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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend June 26, 2006 Click image for larger view People embrace in front of photos of Kyle Ross, David Bergin and Jonathan Thibeault during a memorial service at Applegate Christian Fellowship Sunday for the three South Medford High School graduates who died June 20. (Mail Tribune / Denise Baratta) 'On golden streets in heaven' By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune As the heat soars past 100 degrees, butterflies flit lazily amidst the crowd of more than 600 friends and family members seeking solace and dappled shade late Sunday afternoon at Applegate Christian Fellowship's grassy amphitheater. This is the fourth memorial for David Bergin, Kyle Ross and Jonathan Thibeault, three teens who died in a car crash June 20 — just 10 days after receiving their diplomas from South Medford High School. Youth pastor Ben Courson, a friend and former schoolmate of the three teens, offers a brief prayer. "This is not solely a memorial of death, but a celebration of their life," Courson says. Then a slide show begins. From baby pictures to graduation day, in nearly every photograph on the large screen the three friends appear larger than life — and are always smiling. The crowd smiles back, and then the tears start to flow. Adults quickly dab with handkerchiefs and tissues. Teen girls wipe wet cheeks with the back of their hands. Boys pull T-shirts over their faces and press hard on the corners of their eyes. After the slide show, Courson encourages those attending to share their memories. At first there are no takers. But soon floodgates of memories flow as fast as tears. Zach Merritt, a Circuit City co-worker of David's, speaks of his shock upon hearing the news that Ross lost control of his 1994 BMW 740 sedan while traveling at an estimated 80 mph on Highway 238. The news comes from his mother, who intends it as a "safe driving warning." She doesn't mention names, he says. And Merritt doesn't find out about his friend's death until he arrives at work. "I have a heavy heart," he says. Amidst tearful pleas for safety and salvation, laughter rises up when classmate and friend Xavier Brassuer shares hair-raising adventures of skating boarding with his athletic friends on Cherry Lane in Medford. Brassuer assures everyone his buddies were now "bombing down the fattest hills on the golden streets in heaven." Immediately following the memorial, several carloads of teens make one more pilgrimage to the scene of the fatal crash, just a mile down Highway 238. Peering into the Applegate River, two girls hold each other as they view the damage and whisper quietly. Others kneel at the trio of white crosses, touching the flowers, candles and notes that have been left in tribute. A cup of colored pens stands next to a large sheet of plywood that serves as a makeshift memory wall. Amidst the photos are words of love and loss. And a farewell from Kyle's father, Chuck Ross. "Kyle, my son. You are my pride and joy. You will forever be in my heart. I love you. Have the ball ready for me when I see you again. We will play catch when I get to Heaven. Love you!!! Dad." Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] . Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary