Uncle Cohnway & Sterling Michael Johnson
(near the Guadalupe River, New Braunfels, Tx. Summer 2008)
In October, 2009 (bottom of page), an oak tree was planted in memory of Cohnway at the Oak Hill Fire Department, Station 1. Since that day, his brothers at the station would say Cohnway was messing with all of them in regards to his tree. At times the tree would lean to the side; they would straighten the tree, only to find it leaning again soon after. His hijinks even from above, didn't surprise them. Cohnway just kept messing with them until the poor tree could take no more, leading to its demise.
In late February, 2013, this beautiful burr oak was planted in the same place. OK Cohnway, leave this tree alone!! Also the guys at the station have said they will show this tree less TLC than the first one. That should take care of it, right? Only time will tell, but we hope this tree will grow strong and tall and lovingly grace the front of the station for many, many years to come.
We thank Captain Rusty Bergman for picking out this beautiful, healthy tree for us. Thank you to everyone that played a part in the intial planning and design, digging out the first tree, planting the new tree and bringing to fruition the unique maltese cross and department emblem landscaping around the tree.
Final additions beneath and around the new tree will be completed soon.
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On a crisp day in February 2011, Oak Hill Fire Department held a
patio dedication in honor of Cohnway's love to grill and
bar-be-que. The patio was constructed at his station, Station 2,
Barton Creek. We want to express our most heartfelt “Thank You” to
everyone who worked so hard together to create this lasting pergola to
honor the past, the present and future firefighters of Oak
Hill.
(Please view all photos from the
dedication in our Photo Gallery)
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On Saturday, September 11, 2010 TCESD #12 dedicated their new fire station in Manor, Texas. The station's new patio was dedicated to the memory of Cohnway on August 28, 2010. We thank everyone with the Manor FD for honoring him in such a kind, thoughful and remarkable way.
(Please view all photos from the dedication in our Photo Gallery)
On October 10, 2009, we all came together at
the Oak Hill Fire Department Headquarters to plant a memorial tree in Cohnways
name. It was kind of a gray day but a perfect day for what we were there for.
We came together, family and friends, to plant a beautiful live oak (donated by
Mark Biggs with Biggs Landscape and
Irrigation ) in a place that we all know Cohnway loved.
Thanks to every one that attended and all that helped coordinate this.
You can see more pictures under the Memorial Tree Planting tab in our Photo Gallery. Thanks to Mandy Bergman for loading those for us.