services as well as office space and staff support. He served on the Foundation’s board of governors, and then as a special advisor. A gracious host, many memorable charitable events took place at his welcoming homes. This included a 2001 wine tasting on Sunset Key, a fundraiser for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. He managed the Community Foundation’s investment pool for the Baker-Viana Performing Arts Fund, which will continue through his Keys Wealth Management business partner Todd German.

 

Part of Campbell’s legacy will be the Cawood Courage Fund, an endowment that will fund multiple nonprofits. This will significantly increase the grants that the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys will be able to provide to Monroe County charities every year.

 

Thank you, Campbell, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.


Honoring John Lewis

John Robert Lewis (February 21, 1940 – July 17, 2020) was an American Congressman and civil rights activist who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia’s 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020. He was the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) from 1963 to 1966. Lewis was one of the “Big Six” leaders of groups who organized the 1963 March on Washington. He fulfilled many key roles in the civil rights movement and its actions to end legalized racial segregation in the United States. In 1965, Lewis led the first of three Selma to Montgomery marches across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. In an incident which became known as Bloody Sunday, state troopers and police attacked themarchers, including Lewis.

A member of the Democratic Party, Lewis was first elected to Congress in 1986 and served 17 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. The district he represented included most of Atlanta. Due to his length of service, he became the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation. While in the House, Lewis was one of the leaders of the Democratic Party, serving from 1991 as a Chief Deputy Whip and from 2003 as a Senior Chief Deputy Whip. John Lewis received many honorary degrees and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.

Honoring Norman Stikes

Norman Stikes was a quiet, nurturing, strong, supportive presence in the foster home he shared with his wife Lori. He selflessly cared for many of the county’s most vulnerable youth without complaint. Since 2012, Norm fostered more than 70 children from Monroe who needed a loving, safe temporary home. He and Lori often took these children in at a moment’s notice. Together they provided them with structure, allowed them to heal, and helped them take their next steps in their journeys. They often cared for special needs children, large sibling groups, and those with fragile medical conditions. Every child that passed through their home was given a respite from the abuse and neglect that led them there. Norm helped all these children create better paths and opportunities for positive life experiences. He did not draw the line with supporting the children; he also supported the parents and modeled positive parenting behaviors demonstrating that it takes a village to create stronger families. Sadly, in December 2021, Norm lost his battle with Covid and passed away. He leaves behind many people who remember him fondly for having lived out a calling. He took action to help others and made a true difference in this world for so many children. Wesley House Family Services is indebted to him for everything he has done for foster youth in Monroe County, and we will deeply miss him.

 

“He was a realist, a person who saw through the nonsense and got straight to the point with dignity and respect to take care of the kids in his home; he recognized it took a village to help families and he played a central role.” –Tiffany Da Silva WHFS, CBC Director

“Norman was overall a kind man. You can tell he enjoyed his job and got along well with the kids. He was also very funny and could crack a joke in almost any way and is loved by many.”— Foster Youth 

“I will always remember Norman’s influence on kids, he was a natural ‘dad’, he lived that role, he was proud of the kids and really made a difference.” – Ben Kemmer FKCS, CEO

“He was a loving and funny foster Dad who made the sad days happier. I will miss him and his home with the chocolate cookies.” -Foster Youth

“Mr. Norm was a great person and would always help me out if I needed it. Anytime I was upset or down he knew how to make me smile. Mr. Norm was and still is a big inspiration for me to become successful. He told me about the adventures he has been on and the places he traveled. I want to be like that one day. He understood me like no one else and truly saw me. I could always rely on him to make me laugh or just talk seriously. He wholeheartedly loved me and my siblings and always wanted us to succeed. He was a really wise man and I wanted him to see all my accomplishments. I hope God is treating him right up there. Just know I will always miss you Mr. Norman.” –foster youth. 

