On Friday, February 5, 2016, the City of Unalaska Parks, Culture, and Recreation Department (PCR) sponsored a memorial lantern release to honor the life of Devon Schaaf.
Devon grew up in Unalaska and moved to Montana in the summer of 2013 to begin 6th grade. Devon maintained close ties with this community and had many friends on the island. Devon passed away in January 2016.
The lantern release was well attended by all facets of the community, including a large group of teens. Felicia Tungul and Albert Burnham organized the event, which included a bonfire and hot chocolate on Front Beach. Around 7:30 PM Albert said a few words in Devon’s memory and then the lanterns were set up.
There were 50 biodegradable lanterns and the crowd was divided into groups of four so everyone could take part in the ceremony.
Numerous people took photos and video of the event to be posted on social media for family members who live elsewhere.
It was a serene evening on the shore and the lanterns were an unforgettable sight floating over the harbor. It was a peaceful event with lots of love and laughter, remembering one of our children, and honoring his short time on earth.
Channel 8 was there to take video footage of the memorial. You can see clips from that event here: