- January 15, 2025
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For decades, John Moden was one of the forces behind the shaping of Palm Coast — even before it became Palm Coast. His life was celebrated with the planting of a live oak tree April 5, near the trail entrance at the Waterfront Park parking lot.
Vincent Lyon, president of the Rotary Club of Flagler County, welcomed Moden’s wife, Patsy; and two sons, Curtis and Luke. Also in attendance were many city staff members, former and current elected officials, friends and neighbors.
“He lived the spirt of service throughout his life,” Lyon said. “Let this memorial stay as a sign of his presence from here forward.”
“A good part of the infrastructure of what we stand on every day is the direct result of John Moden’s blood, sweat and tears.”
Mayor David Alfin
Moden died June 2, 2021, at the age of 74. He was born in Michigan, was married in 1977, and moved to Palm Coast shortly after his honeymoon in Daytona Beach. In 38 years here, he was vice president of engineering for Palm Coast developer ITT; director of the Palm Coast Service District; and he retired in 2015 as director of engineering and stormwater management for the city.
“A good part of the infrastructure of what we stand on every day is the direct result of John Moden’s blood, sweat and tears,” Mayor David Alfin said.
Former sheriff Jim Manfre and his wife, Cornelia, rode their bicycles on trails to arrive at the memorial; Moden had been passionate about helping Waterfront Park come to life. Jim Manfre said to me that he recalled Moden being a consummate professional, resolving problems quickly.
Also in attendance were Robin Turknett and her twin teenagers, Cadyn and Ashlyn. Moden was a father figure to them; he helped them with homework after school. He helped Cadyn make Pinewood Derby cars for Cub Scouts.
Barbara Grossman, who worked with Moden for more than 20 years, said, “ I couldn’t ask for a better boss, a better friend. … I’m so glad I got to be part of John Moden’s life.”
Moden was a member of the Rotary Club and was an elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
Before the ceremony, retired landscape architect Bill Butler, who worked with Moden for many years, guided the tree with its cylindrical root ball into the hole that had been prepared, and then he jumped in and helped loosen the soil. Butler then jabbed a flowing garden hose into the dirt to eliminate air pockets round the tree, “so the roots don’t dry out,” he said.
Butler said the funds to buy the tree were raised by donations from a children’s train ride at the city’s Arbor Day celebration; it was fitting because Moden drove the train for Rotary events in the past.
“There’s nothing more appropriate than planting a tree, because you’re thinking about how someone’s life impacts the future,” Rotarian Mike Kuypers said at the memorial. To Moden’s wife, he added, “Patsy, we love John, and we’re here for you.”
In response, Patsy Moden blew him a kiss.