“Norm was larger than life, and still somehow the gentle giant that supported so many children in their times of need. I always appreciated his sense of humor, and willingness to help any child who came through their door. He was non-judgmental with the kids and allowed them to just be kids. Wesley House was blessed to have Norm, and he will be sorely missed.”—Megan Burgess, Foster Parent Coordinator

“Norm was a mentor to so many youths that cross his path. He was a beacon of hope to those that loss their way. A strong tower yet a gentle giant that will forever be remembered and never forgotten.”—WHFS Manager Kenneth Williams

“Norm was a strong role model for the many children who entered his home. He treated his foster children, their biological families, and community partners with the utmost respect. His compassion, baking skills, and generosity will be strongly missed.”—WHFS QA Liaison Nicole Moynihan

“I feel immeasurable fortune to be part of the team with Norm that set up the foster homes in Key West. He was always a delight to work with and talk to. I will miss him terribly. Norm changed opportunities for generations to come. “— Bryan Green WHFS, Board President.

“Norm was a compassionate foster parent and a mentor to our children. He was an example to all.”—Aleida Jacobo, WHFS CEO

“He was nice and friendly, as long as I lived with Mr. Norman he always treated me like family and he liked to joke with me and buy me things.”— Foster Youth

Honoring Suzanne Mounger

Suzanne Mounger was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her enthusiasm for life and adventure was contagious, and she never met a stranger. After visiting Key West for more than 15 years, her dream of living in this amazing community became a reality in 2011 when she moved here with her daughter and granddaughter, Cassidy & Delaney. She quickly acclimated to island life and was an avid supporter of local music and events. She met and married the love of her life, Scott, in 2015 and they traveled the world together, experiencing 26 countries and 28 states. Suzanne’s witty sense of humor, positive outlook, and dazzling smile remained strong throughout her year-long battle with pancreatic cancer, which sadly took her from us on November 15th, 2021. She is missed, but will remain in our hearts forever.

Honoring Woody Allen

Woody Allen, born Edward Rutledge Allen, Feb.12, 1950 in NYC, died Aug. 24, 2021 at home in Portsmouth, NH with his family by his side. Woody grew up in '50's Chicago (lifelong Cubs fan), '60's and '70's Manhattan with college years at Princeton University (class of '72). The English major with a musical soul followed his heart to Key West, FL where he settled in 1977 and flourished, creating a rich legacy of music composition, recording, and performance (foremost with his band The Survivors), fathering three beautiful children, and marrying the love of his life, Chance B. Allen.


Woody and Family moved to Portsmouth in 1995. His many years here included memorable stints performing at the York Harbor Inn, the Press Room and MC Perkins Cove, as well as minding the store at Gary's Guitars. Many locals will remember him as a kind and patient teacher of the guitar & ukulele. Woody also had a devoted Chigong practice.


He is predeceased by his father John and brother Peter, and is survived by his loving wife Chance, their children Zeph, Gracie and Finn Allen; also by his brother James "Din" and his mother Pat Allen, Sharona Setlock, Carla Fuquay, many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, students, musical colleagues, co-workers, and fans.

The family is grateful to their many friends en Cayo Hueso. Forever may we keep "Feelin' good down in our neighborhood!"

Honoring Pat Marshall

Patrick (Pat) Marshall was a quiet guy with a winning smile who hated cigarette smoke and loved Skyline Chili dogs. He was the kind of guy who, no matter who you asked, he was their best friend. He loved his wife Sandy, & his dog Norton. His office was the corner of the Green Parrot Bar with his bottle of beer & a shot of Blackberry Brandy. He could build anything, repair anything, he was our go to guy. He came to Key West from the Shenandoah Valley and if you ever felt a little down, all you had to do was sit next to Patrick at the Green Parrot and he’d have you laughing in no time with his silly, made-up Dad Jokes!

Honoring Wanda Webb

Remembering Wanda Webb. Wanda could be found daily at the Green Parrot next to Whitey wearing a cute hat, her pirate coin and carrying one of her many “pocketbooks” unfortunately most of the pocketbooks were lost during the flooding of Wilma. Wanda knew all the news and rumors around Key West and was always ready with advice. Born in Tennessee, Wanda’s favorite places were St. Augustine and Key West. Wanda left us in December of 21 and we all miss her.