2018 December Paso Robles Magazine

LAST WORD
By Millie Drum
e have a master wood craftsman and
a kind, thoughtful man in our midst:
David Bouillez. He is a Key Grip/Gaffer in the
film business and enjoys creative woodworking
during his downtime. What makes David’s
talent even more special is his poignant, tangible
way of expressing his appreciation and sympathy
to the families of men and women who
have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country
and fellow citizens — The Memory Box.
The gift of a Memory Box honors
a life given in service to others;
allowing parents, relatives and
friends to treasure the memory
of those they’ve lost.
The inspiration for the Memory Box Project
followed a somber evening TV news report on
the casualties in the war in Afghanistan. David
wanted to do something for the grieving families.
Initially, he was inspired to use his woodworking
and design talent to create keepsake
boxes for the families of fallen soldiers. The
project has since expanded to include firefighters,
peace officers and first responders who have
given their lives in service to others. A Memory
Box is a special gift meant to be passed down
through the generations. To date, 275 Memory
Boxes have been shipped nationwide.
David’s childhood friend, Natalie Probert
Kurtz says, “David is one of the finest. I’m proud
of his talent. I’ve sponsored a few Memory Boxes
and I hope others can find the means to donate
to this fine cause. It brings some closure to families
as they go through the healing process.”
“When I get a call or a thank you note from
a family, it’s such a great feeling to know I’m
doing something for someone and that they
really appreciate it,” says David.
The demand is exceeding the donations,
especially as the holiday season approaches.
To sponsor a Memory Box, donations in any
amount are appreciated to cover the cost of
materials, shipping and the growing demand.
The cherry wood used is salvaged and reclaimed
whenever possible. Every box is handcrafted
with tongue and groove solid joinery
and machine engraved with the fallen hero’s
name and personal information. The brilliant
pewter handles are made by Notting Hill
Decorative Hardware in Wisconsin; replicating
the Iris flower; symbolizing the meeting of
heaven and Earth.
Fallen Soldier Memorabilia Boxes, Inc. is a
501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation —
EIN: 46-2166640, that relies on donations from
individuals, businesses and foundations. As the
holiday season is particularly poignant for families,
join David in showing your respect and gratitude
by donating or fully sponsoring one or more
Memory Boxes. Tax-deductible donations can be
mailed to Fallen Soldier Memorabilia Boxes, Inc.,
179 Niblick Rd., #439, Paso Robles, CA 93446 or
online at memoryboxproject.org. Click ‘DONATE’.
To host a fundraising event or help in any way,
contact David at 805-221-5087 (Shop) or 415-
806-9064 (Cell) or Pat at 805-239-1372. Email,
contact@memoryboxproject.org.
Honoring a Fallen Soldier
THE MEMORY BOX POEM
“How does one choose what it will hold?
For future stories to be told?
A letter, a ribbon, a picture or two?
How do I choose the memory of you?
You were so brave — right to the end.
You weren’t just a soldier.
You were my best friend.
There’s so much to tell of the life you had.
Your courage and strength
— so much could be said.
To honor your memory is easy to do.
I place inside here sweet memories of you.
Your legacy lives on for others to see.
A medal, a letter? Inside it will be.
How does one choose what this box will hold
— for future stories to be told?”
Written by the proud mother of Fallen Soldier
SGT Amanda Older-Downing
May 30, 1986 – January 11, 2011
DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS
A Beautiful Face............................. 47
Adelaide Inn Worship Directory... 49
Adrienne Hagan............................ 39
Advanced Concrete
& Construction............................. 37
AM Sun Solar................................. 33
Amdal Transport............................ 21
Anna & Mom................................. 29
Awakening Ways........................... 21
Bella Jule Designs......................... 29
Bijou............................................... 29
Blake’s True Value.......................... 43
Bridge Sportsmen Center............. 39
Brookdale Senior Living................ 31
Brooklin Oaks Pharmacy............... 36
Cal Sun Electric & Solar................. 27
California Holistic Institute............ 27
California Mid-State Fair................ 51
Central Coast Medical Aesthetics.. 11
Chalekson, Dr. Charles.................. 37
Cider Creek Bakery........................ 32
City of Paso Robles-REC................ 09
Community West Bank................. 15
Cone & Associates.......................... 19
Connect Home Loans.................... 33
Country Florist............................... 42
Covenant Presbyterian.................. 48
Cuesta College.............................. 24
Dignity Health Med Plus............... 16
Edwards Barber Shop.................... 34
Esthetics by Jensen....................... 19
Estrella Warbirds........................... 20
Farron Elizabeth............................. 29
First Baptist Church....................... 46
Foss Electric.................................... 23
Friends of Library........................... 45
Funky Wonderland........................ 29
Gallagher Video Services.............. 39
Gallegos Garage Door Service...... 48
General Store Paso Robles............ 34
Golden Hills Farm......................... 17
H.M. Holloway............................... 23
Hamon OHD.................................. 37
HDH Construction......................... 48
Hearing Aid Specialists
of the Central Coast..................... 03
Hearing Solutions......................... 47
Heart to Heart RE........................... 21
Heather Desmond Real Estate...... 07
HFG Coastal Insurance Service..... 47
Hope Chest Emporium................. 29
Kaitilin Riley DDS.......................... 39
Klockenteger, Lisa......................... 25
Koker’s Tree & Demo Service......... 19
Kuehl Nicolay................................. 45
Lansford Dental............................. 05
Las Tablas Animal Hosp................. 41
Lera Butterfield Platinum
Properties..................................... 25
Lube N Go...................................... 47
Main Street Small Animal
Hospital........................................ 18
Mary Ann Austin............................ 48
Michael’s Optical........................... 34
Natural Alternative........................ 41
New with Tags................................ 42
North County Dance and
Performing Arts Foundation........ 43
Nose to Tail..................................... 47
Odyssey World Cafe...................... 39
Optimetric Care Associates........... 47
Pacific Trust Mortgage................... 36
Paradigm Advisors........................ 10
Paso PetCare.................................. 35
Patterson Realty - Paso Robles...... 02
Perfect Air....................................... 25
Photo Stop..................................... 23
PR Chamber of Commerce........... 19
PR District Cemetery..................... 23
PR Golf Club.................................. 31
PR Handyman............................... 42
PR Insurance.................................. 37
PR Main Street Assoc..................... 12
PR Safe & Lock............................... 25
PR Waste........................................ 52
Red Scooter Deli............................ 25
Reverse Mortgage
Professionals ............................... 43
Robert Fry, M.D.............................. 42
San Luis Obispo County
Office of Education...................... 40
Senor Sanchos............................... 14
Sixteen Twenty............................... 29
Solarponics.................................... 38
Spice of Life................................... 43
Stanislaus, Dr. Maureeni............... 38
Stein’s BBQ.................................... 35
Susie’s Dog Grooming.................. 33
Ted Hamm Ins............................... 35
Templeton Door & Trim................. 32
Teresa Rhyne Law Group............... 48
The Art Works................................. 33
The Auto Bahn............................... 19
The Blenders.................................. 33
The Carlton Hotel........................... 10
The Laundromat............................ 37
The Loft........................................... 39
Tooth & Nail Winery....................... 31
Trinity Lutheran Church................. 23
Twin Cities Hospital....................... 04
Voice of Paso.................................. 39
Western Janitor Supply................ 39
Whit’s Turn Tree Service................. 27
Whitehorse.................................... 17
50 | pasomagazine.com PASO Magazine, December 2018