On February 14, 2007 the DetroitYES Forum community lost one its most prominent, kind, and spirited members when Jeff Colby, aka ItsJeff, passed away in his sleep.

Volumes of posts expressing love for and grief at the loss of this man who did so much to bring together the DetroitYES family in real life.  These can be read by following the DetroitYES Forum ItsJeff Memories Thread link.

Following his well attended memorial service, the DetroitYES family and Jeff's family came together to create a memorial fund for this wonderful, loving and much missed person.  The outpouring of good will caught the attention both the broader forum membership and the media.

Over $2500 was raised via online and offline contributions and, with guidance of his family, a number of memorial gestures are being made.  This page is dedicated to his memory and to the those who have contributed to preserving that memory and recording his memorials.

Memorial #2
Belle Isle Park Bench and Engraved Memorial Boulder

As of the Memorial Day Week 2008, city workers have installed a beautiful Park Bench on Lighthouse Point on Belle Isle.  To visit it, look for the Lighthouse sign just after you round the curve past the Coast Guard Station, then follow these pictures. It can be seen faintly at the end of the curving walkway.





The view looks out toward Lake St. Clair, Grosse Pointe and Peche Island. Later in 2008 the memorial boulder was installed.

Close up of the inscribed boulder.

View before the boulder was installed.


The ground still has scattered earth created by the workers who poured concreted bases, bolted the bench to the concrete footings then covered the concrete.

A massive majestic old willow tree forms a dramatic backdrop. A Japanese lilac and a memorial boulder will be placed nearby with the engraving:

Memorial #1
Riverwalk Paver

With guidance from Jeff's  family, who created the following nscription, an 8 X 8 Paver [portrayed below] has been installed as part of the Detroit RiverWalk.