island Hearts and hands at work

Trace Butler waits for soil and pine boughs to spread on the young vines.

​Beaver Island, Michigan
November 16, 2021
 
Beaver Island, Michigan is a tiny and close-knit community known for its assistance to community members in times of trouble.
Today, it is the swift actions of dozens that may save the grape crop of Kate Leese and Adam Kendall. The young couple perished on November 13th, 2021 in a tragic plane landing at Island Airways, Beaver Island, MI.  The couple died immediately, along with their family dogs,  Baker and Franklin and with the pilot,  William Julian of Traverse City.  Local family member Mike Perdue also lost his life in that crash,  while it is some good fortune that he sheltered and protected his 11-year-old daughter Laney and she is recovering in a nearby hospital.
For Kate and Adam,  it was the end of a beautiful dream as they led a life of travel, adventure, business and love that endeared them to all of Beaver Island over the past two years. That dream included Antho Wine Farm,  a place that Adam and Kate had declared a place of welcome and full hospitality.  Most islanders had already met Kate and Adam,  worked with them or been invited to gatherings at the farm.
In a Detroit News article just last week, on the couple’s birthdays Kate said, “Our goal is to have that kind of place that brings people together.” 

In that respect, their goal has been met. When the notice came that the couple’s family were arriving and that it would be possible to help save their grape crop,  the island people assembled dozens of workers to apply soil to the vines, then place pine boughs on top of the soil.  Bill McDonough of McDonough’s Market said, “The placement of the pine boughs will definitely capture and hold snow in place to protect the vines and hold nutrients and moisture in.”
It is impossible to name and thank all those who reached out to help the family upon arrival,  to help with transportation, loading cargo to the boat dock and most of all to offer the comfort that Kate and Adam were loved by all they encountered.  And to let them know Kate and Adam were well-loved and welcomed to the community by all.
In efforts to help the families of William Julian and Mike Perdue, the island has assisted with donations to Go Fund Me accounts on Facebook for both families. Click visit those websites for information and to donate.
Fundraiser for Christie Perdue by Friends of Perdue Family : Prayers for Perdues (gofundme.com)

William Francis Julian Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information (reynolds-jonkhoff.com)

Fundraiser by Bill Donberg : Help Support Katie and Betsy Julian (gofundme.com) 

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At left, Daryl Butler hauling in soil to spread on the grapes, while others spread pine boughs.  Below, Chamber director, Paul Cole assists in spreading mulch on the vines.  

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