“No man is an island, unto himself.”—John Donne, Meditation XVII.

For the family and friends of the late Carey Downs and Jeremie Floyd who have descended on Pickwick, Tenn., this weekend, the next few days will be emotional, to put it mildly. This weekend’s Carey Downs and Jeremie Floyd Memorial Boat Poker Run will raise funds for the children—as well as local charities—of the two men, well-known in high-performance powerboating and the local community, who died in 2014 during a nighttime boating accident. But on another level the event gives the loved ones they left behind a chance to collectively celebrate their lives—and remember.

Friends celebrating friends—God’s speed to Carey Downs and Jeremie Floyd (click image to enlarge). Photo courtesy/copyright Yvonne Aleman/Speedonthewater.com

Among those attending the event this weekend are Yvonne Aleman and Greg Harris of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Both, particularly Harris, were good friends of Downs, who along with Pier 57 Marine owner David Woods was the “public face” of the go-fast powerboat dealership. A contributing photographer to speedonthewater.com, Aleman sent us this picture she captured today of a group of folks in town to celebrate the lives of their friends on board a center console called War Party.

We’re certain that Downs and Floyd (who we knew of but didn’t actually know) would have enjoyed the photo above of the all-smiles group. For Downs at least, a smile was the standard facial expression.

As this story went live, the captains’ meeting for tomorrow’s run began. An evening storytelling and a community lies ahead.

Earlier today, a cross was raised to in memory of Downs and Floyd. “Lots of people including us went to the cross put up for them,” said Aleman. “It was very emotional.”

Related story: Date Set for Downs & Floyd Memorial Poker Run in Tennessee

Editor’s Note: Look for follow-up story on the Carey Downs and Jeremie Floyd Memorial Boat Poker Run on speedonthewater.com.